I got to thinking on how to get get the carbon out the filter pack. I cut a small slot in the filter and shook most of it out. I'm losing some filtration from the cut, but not much.
Carbon is only really necessary if you have awful undrinkable tap water, like me. My fish did badly in the normal water, so now I have a UV, a KDF/carbon tapwater filter for water changes, and usually some carbon in the filter.
Carbon is great for absorbing pollution in the water, metals and any other great, but if you have a good water supply, it's not necessary no.
I didn't use it in England, but I have to use it here.
