Using Carbon ???

[greenhorn]

what are the pros and cons of using carbon??? i have a 90 dt and was complaining to a friend about cloudy water. he suggested using carbon. so i put 3 ounces in a carbon bag and dropped it in my filter sock in my sump and within 12 hours my water clearity is unbelievably pristine. so what are the pros and cons reguarding what i did?? thanx in advance .....walt

 

[nycbob]

there is no con imo with running carbon. i run carbon 24/7 in my tank. just make sure u replace ur carbon every 2 weeks. some people believe it takes elements out of the water. i havent had any averse effect.

 

[bigarn]

Yep ... absolutely nothing wrong with running carbon. It "polishes" the water.

 

[lexluethar]

Agreed, and I feel it is a must when you have anemones, which can produce chemicals that kill other inverts and corals.
Pros off the top of my head:
Clearer water
Cleans out chemicals
Cons:
Only one is if you leave the carbon in too long it will release some of the harmful chemicals it absorbed back into the tank - just change every few weeks.

 

[greenhorn]

thank you for your responses. i have never had such clearity up until i used it. i'll make sure i change it out every 2 weeks. thanx again...walt

 

[swalchemist]

Agreed just be sure to change it after it's effectivnes wears off.