Does carbon turn bad after a period of filtration?

[H]-[H]

On the box containing the carbon, it's recommended replacement is after 3 months of usage.. I'm just wondering whether the carbon releases bad chemical that is bad for fish after the 3 months period.. Please advise, thx..

 

[heavyhitter]

On the box containing the carbon, it's recommended replacement is after 3 months of usage.. I'm just wondering whether the carbon releases bad chemical that is bad for fish after the 3 months period.. Please advise, thx..

Because it absorbs the "harmful stuff" in its pores, When they are clogged up that "stuff" it can leech back into the water.

A simplified answer to your question.

 

[Pyramid_Party]

I dont know if thats absolute truth that it leeches back. Some say it does and others say no. SOme say when its full it jsut wont absorb anything anymore. Ive never had an experience where bad stuff was leeched back and I havent heard any stories from anyone either.

Basically just change them periodically and you should be fine.

 

[dogofwar]

After it's "full" it basically just becomes bio-media.

I only use carbon occasionally for water polishing / removing medications or smells. And I change it after a week or two.

 

[heavyhitter]

I have read alot on the subject of carbon and once the activated carbon has been used up the re-release of the adsorbed substances back into the aquarium is minimal. But it does happen. A good read on the subject is here http://www.algone.com/activated_carbon.php

 

[Dr Joe]

After it's "full" it basically just becomes bio-media.

I only use carbon occasionally for water polishing / removing medications or smells. And I change it after a week or two.

Technically that would be contaminated bio-media

.

I have read alot on the subject of carbon and once the activated carbon has been used up the re-release of the adsorbed substances back into the aquarium is minimal. But it does happen. A good read on the subject is here http://www.algone.com/activated_carbon.php

with heavy hitter, it does leach back at a slow rate since the is nothing to keep it there.

The rate at which it gets changed out is determined by the amount of chemicals it is exposed to. I have had to change it out hourly in some instances (of course I have some strange instances).

Dr Joe

.

 

[Will Hayward]

Also, carbon does not have a long lifespan as waterflow breaks its structure down over time. The carbon pellets easily wear down and form carbon dust escaping the filter or clogging other bio-media. 3 Months is far longer than I would recommend any carbon pellet to stay in my filter. After a test of two months in an fX5 with Fluval brand carbon, it turned to dust and clogged the sponges and Biomax.

For long term application Carbon Sponge might be more practical, especially in high flow.

It might be worth noting that I only use Carbon to remove medications.

 

[Nic]

Technically that would be contaminated bio-media

.


with heavy hitter, it does leach back at a slow rate since the is nothing to keep it there.

The rate at which it gets changed out is determined by the amount of chemicals it is exposed to. I have had to change it out hourly in some instances (of course I have some strange instances).

Dr Joe

.

me too.... when i do run regular carbon i buy the cheap stuff in bulk and use it for a day or 2 max... if i buy good carbon i use it for 1 week... a product like chemipure get replaced every 2-3 months not the 6 they recomend..

 

[H]-[H]

Means that carbon is not reusable even after a thorough wash with clean water?
Also, is there any indication that the carbon is full?

 

[Knowdafish]

Means that carbon is not reusable even after a thorough wash with clean water?
Also, is there any indication that the carbon is full?

It is reusable, but you have to heat it (bake) to release what it has absorbed.