What brand carbon do you believe in??

[bigfishman]

I use Black Diamond from Marineland too.

 

[johngeb]

HDL's Tri-Pelletized activated carbon - Nothing beats it !

 

[srmbr]

another alternative...use ozone.
I have never used carbon in my tank and the water is crystal clear. Just a suggestion. Ozone is much easier and has other good attributes. (raises orp, improves efficiency of protein skimmer)

 

[TANGBOY5000]

Glad I could help everyone. If you look around enough at labels there are tons of repackaged items at WalMart, especially in the packaged food area. Same stuff, fugly label.

 

[alrha]

Re: Carbon

Re: Carbon

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=4756201#post4756201 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PrangeWay
Run a google search, there have been a few studies...


Seachem Matrix consistently rates out the best, but also the most expensive. I mostly stick with Marineland Black Diamond , half the price and a 2nd place finisher to Matrix in tests.

This chart shows Seachem to be one of the cheapest:

http://www.pets-warehouse.com/carbon.htm

 

[RichConley]

That chart shows Seachem to be one of the most expensive, cost goes up as you go down on that chart.

Calgone and Super Activated are just as effective, and cost a fraction.

 

[alrha]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6793620#post6793620 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alrha
This chart shows Seachem to be one of the cheapest:

http://www.pets-warehouse.com/carbon.htm

You are correct. My apologies, I did not realize the cost scale was inversed (most expensive on bottom, cheapest on top).

I am not familiar with those other ones, but i do like the spherical shape of the seachem carbon (when used in my phosban reactor).
Dont know if that is a factor in justifying the cost...

 

[RichConley]

I just did some google searching. Does anyone mind linking to Super Activated? It appears there are about 57 different companies that call thier carbon "Super Activated"

 

[GPB]

That's a pretty compelling chart. I've been using Kent for quite a while. I may switch to Seachem. Better performance for less dollars.

What's the source for the chart. Anyone know?

 

[alrha]

From the article:
"(Most carbon sold to hobbyists is simply bought in bulk from a limited number of manufacturers and repackaged for the hobby. Calgon Carbon, a major manufacturer of GAC, alone produces 40 different carbon formulations.) "

which "Calgon" then is plotted on the chart?

 

[alrha]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6794129#post6794129 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GPB
That's a pretty compelling chart. I've been using Kent for quite a while. I may switch to Seachem. Better performance for less dollars.

What's the source for the chart. Anyone know?

Seachem is MORE EXPENSIVE than Kent, the cost scale is inversed (look closely) - not sure why, - i made the same mistake.

Source: Granular Activated Carbon In The Reef Tank: Fact, Folklore And Its Effectiveness In Removing Gelbstoff ââ"šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Â by: Richard Harker

 

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6794131#post6794131 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alrha
From the article:
"(Most carbon sold to hobbyists is simply bought in bulk from a limited number of manufacturers and repackaged for the hobby. Calgon Carbon, a major manufacturer of GAC, alone produces 40 different carbon formulations.) "

which "Calgon" then is plotted on the chart?

Argh, thats crap.

The calgon stuff is like 1/3 the price of the super-activated, and 90% as effective. Sounds like the winner to me...too bad we dont know what it ACTUALLY is...

 

[alrha]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6794101#post6794101 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RichConley
I just did some google searching. Does anyone mind linking to Super Activated? It appears there are about 57 different companies that call thier carbon "Super Activated"

Here's one:
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Super Activated Carbon
The only one that shows up as "Super Activated" at Marine Depot.com

 

[alrha]

Also note:
Hydrocarbon 2 / Two Little Fishies - 4L = $29.85
Matrix Carbon / Seachem - 4L = $44.95

Seem's that the Hydrocarbon is now cheaper than the Seachem (contrary to the chart) and is more effective.

 

[alrha]

I still prefer the Matrix Carbon over the Hydrocarbon due to its spherical surface for use in my reactor. Also Lignite (Hydrocarbon) is softer and can breakdown/dust easier - especially when used in a fluidized reactor like my phosguard reactor.

 

[DMK]

korellan zucht

 

[jpfelix]

i get 28#s of black diamond for $100 from my lfs.

 

[Reefrookie2006]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=4756049#post4756049 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TANGBOY5000
I prefer the repackaged black diamond from WalMart. Same stuff at a third the price.

How much do they sell it in WalMart?

 

[alrha]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6795591#post6795591 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jpfelix
i get 28#s of black diamond for $100 from my lfs.

do you know how many liters that is? (to compare the pricing)

 

[DrBegalke]

How much do they sell it in WalMart?

1/2 gallon is $6.74