carbon question?
- Thread starter paulz01
- Start date
I think once the carbon becomes saturated with toxins it no longer filters them out effectively, but I don't think toxins leech back into the water. Granular carbon has tons of little holes in it. Once the holes get filled with whatever toxins the carbon is filtering out, it no longer is effective. I've been using carbon in my tanks for 15 years. I change it every 2-4 weeks depending on the bioload of the tank. As long as you change it often, I wouldn't worry about any ill effects. I read that just one pound of granular carbon has as much surface area as 125 acres. Thats a lot of filtration. IMO even if you don't change it when your supposed to it's still doing some type of filtration. It's just no longer removing toxins from your system.
we need some enlightened clarification on this.
Does it, or does it not, leech back? Is it a Vendor's "old wife tale"?
Does it, or does it not, leech back? Is it a Vendor's "old wife tale"?
My understanding of carbon is that once it is completely saturated and can no longer filter, small quantities leech back into the tank. Since carbon is used mainly to filter out meds and such it could be bad for your fish to some extent. So unless you change it every 2 - 4 weeks it is useless and taking up space that could be used for bio filtration.
In my opinion, unless you have had to medicate your tank for one disease or another, carbon shouldn't be used unless you change it regularly. Instead put some sort of bio media in the filter where the carbon would be and it will increase your bio filtration capabilities by having more surface area for the "good" bacteria.
In my opinion, unless you have had to medicate your tank for one disease or another, carbon shouldn't be used unless you change it regularly. Instead put some sort of bio media in the filter where the carbon would be and it will increase your bio filtration capabilities by having more surface area for the "good" bacteria.
snoopy65;2223821; said:
So, I run carbon in my tanks (penguin 200's), how do you replace the carbon with something else? Do you use an old carbon pad, take out the carbon from the plastic, then what? Attach pot scrubbies or something? I would love to not have to not buy carbon anymore......
you only need to buy carbon for special purposes...remove chemicals is the main reason.
if you have had no treatment, remove it and fill the empy filterspace with other media, for instance sponge....
if you have had no treatment, remove it and fill the empy filterspace with other media, for instance sponge....
A properly maintained tank really doesn't need carbon at all. I have removed it from all of my tanks with no odor or water quality problems. It does have it's uses like for removing chemicals or other toxins and is probably helpful for overstocked tanks, but not on a constant basis at least for me.
Here's alink that may help a little:
http://www.instructables.com/id/SG1LLI4FE6F2AKU/
I found that zeolite can be used as a substitute for carbon. Found this info on wikipedia.
"Zeolites are marketed by pet stores for use as a filter additive in aquariums. In aquariums, zeolites can be used to absorb ammonia and other nitrogenous compounds. However, due to the high affinity of some zeolites for calcium, they may be less effective in hard water and may deplete calcium. Zeolite filtration is used in some marine aquaria to keep nutrient concentrations low for the benefit of corals adapted to nutrient-depleted waters.
Where and how the zeolite was formed is an important consideration for aquariums. Northern hemisphere natural zeolites were formed when molten lava came in contact with sea water, thereby 'loading' the zeolite with Na (sodium) sacrificial ions. These sodium ions will speciate with other ions in solution, thus the takeup of nitrogen in ammonia, with the release of the sodium. In southern hemisphere zeolites, such as found in Australia, which were formed with fresh water, thus the calcium uptake on formation.
Zeolite is an effective ammonia filter, but must be used with some care, especially with delicate tropical corals which are sensitive to water chemistry and temperature."
http://www.instructables.com/id/SG1LLI4FE6F2AKU/
I found that zeolite can be used as a substitute for carbon. Found this info on wikipedia.
"Zeolites are marketed by pet stores for use as a filter additive in aquariums. In aquariums, zeolites can be used to absorb ammonia and other nitrogenous compounds. However, due to the high affinity of some zeolites for calcium, they may be less effective in hard water and may deplete calcium. Zeolite filtration is used in some marine aquaria to keep nutrient concentrations low for the benefit of corals adapted to nutrient-depleted waters.
Where and how the zeolite was formed is an important consideration for aquariums. Northern hemisphere natural zeolites were formed when molten lava came in contact with sea water, thereby 'loading' the zeolite with Na (sodium) sacrificial ions. These sodium ions will speciate with other ions in solution, thus the takeup of nitrogen in ammonia, with the release of the sodium. In southern hemisphere zeolites, such as found in Australia, which were formed with fresh water, thus the calcium uptake on formation.
Zeolite is an effective ammonia filter, but must be used with some care, especially with delicate tropical corals which are sensitive to water chemistry and temperature."
just like a carbon filter for drinking water.. it hits a point where it stops working.. so from time to time its a good idea to change it... however unless you need it for chemical filtration theres no real need for it..
