Running Carbon for a Reef?

[kylecorson]

hey to all, kind of new to saltwater fish, what are the advantages and benefits of running carbon into a satlwater reef?
29 gallon tank
what is the best way to do this also?
thanks for the suggestions!!!!

 

[ibew41]

do you have a sump or other type of filter?

 

[bang guy]

I've performed a few experiments with carbon and it seems to work best when water is forced though the carbon. It seems to be effective for about 2 days and then stops working.
In my system I'll run it for 2 days once every one or two months. I keep a full container as an emergency stash in case of a chemical spill but generally I don't use it unless the water isn't looking perfectly clear.

 

[natclanwy]

I have run my reef both ways and without the carbon my water would get a yellow or green cast to it, you could only see it if you looked through the side of my tank though. So I run carbon 24/7 in a magnum HOB canister and change it every couple of weeks. The carbon also helps to combat chemical warfare between corals if you run mixed coral tank.

 

[kylecorson]

thanks to all who have replied, i have in my 29 gallon tank:
protien skimmer
2 korialia's (have no idea how to spell that)
and an aqua clear power filter
carbon? good idea? bad idea? how to?

 

[natclanwy]

It can't hurt unless you don't change the carbon out on a regular basis. Then it can leach chemicals back into your tank like phosphates.
The easiest way to run carbon is probably with a canister filter and the Marineland H.O.T. magnums seem best design for running carbon since it forces the water through the carbon.