Carbon ?
- Thread starter morayeels
- Start date
reefkprz
Active Member
well what type of carbon are you running? carbon grades are as different as salt mixes.
that said
1LB of most reef grade carbons is probably more than enough for a 90g softie tank. watch your iodine levels if you run fresh carbon constantly, carbon excells at adsorbing iodine (in fact the iodine number {rate carbon adsorbs iodine} is used to grade how high quality a carbon is) along with pore size and granule size.
I only run labrotory grade carbon when needed, but there are other great alternatives such as purigen (recently tried this product by sea chem and like it, the real test will be when I renew it IF it will renew as advertised on the label.)
that said
1LB of most reef grade carbons is probably more than enough for a 90g softie tank. watch your iodine levels if you run fresh carbon constantly, carbon excells at adsorbing iodine (in fact the iodine number {rate carbon adsorbs iodine} is used to grade how high quality a carbon is) along with pore size and granule size.
I only run labrotory grade carbon when needed, but there are other great alternatives such as purigen (recently tried this product by sea chem and like it, the real test will be when I renew it IF it will renew as advertised on the label.)
reeflife1680
New Member
I disagree. I always run at least a 'little' carbon in my tank, it helps mine stay nice and crisp! =)
xtreeme
Member
I thought about not using it.... then I read over at wetweb. They said, the only way it can really strip trace elem from the tank really is if you change AC every day. Also said to leave in for 1 month even though its done in few hours to days. I use Chemi-pure however should change every 2 months.
"CHEMI-PURE does not remove trace elements and is the only filter medium which aids in the natural balance of positive and negative charges, with an emphasis on the beneficial negative ion. CHEMI-PURE comes packed in pure polyester filter bags in sealed plastic bottles, called 1 unit, one of which is recommended for up to 40 gallons of water, and which is completely active for 4-6 months with no `regeneration` or cleaning required and is cheaper than carbon or pads. The one filtration product we unreservedly recommend for use with CHEMI-PURE is the Poly-Filter, by Poly-Bio Marine! Use one pad above and one below the CHEMI-PURE bag. We also recommend the use of foam fractionation or "protein skimmers."
It seems to make skimmer better.
2 units
55 gal
cpr backpack
Many claim activated carbon is a help, its gains are more then downsides. I read a fq on ac that was pages long.
The amount as reefkprZ said depends on grade.
If you want a link to the AC faq can send a PM. Im beginer in salt so best if you check it.
morayeels, you may have been using too much from what you found. Your too much might be like changing everyday. What carbon is it, low grade mid or high. What brand etc and how are you using it.
Many AC has phosphate.
Steven Pro checked carbon (TMC and Chemi-pure werent tested but site says ok)
AC no phosphate
TMC
Chemi-pure
Coralife Pelletized Activated Carbon
Two Little Fishies HydroCarbon2 Granular Activated Carbon
AC with phosphate
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Activated Filter Carbon 1ppm
ESV Granular Activated Carbon 0.25ppm
Kent Marine Reef Carbon 0.03ppm
HBH Aqua-Pure High Density Carbon 1ppm
Marineland Black Diamond 1ppm
Seachem Matrix Carbon 0.03ppm
This is a topic most dont agree. Nice if some more pros here gave us their take on ac.
"CHEMI-PURE does not remove trace elements and is the only filter medium which aids in the natural balance of positive and negative charges, with an emphasis on the beneficial negative ion. CHEMI-PURE comes packed in pure polyester filter bags in sealed plastic bottles, called 1 unit, one of which is recommended for up to 40 gallons of water, and which is completely active for 4-6 months with no `regeneration` or cleaning required and is cheaper than carbon or pads. The one filtration product we unreservedly recommend for use with CHEMI-PURE is the Poly-Filter, by Poly-Bio Marine! Use one pad above and one below the CHEMI-PURE bag. We also recommend the use of foam fractionation or "protein skimmers."
It seems to make skimmer better.
2 units
55 gal
cpr backpack
Many claim activated carbon is a help, its gains are more then downsides. I read a fq on ac that was pages long.
The amount as reefkprZ said depends on grade.
If you want a link to the AC faq can send a PM. Im beginer in salt so best if you check it.
morayeels, you may have been using too much from what you found. Your too much might be like changing everyday. What carbon is it, low grade mid or high. What brand etc and how are you using it.
Many AC has phosphate.
Steven Pro checked carbon (TMC and Chemi-pure werent tested but site says ok)
AC no phosphate
TMC
Chemi-pure
Coralife Pelletized Activated Carbon
Two Little Fishies HydroCarbon2 Granular Activated Carbon
AC with phosphate
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Activated Filter Carbon 1ppm
ESV Granular Activated Carbon 0.25ppm
Kent Marine Reef Carbon 0.03ppm
HBH Aqua-Pure High Density Carbon 1ppm
Marineland Black Diamond 1ppm
Seachem Matrix Carbon 0.03ppm
This is a topic most dont agree. Nice if some more pros here gave us their take on ac.