What Brand Carbon?

[ReeferRob]

For years Ive used the Marineland Diamond formula until one week they were actually out. So I ordered the ROWA Carbon they sell.

I was completely blown away with how much better it works. But not thrilled about the price of the volume you receive.

So I am curious what everyone else is using? Ive been thinking of ordering a nice bucket from BRS but unsure which one I want.

Thanks

[jimsflies]

I've always bought cheep stuff. used to get it from Walmart. Last batch I got from TM01...can't recall the price but a small bucket was very cheap.

[Rabidgoose]

I use this carbon in the large particle. I also get my magnesium here.


http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Carbon-and-Phosphate-Remover-GFO-Bulk-Carbon/c109_6/p24/One-Gallon-(3-pounds)-Activated-Lignite-Carbon/product_info.html

[schminksbro]

I bought a bucket of small particle lignite carbon from BRS. I like BRS overall and the carbon works well enough but I would never purchase the small particle again. Too much dust and too much rinsing.

[Fishgeek88]

Diamond carbon for me!

[Steven Pro]

I like Two Little Fishies.

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_4/V4I2/carbon/artcarbon_comparisons.htm

[Mike]

I use the high grade from BRS.

[ReeferRob]

I use the high grade from BRS.

Is that the ROX Mike? How did you like it?

[Mike]

Does a great Job!

[Sir Patrick]

In the past, I have always used whatever I happened to have laying around. After this big container of diamond is gone, I will probly be going with the large stuff from BRS.

I did really like the chemi pure elite, until I got a phos reactor.

[ReeferRob]

Well I got a box of 3 pounds of the larger size lignite the other day. So far I have really mixed reviews.

1.) I expected it to be larger pellets than it was, my fault but not really a biggy.

2.) Again, not a big deal but it didn't come in the little white bucket it showed on the site. Only reason this would matter to someone like me is I like to reuse or recycle things and that container would have come in handy.

3.)Three pounds wasn't as much as I had expected, and this stuff does oddly seem heavier than other carbons I have used. Maybe its just me and the mood I was in at the time?

4.) While rinsing the carbon I noticed it takes much longer to get ride of the carbon dust than others I have used. Kinda a PITA.

5.) This one bothered me the most and again never experienced it before. But the stuff stained my hands black for about two days. Now I am a bicycle mechanic by trade so you might think this shouldn't bother me but it does big time. I've been wrenching for close to 10 years and always were Nitrile gloves to avoid the grease monkey hands for my benefit, the lovely ladies, the babies and the tank. But my fingers and palms were black. I used just about everything in the house and nothing worked. Weird as **** huh? Might have been because something else was on my hand prior, I don't know?

6. ) The one good thing, and I guess the only one that really matters is that it did clear up the tank nicely. It was noticable clearer in just a few minutes!!! However not so powerful against the stinky tank issue.

Ill keep you guys posted with my continuing review, so far I am 50/50. Started out hating the stuff but the clarity balanced it out for me. Well see.....