Best way to setup activated carbon in a DT/Sump setup?

[prime311]

What would be the best(or at least good) ways to setup chemical filtration for a FOWLR 125G tank with an in stand sump/refugium? Can you put carbon in between 2 filter pads in the area where the overflow drains down in? Should the carbon only be in the system for limited amounts of time and, if so, how long and how often would you want to use it? Is it better to temporarily add a canister filter for just the purpose of running carbon into the system and, if so, how could you set up to easily add/remove the canister filter from your setup? Or is there another way entirely better to do this?

 

[t316]

First and foremost question...do you really need/want the carbon at all. At best, it simply polishes your tank, but I have found that it only adds more phosphates (dirty, brown sand base) to your tank.
But if you have decided that it's a must, then run it in intervals of 3 weeks max, then lay off for awhile. As far as location, make sure it's in a carbon bag, or sock, and it doesn't matter where it's at as long as water flows thru that area.

 

[t316]

I should add that if you choose not to use it, you should keep it on hand as it can be very beneficial if you ever have some sort of toxic release, or accidental spill. That would be a great time to run it to help absorb the s crew up in the event that ever happens.

 

[viper_930]

The uber way to run carbon is in an upflow media reactor like the Two Little Fishies reactor or the Kent Nautilus reactor. There's several other manufacturers but those are the two cheapest and will work with your tank size. They're similar to a canister filter setup.

 

[prime311]

TBH I'd rather not use it at all, I'm just under the impression that its a requirement. If it isn't needed I can just start without worrying about it and add it later if theres too much algae in the water or something.

 

[t316]

If this is a new tank, this is the least of your concerns. Wait to investigate carbon after about 6 months to a year. And no...even then, it's not a requirement, just another additive to boost certain problems/conditions.

 

[prime311]

Cool, thanks! Yes, its a new tank, not even setup yet as I'm still planning the layout and everything.