Why Carbon?
- Thread starter Chubb
- Start date
reefnewbie54321
In Memoriam
Soft Corals release toxins in the water when stressed. Carbon takes these toxins out of the water.
sammy33
Member
I usually let my carbon run for about a month and then change it out. The primary benefit I notice is polyp extension and I also like the crystal clear water.
The secondary benefit is the carbon bag I use acts as a sort of mechanical fillter trapping detritus.
Are you using carbon or considering it?
Amphiprionocellaris
New member
Unless you have some very sophisticated professional lab equipment, there is no way to test for toxins. Each coral species has a unique assortment of toxins it releases, especially when it detects other toxins; all those really add up quickly in a tank, so I would definitely run carbon, if just for safety's sake. Plus, you never know how clear your water is (or isn't). I recently increased the carbon in my 75 reef, which [I thought] had crystal clear water, yet I can already see a difference in clarity.
One thing I've got to say, though:
One thing I've got to say, though:
All corals release toxins, and all are susceptible to them, so I would consider carbon beneficial for all systems, not just softies and/or mixed reefs.
reefnewbie54321
In Memoriam
No real way to test for the toxins but it has been proven that there are "toxins" and it is not a myth and has a scientific name. Thats what people are talking about when they say there softies are having chemical warfare. That is why carbon is reccomended especialy for soft coral tanks but aside from that crabon has many benifits and I would suggest you run carbon on any tank ... it isnt any where near as elaborate as other reef equipment. I filter bag (flatened out not in a ball) in a high flow area of the sump would work fine.
galveston_guy
New member
Will Purigen accomplish the same thing as carbon?
reefnewbie54321
In Memoriam
Not sure but I beleiev that is a nitrate absorber and may not achieve what carbon does.
Downsides would be cost of carbon ands extra maintenence such as changing carbon and rinsing new carbon before added. Benifits would be clearer water, better polyp extension, and absorbsion of chemicals given off by your leathers (which is minimul) that could harm your other corals. And yes you would have to change it out every once and a while.
Any reason?
SanFranTodd
New member
Will carbon remove calcium?
fsn77
New member
Carbon should have no direct effect on calcium. Carbon can remove trace elements and organics from the water. It's quite useful for removing organics, but can continue to remove trace elements even after it's used up its potential for removing organics. Unfortunately, there's no real test to measure trace element concentrations, so knowing whether or not any carbon is depleting them involves keeping an eye on your corals. If your corals are healthy and growing, there's a good chance you don't have a problem with the carbon removing too many trace elements.
My comments are just a heads up so readers don't think carbon only removes organics and nothing else.
I'm not saying that carbon is bad. I use it myself. I do not dose extra trace elements. But, I do only use it for a 3 day period prior to a water change, then it gets thrown away. I rely on the water change to replenish trace element concentrations.
Honestly, whether or not you should use carbon and for how long is up to you. When I first started my tank, I didn't use it, or even have a need for it. But now, we have a large toadstool leather, so I (at least) feel the need to use it. Each tank is different -- different fish load, types and amounts of corals, different water change schedules. Like most things in this hobby, it really is a matter of what works for you in your tank.
55semireef
Moved On
Biweely is twice a week unless you meant once every two weeks.
Carbon
Pros: Removes organics
Rids of odors or chemicles
Gives the water more clarity
Ensures the well being of soft corals and other living inverts
Cons: Removes Trace elements
Can be an irritant to some fish like tangs
Can also remove organics which some corals like Xenia
to grow at a faster rate
Can be a detritus collector thus the build of nitrates
Carbon
Pros: Removes organics
Rids of odors or chemicles
Gives the water more clarity
Ensures the well being of soft corals and other living inverts
Cons: Removes Trace elements
Can be an irritant to some fish like tangs
Can also remove organics which some corals like Xenia
to grow at a faster rate
Can be a detritus collector thus the build of nitrates
fsn77
New member
Funny... I thought semi-weekly was twice a week, so I looked it up. It ends up that bi-weekly can mean twice a week or every two weeks -- bi-weekly can = semi-weekly. But, yes, I did mean every two weeks (perhaps I should have said semi-monthly or just typed out every two weeks -- that's what I get for trying not to type too much). Sorry for any confusion.
