Carbon Removal???

[fatcat]

I have been running carbon in my tank for about a year now 24/7, but lately i have been reading about how carbon removes trace minerals that coral and fish use to grow...
I guess what i'm asking is would removing the carbon and only running it for 2 weeks a month effect any of my Parameters????
Thank:

 

[sickboy]

I'm no expert, but my dad and two of my friends have had tanks for a long time (I just converted from fresh to saltwater), and they all recommend using Renew Phosphate Free Carbon Substitute. It supposedly does what carbon is suppose to do without the harmful effects. Like I said, I'm no expert and someone else can probably answer better.

 

[sjk2840]

I just removed the carbon from my fish tank also. My very trustworthy LFS said that it could cause HLLE, which my lemonpeel angel fish has around his face. I just returned to the hobby after 8 years, always used carbon-I wont anymore. My LFS told me to use it only as needed and only to clear up the water after a water change and use for a few hours at a time.They dont use any type of carbon is their store system.

 

[nordy]

I use carbon in my reef tank once a month or so for a couple of days to "freshen" the water-I have a 350gph canister filter that always runs. As for removing trace elements, regular water changes will take care of that, if it is indeed an issue.

 

[sepulatian]

I only run carbon once in awhile. I haven't added any in quite some time now.

 

[fatcat]

So will taking the carbon out mess up anything (ie,cal,alk,ph and so on)???
Can carbon really cause HLLE???

 

[nereef]

putting in or taking out carbon won't change Ca, alk, pH. yes, there are some studies that support the guess that carbon dust causes hlle.

 

[sepulatian]

Carbon removes trace elements over time. As long as you do regular water changes, the carbon will not effect your stock.

 

[tomato clown]

I've always done carbon and never not used it. Back before my tank crashed for a different reason I was able to keep stock with no issues at all. Basic water changes and the occasional trace elements additive kept me going

 

[fatcat]

I do a water change every 2 weeks...