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Using Carbon


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  1. #1
    MizTanks - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
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    U.P. of Michigan.
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    8,444
    First Name
    Jamie
    Awards Photo of the Month - October 2012 Photo of the Month Post and Reply Award - Winner of the first PAR Contest. Monthly Giveaway Winner

    Default Using Carbon

    Do ya'll use carbon in your filtration system? What type of filtration *should I be using* in my biocube?
    Last edited by MizTanks; 12-02-2009 at 08:08 AM.
    There's nothing like being a Reefer! www.upmmas.com

  2. #2
    tazzy695 - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    flint, mi
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    1,472

    Default

    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
    I have been reefing from 08-2007 till 5-2011

    reef tanks are like wifes you have to give them some attention every now and then

  3. #3
    MizTanks - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    U.P. of Michigan.
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    8,444
    First Name
    Jamie
    Awards Photo of the Month - October 2012 Photo of the Month Post and Reply Award - Winner of the first PAR Contest. Monthly Giveaway Winner

    Default

    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.
    There's nothing like being a Reefer! www.upmmas.com

  4. #4

    Default

    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.

  5. #5
    Tom@HaslettMI - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    East Lansing, MI
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    2,144
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    Tom
    Awards Yugo Award - For helping with the CR Booth at MCES Monthly Giveaway Winner Monthly Giveaway Winner Photo of the Month Tank of the Month

    Default

    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

  6. #6
    MizTanks - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    U.P. of Michigan.
    Posts
    8,444
    First Name
    Jamie
    Awards Photo of the Month - October 2012 Photo of the Month Post and Reply Award - Winner of the first PAR Contest. Monthly Giveaway Winner

    Default

    Good info~thanks guys!
    Last edited by MizTanks; 12-02-2009 at 01:23 PM.
    There's nothing like being a Reefer! www.upmmas.com

  7. #7
    Fishgeek88 - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Royal Oak MI
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    370
    First Name
    Sam

    Default

    I use a ton of it in my FO.

  8. #8
    The Rugger - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    JAX, FL
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    439
    Awards Monthly Giveaway Winner

    Default

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

  9. #9
    Mike - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Michigan
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    Default

    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.
    anacroporamademepoora
    --Lifetime member of the "No Mud Club".:

  10. #10
    The Rugger - Reefkeeper CR Member
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    Dec 2005
    Location
    JAX, FL
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    439
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    Default

    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.

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