is active carbon needed?

[irishstout]

My tank has been running for several months now, I have a tidepool2 that has 3 shelves that I have been putting filter floss and active carbon in. I put in fresh floss and carbon at every water change, once every 4-5 weeks. Is the carbon neccesary that often? Or should I add it as needed as a water clarifier?

 

[stacy]

IMO the only time that you should really need carbon is when you are experiencing water quality problems. Such as high levels of ammonia. That is really the only time that I ever add the carbon.