Carbon...Good or bad?

amooney711

amooney711

New Member
So my emperor 280 has a cartridge in which you can fill with activated carbon. I have heard that this is both good and bad for marine tanks. Can anyone please explain?? Also should I buy the Kent Marine Carbon or just regular activated carb?
 
socal57che

socal57che

Active Member
I occasionally run carbon after something tries to wage war or overgrow another specimen. I used to run carbon 24/7 but got lazy and decided it wasn't necessary. I buy carbon that is not ground into little pieces. It's easier to deal with when bagging and installing and doesn't seem to have the amount of dust when you rinse it. Larger pieces allow water to flow through it easier, too, because of the amount of space between particles. It does not need to be Kent brand. If your water tends to yellow, you will likely notice a clarity improvement by running carbon.
Also, remember that once it is saturated (full) it needs to be removed/replaced.
 
reefaholic33

reefaholic33

Member
Socal57che nailed this one on the head. I will add that I run it most of the time and can actually tell a differance some of the time. But as he stated use the large pieces, I got some of the smaller pieces once by mistake and it eventually leaked throught the bag and I didn't know until I changed the filter floss in my sump a week later.
 
turningtim

turningtim

Active Member
Nothing wrong with running carbon. Just don't leave it in there forever. Run for a couple days 2-3. And remove it. Google search bulk carbon. You find it. Buying in size makes it much cheaper and I think you get a better product.
Shoot me PM if you have questions.......
HTH
Tim
 
florida joe

florida joe

Well-Known Member
Carbon is covered with microscopic pores that bind organic and inorganic materials. Activated carbon removes many harmful elements from aquarium water including copper, chlorine, carbohydrates and other dissolved organic materials. It also takes out sulfa drugs, antibiotics, and other medications. One of the prominent features of activated carbon is its ability to remove discoloration in aquarium water.
 
florida joe

florida joe

Well-Known Member
Originally Posted by Chankanaab
http:///forum/post/2943449
How often would you need to replace the carbon if you run it all the time?
This is just IMO Chemical media such as carbon will last about a month’s time, but you will want to check the manufacturers’ recommendations and replace as needed. There are a lot of factors involved (how much it is absorbing and what it is absorbing)
 
chankanaab

chankanaab

Member
Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/2943459
This is just IMO Chemical media such as carbon will last about a month’s time, but you will want to check the manufacturers’ recommendations and replace as needed. There are a lot of factors involved (how much it is absorbing and what it is absorbing)
Thank you. What do you think about chemi-pure ?
 
gmann1139

gmann1139

Active Member
Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/2943500
Having no vested interest in either company I have heard that Marineland Black Diamond Premium Activated Carbon is excellent
+1
I switched two weeks ago from the 'stock' carbon that came with my filter to Marineland. I was religious about changing it monthly, but there was still a noticeable difference in color after the Black Diamond went in.
Just make sure you get the right stuff, not the one with the Ammonia Remove mixed in. That stuff's for FW only.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top