Carbon use in filters

[ZZ5150]

Does carbon use remove trace minerals from the tank? If I replace it monthly, does that keep it fresh enough were there should be no problem?

 

[GhostShrimpMan]

I never use carbon, unless I'm trying to remove meds from the tank or something like that.

 

[Heathd]

Carbon will remove iodine, trace elements, etc... from the water. Replacing it once a month is enough.

 

[FLESHY]

I used to run carbon in reefs...I never had any issues, but also wasnt keeping very demanding corals.

I dont do it now, because I dont really have a place to.

My 125g tank runs matrix carbon though, mainly for ****s and giggles.

 

[chefjamesscott]

I stopped using carbon ages ago. Constant waterchanges and making sure the filter media does not get to clogged is all I do.

 

[nonstophoops]

I stopped using carbon ages ago. Constant waterchanges and making sure the filter media does not get to clogged is all I do.

Agreed.

I would say that you should use it only for remove medications and if your water clarity is not good. Carbon will clear up a lot of yellowness that your water may have. If you think your water is clear enough for your liking, then I would waste my time.

I am now going to limit the use of carbon even in removing medications. I recently almost killed my Emperor Angel that was in quarantine with carbon. I had the carbon in a bag where water could gently flow over it. I had it in the tank for almost 2 weeks when it started to disintegrate and filled the tank with carbon powder. There was powder all over everything and it cause cloudy and then fraying and receding fins on my Emperor. I tried to do a couple big water changes after removing the carbon, but the fins kept getting worse so I threw the Angel into my main tank. He has been recovering some so far from the carbon, but has a long ways to go. I don't know if I have a bad batch of carbon or what the deal is, but it sure scared me.

 

[ZZ5150]

Thanks for the opinions. I removed my carbon and will be adding some additional ceramic for extra bio filtering.

 

[komodo182]

Thanks for the opinions. I removed my carbon and will be adding some additional ceramic for extra bio filtering.

That is what I do instead for my canisters.

Best use of space in my mind.

 

[FLESHY]

I agree with the above...the only media I will be using in my 125g will be biopellets...and purigen if I think I can get away with using another media in correlation with biopellets.

 

[Fanlie]

I use carbon for tap water. Help a lots for chlorine and chromium. and other. here tap water is high chlorine.

I make 200liter water in plastic on last day, then 12-24hour after water change.

Carbon can help smell in tank away and water colors. me never try that one. my friend was tell me.