Using old carbon from an air purifier filter

[TomKat]

I know I sound like a cheapskate and it is a long shot. The air purifier carbon filters I use

are expensive, costing over $100 each. Each filter is about 30 inches tall and 20 inches wide.

I change the carbon filter about once in 9 months. The carbon inside are like little rocks covered

in a mess. I was wondering if there is any life left and is it the right type of carbon to be reused for my

aquarium filter. I also know using carbon is not required for aquariums filters.

thks

 

[fishdance]

Yes - possible. Therea are several methods but the simplest method to reactivate used carbon is probably heat. Household oven or back yard fire will do.

 

[twentyleagues]

If you don't "regen" it you are putting all the junk from the air in your water. It'd just be easier and safer to not use it.

 

[creepyoldguy]

Carbon is a waste

 

[fishdance]

I used to reactivate used carbon in an oven many years ago but started using a fire pit when my quantities increased. It didn't take me long to realise the fire pit was filled with kilograms of carbon anyway so I don't re-activate anymore, I just use newy fired carbon. My firepit is a galvanized steel ring from old above ground pool. Fire temperature gets very high.

Plenty of useful applications for activated carbon. Doesn't need to be used continuously.

 

[A201]

Unless the goal is to remove tannins or meds from the water column, really no need for carbon.

 

[TomKat]

Unfortunately, i don't think my wife likes the idea of using the oven.
Might be too many contaminates at the same time while cooking food. I am sure she will be asking
tons of questions and what and why.

My other idea, is heating ( cooking ) it during the winter in my fireplace at home. We don't use the fireplace much previously. I don't think there is much life
after heating it ONCE and maybe NOT worth the effort overall. On the other hand,
there is a lot of carbon inside those filter.

 

[TomKat]

Carbon is a waste

Yes I have also heard carbon is not necessary. "Waste", I guess you mean money.

 

[brianp]

I know I sound like a cheapskate and it is a long shot. The air purifier carbon filters I use

are expensive, costing over $100 each. Each filter is about 30 inches tall and 20 inches wide.

I change the carbon filter about once in 9 months. The carbon inside are like little rocks covered

in a mess. I was wondering if there is any life left and is it the right type of carbon to be reused for my

aquarium filter. I also know using carbon is not required for aquariums filters.

thks


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Why would you want to?

 

[creepyoldguy]

Yes I have also heard carbon is not necessary. "Waste", I guess you mean money.

Waste of money and space imo. Haven’t used it in years!