No carbon

I have been using activated carbon on my aquariums for years with out any kind of problems. I have seen posts where people have mentioned carbon causing HITH or LLE but I have found no solid proof that it does. All activated carbon does is remove dissolved solids (organic & chemical). I don't see how ic could a problem with a fish.

Does anyone have any good information about this other than "I read somewhere..." or "A buddy of mine said..."? Any studies or articals about this. As many fish and aquariums as I have owned or cared for, and as much as I use carbon, surley I would have experianced this in my or my customers tanks at somepoint.

THanks...Joel

I run carbon at home and work about 1 week a month to "polish" the water. It's a good tool to have when running a filter.
"Hole in the head" is not related to cabon use. It's a nutritional issue most of the time.

I heard that it has been linked to Hole in the Head with oscars. It can also hold disease and take medication out of the water. Besides Carbon is worthless after a week. Use filter floss and rinse it when it gets dirty.

I also use carbon to polish my water... it removes the odor and makes my aquarium looking clean and fresh. I never had a problem with hole in the head or anything like that. The only thing that i don't like about carbon is that i will remove any medications you throw in the tank. But Thats it.

I have nothing against carbon.... it does have some uses like removing medication or acids from bogwood. But I do not see the need to keep using it if you have proper biological filtration.

I haven't used activated carbon in years, and the only difference I've found is a reduction in fishkeeping costs.