Carbon

[ravevixen]

What are the benefits of carbon and how do I add it to my tank?

 

[elfdoctors]

Carbon will remove dissolved organic material from your water. It will usually add a nice shine to your water. It is controversial how valuable it is. It will remove toxins but if used too often, it will also remove some nutrients from your tank.
I run carbon about once a month, often before I am expecting visitors. I fill up a mesh bag and put the carbon in it. I then place the carbon in my sump.
It loses its effectiveness within just a few days.

 

[lion_crazz]

I use it as well, and it does remove gases and organics from your system. It will only remove essential elements if you don't do water changes enough. You can counteract this if you add Essential Elements into your tank as well. Kent makes an Essential Elements product that works well.

 

[bang guy]

Carbon also works well to remove the green/yellow discoloration caused by Macro Algae. I keep a pound on hand sealed in an airtight container in case I ever have a chemical contamination.