Carbon Question

[marinemarty]

Hi all, I was wondering what the differences are between the activated carbon for freshwater and saltwater. I found a bunch of freshwater carbon and wanted to know what ill effects it will have if i use it to polish my saltwater. Thank You
Martin

 

[demosthenes]

Well, I've never encountered FW carbon as opposed to SW carbon. I don't know if there is any difference in the two, whether one could be harmful or not, but can try to clarify the argument of whether activated carbon in general is detrimental. Carbon, UV Sterilizers, and most of the chemical means of filtration in our tanks are indiscriminate in their removal of certain compounds, etc, and thus will take the good with the bad. So, using Activated carbon 24/7, can possibly harm the reef, by ridding it of essential minerals and bacterias, along with those that are harmful. Some agree with this, some disagree, but this is the only reason I've ever encountered for not using carbon, as for the veracity of this claim, I'm unsure, as I know of many with great reefs that use carbon, and vice versa.

 

[steamboat1569]

I use REGENT AQUA-TECH Pure Activated Carbon. Been using it for a couple of years. The trick is, wash it off until it stops fizzing. When you put it in water it acts like seltzer (carbonates the water like soda pop). Once it quits, I add it to my filter. I have personally had no problem, and my water is crystal clear.