What brand of carbon do you use?

[Znut Reefer]

I'm using the Two Little Fishes. I was using ESV but had to make a switch.

 

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Is the marineland those tiny little pieces? I switched from the coconut because it always blew carbon all over everything. My sand is speckled with black! SO, I switched to the Kent carbon because they are huge pieces, however, it looks as though Marineland is better. Do you guys just put it in those mesh bags?

Amanda

 

[reefcam]

they are not as large as some of the generic brand, and since I haven't seen Kent, I can't compare size. The Marineland Black Diamond is larger than the bead size, you mainly need to rinse the carbon prior to use. Also I've always use my carbon in a water filter canister so I'm able to do a rinse in the canister and the water run over my filter pad. There a link in this thread about the usefulness of carbon and you will notice it says to get the most out of your carbon, run it through a chamer and not in a filter bag where water runs over it. You need to force water through the media to get the most out of it, or you are only using a small percentage of the carbon's effectiveness and the carbon in the middle of the bag will not be fully utilize.

znut, why did you change carbon?

 

[reefkeeper1]

The most annoying thing about carbon is the dust that's created when you pour it into a filter bag. I'll either wear a dust mask when I'm pouring it inside or just do it outside. After I fill the bag, I'll just rinse it with regular tap water to get rid of the dust. I used to do a final rinse in RO/DI water, but I figure it wasn't worth the trouble in a 150 gallon system. I wonder how many people out there rinse there carbon only in RO/DI water.

 

[besl]

I have used only Black diamond for 3 years. I use it based on popularity - I find it VERY dusty though - alot of black powder. The Kent carbon seem like it is pelletized and very little dust.

Kent users - please comment on your experience with thsi product - particulary: dustiness, effectiveness as a filter media, etc

 

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Well, I have switched from the coconut carbon to the Kent because the coconout was too dusty! Even after rinsing, black pieces shoot out into my tank. I said "NO MORE!" So that is why I bought the Kent. I like it so far. It seems much more activated than the coconut. I noticed after rinsing it before putting it in the tank, is sizzles as loud as steak on a grill! My coconut carbon was never that activated. My water seems crystal clear to me, however I also do a water change every week and put in fresh carbon. Well, I think I'll stick with Kent and if my parameters change at all, I'll look into the Marineland.
BTW Has anyone tested the Kent brand?

Amanda

 

[hammerhead]

I also use Kent reef carbon. I get it in bulk much cheeper that way.

 

[Znut Reefer]

reefcam, sent you a PM.

 

[hilgert]

TLF Hydrocarbon is best, but not use much becasue it's expensive.

Amazing, people put 1000's $ into lights and corals, but skimp on carbon of all things.

 

[AquAddiction]

I use the generic branded carbon from Walmart (I forget the name). It is made by the same manufacturer as Black Diamond: Marineland, so I am assuming it is the same except I pay much less $$$.

 

[alrha]

Seachem's Matrix Carbon, it may be more expensive, but i like the size.

 

[cato]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6793898#post6793898 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alrha
Seachem's Matrix Carbon, it may be more expensive, but i like the size.

DITTO!

 

[roons]

wal mart, made by marine land, sock for one week after water change and thats it......................but i run ozone

 

[bhdmc]

I use ESV. I like the low ash count, so when you rise it, you do not breath in all that carbon's dust. ESV is in my neighborhood, so it is very convenient to pick up their supplies. Great people!

 

[Rothie]

I used Marinland for about 8 years,but I just couldn't stand all the dust.I switched to Kent about a year ago.It contains almost no dust,and the pellets are much easier to contain.

 

[Amphiprion]

Kent reef carbon--only because I can get the gallon size for free!

 

[saltygeek]

anyone use seachems renew? Its an alternative to carbon for reefs.
seachem renew

 

[saltygeek]

.