filter with carbon?

[bigred]

How often should you use the carbon in the filter system?

 

[luke]

I assume you are talking about GAC (granular activated carbon) I personally think that there is no reason not to use it all the time. Some may disagree... but it keeps the water clear and removes the same things skimmers remove. It can also remove trace elements. Just be aware of it and add a supplement.
Luke

 

[wamp]

A protein skimmer can also remove trace elements.. I use carbon once a month for a couple of days after a water change.. Dont know why but tank is doing well... So I will stick with my regiment.

 

[y2says]

I use it all day long. So far so good.

 

[templar]

I never use carbon in any reef tank anymore unless it's absolutely needed (yellowish water). If it's a FO I would run it occasionally or constantly. Don't forget carbon has to be changed every so often as it loses its effect over time.

 

[majesticangelfish]

Templar,
What about odor-smellin' water?

 

[templar]

My tanks all smell like saltwater/the ocean. If they did start to smell bad it would probably be because of an ammonia spike in which carbon wouldn't do anything to help anyway. If your water smells you have to find the source of it before you can treat it. The most likely culprit would be something died in your tank or un-cured live rock was just added. Removing whatever died, a water change and use of a protein skimmer would be the best bet.