Carbon question

BigT75 · 06/22/2018, 03:39 PM

In the past few years of tanks I have had and still have I’ve owned 2 with sumps anyways I have been hearing a lot about using carbon . I myself have had successful saltwater tanks and not using carbon my questions is do I need it ? Should I be using it ? All the time ? If so what do you all recommend? I have a 135g with a trigger systems crystal 36 dual media cups 4” thanks guys

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mcgyvr · 06/22/2018, 05:16 PM

There is a lot of talk now about "Carbon dosing" in recent years which is not the same as using activated/granular carbon (charcoal)...
Carbon dosing uses things like vinegar or vodka or biopellets that break down into food for bacteria causing the population to increase and causing a greater reduction of nitrates and phosphates.. Its a fantastic way to reduce excessive nutrient levels and can work quite quickly too

Carbon (activated carbon/charcoal) is a media intended to absorb toxins and other organic compounds as well as help reduce yellowing in water..
Some people that have soft/leather corals that can release toxins when stressed run carbon as a "just in case" to absorb those toxins.. Others do it for water clarity while others do it to remove/absorb organics..
Its not "needed" but can be beneficial however seeing results from carbon can be difficult as we can't easily test for organics and see how their levels are being reduced..
Its quite easy though to see how it works clear up yellow water..

AlSimmons · 06/22/2018, 05:20 PM

Check this out.

https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/1/aafeature1

HTH.

lapin · 06/22/2018, 06:09 PM

Good Article.....
If you have not used GAC you might have sponges in your sump that are doing some of this work the natural way. I run it.

BigT75 · 06/22/2018, 06:14 PM

Thank you guys just wanna ask if I was to start using activated carbon media what set up would be ok on a budget can I add to the media cups in my sump ? These are the marine depot cups and if so what brand do you recommend

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06/22/2018, 03:39 PM	#1
BigT75 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 235	Carbon question In the past few years of tanks I have had and still have I’ve owned 2 with sumps anyways I have been hearing a lot about using carbon . I myself have had successful saltwater tanks and not using carbon my questions is do I need it ? Should I be using it ? All the time ? If so what do you all recommend? I have a 135g with a trigger systems crystal 36 dual media cups 4” thanks guys Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

06/22/2018, 05:16 PM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	There is a lot of talk now about "Carbon dosing" in recent years which is not the same as using activated/granular carbon (charcoal)... Carbon dosing uses things like vinegar or vodka or biopellets that break down into food for bacteria causing the population to increase and causing a greater reduction of nitrates and phosphates.. Its a fantastic way to reduce excessive nutrient levels and can work quite quickly too Carbon (activated carbon/charcoal) is a media intended to absorb toxins and other organic compounds as well as help reduce yellowing in water.. Some people that have soft/leather corals that can release toxins when stressed run carbon as a "just in case" to absorb those toxins.. Others do it for water clarity while others do it to remove/absorb organics.. Its not "needed" but can be beneficial however seeing results from carbon can be difficult as we can't easily test for organics and see how their levels are being reduced.. Its quite easy though to see how it works clear up yellow water.. __________________ Who me?

06/22/2018, 06:09 PM	#4
lapin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Austin Posts: 801	Good Article..... If you have not used GAC you might have sponges in your sump that are doing some of this work the natural way. I run it. __________________ Tank sizes, 2-10's a 55 and one that's about 500gal Current Tank Info: Interior decorating happening

06/22/2018, 05:20 PM	#3
AlSimmons Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: California Posts: 2,482	Check this out. https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/1/aafeature1 HTH.

06/22/2018, 06:14 PM	#5
BigT75 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 235	Thank you guys just wanna ask if I was to start using activated carbon media what set up would be ok on a budget can I add to the media cups in my sump ? These are the marine depot cups and if so what brand do you recommend Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk