Using Carbon

[MizTanks]

Do ya'll use carbon in your filtration system? What type of filtration *should I be using* in my biocube?

[tazzy695]

I use it but in all honestly dont change it like I should for it to do it's job instead it becomes more bio filtration media

but it will help your tank run clearer and have that crystal clear water we all like

[MizTanks]

I was just wondering the actual benefits of using it~aside of removing smell~I used to us it on my FW~no more~on my tank I'm doing 2x weekly WC so clarity isn't an issue.

[schminksbro]

Carbon absorbs dissolved organic compounds and chemicals. If changed regularly it can be a great tool. It contributes to more efficient light penetration through increased water clarity and a healthier environment via removal of DOCs. I run a reactor full of it on my tank 24/7 and I change it weekly/bi-weekly depending on what else is going on.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

The level and type of filtration should be based on stocking density, species kept and maintenance (feeding and cleaning). Generally, the more fish and feeding you do the more filtration you should have. The greater the volume and frequency of water changes the less filtration required. Finding the balance between these is up to the individual hobbyist.

Personally I wouldn't run a tank without a skimmer and a sand bed (on a fish-less system I might pass on the skimmer). I also feel a refugium is beneficial. I've run my tank with and without carbon and feel it is beneficial for my tank. I currently run carbon passively for the benefits already mentioned. I use Penn-Plax Pro-Carb. It's cheap, I can get it locally (Meijer) and the packaging states "pH-Stabe, Phosphate-Free". Be sure to use a brand that doesn't contain phosphates!

HTH,
Tom

[MizTanks]

Good info~thanks guys!

[Fishgeek88]

I use a ton of it in my FO.

[The Rugger]

How do you Apply the Carbon? What have you found as the best method?

[Mike]

I use the active method (via a GEO media chamber). I divert water through it and back in to the sump. I change mine monthly but may go down to three week intervals and use a little less in the chamber.

[The Rugger]

Thanks Mike,
That chamber is an pricey addtion... I am saving for something else currently and will need to find another way unfortunatly... would any Phosphate reactor work??? I am only on a 55g display with a rather large Sump/fug of ~30gal.

[Mike]

I daisy chained three of those together before I got the GEO. It used to hold sulfur media. They are versatile and I love GEO products as far as build quality. Before I converted to two part on a doser I had two GEO reactor. I sold a Schuran that I thought would be better to get another GEO.

[The Rugger]

Mike, you mentioned cutting back on media and increasing the change intervals.. what is the reasoning behind this thought?

[Mike]

Less chance of exhausting it and having it leach organice back or becoming a nutrient sink.

[The Rugger]

Ahh, so just as a precaution??? You are not haveing issues currently??

[Mike]

No issues. Just trying to make sure I don't have any in the future :)

[The Rugger]

Do you use anything else? Phosban etc?

[ReeferRob]

I currently run my carbon passively with a bag in the return chamber of each sump. I change it every 3 weeks so that it does not become exhausted and or leach DOC's back into the system.
I also use the BRS Lignite carbon and like it a bunch.




Thanks Mike,
That chamber is an pricey addtion... I am saving for something else currently and will need to find another way unfortunatly... would any Phosphate reactor work??? I am only on a 55g display with a rather large Sump/fug of ~30gal.

Check out Grey Seas Aquatics, they aren't a sponsor here yet but they make a very affordable DIY acrylic reactor you might like. Great price, great size over all good product.

[The Rugger]

Thanks Rob I will look into Grey Seas. I have been considering the NextReef. They seem to be reasonable and well built from what I have found looking around.

Has anybody ever chained together a Carbon reactor with a Phosban reactor with a single pump? Would this cause issue or a decline in effenciy???

[The Rugger]

Bump
Has anybody ever chained together a Carbon reactor with a Phosban reactor with a single pump? Would this cause issue or a decline in efficiency???

[ReeferRob]

Bump
Has anybody ever chained together a Carbon reactor with a Phosban reactor with a single pump? Would this cause issue or a decline in efficiency???

I never have done this. But maybe you should check out BRS (bulkreefsupply.com) they have some really affordable reactors for running carbon and GFO separately or together in one reactor. Paired with a Maxi Jet pump you should be fine for years with regular scheduled maintenance.