To activate or not to activate (carbon)

tinusb

tinusb

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Hi all!

What is the general take on Activated Carbon? Should it be used in a marine setup or not, and if, what's the advantages?

Tinus :)
 
yes Carbon is excellent to have in a marine setup.
it helps removes toxins from the water aswell as bring out a gloss in the water.
i use it and change it every 2 weeks
 
Hi Mekaeel, what carbon are you using(name/type)?

I used activated carbon and all my corals closed - I even had black residue all over my pumps, sump etc. It was like the carbon just broke up or something and I rinsed the carbon very well in luke warm water as was recommended. After I removed the carbon, my corals started to open up after a day or two, they look fairly happy now. What could've caused this?
PS: I only ran it for a week.
 
Tobes most ppl use the cheap carbon... this doesnt work and breaks up. try using the tunzee/Fluval/Eheim/Sera carbons
 
Mekaeel said:
hi Tobes.I use Maxizorb Carbon by the Waterboy.think eco aquatics stocks.awsome some,just needs a rinse in RO and you will notice resultsl clear in 24 hours.crystal clear water!
what brand of carbon you using?
Click to expand...

Can't remember, it was R15. Like HenkHugo said, looks like the cheap ones break up. Have to cut on groceries so that I can buy the expensive type to replace every 2nd weeks.
By the way, any bad things gonna happen in the long run if you don't use carbon?
 
Tobes said:
Can't remember, it was R15. Like HenkHugo said, looks like the cheap ones break up. Have to cut on groceries so that I can buy the expensive type to replace every 2nd weeks.
By the way, any bad things gonna happen in the long run if you don't use carbon?
Click to expand...
no dude.the Maxizorb is under R150 for 3kgs.damn cheap
 
and 3kgs of carbon is ALOT! just remember that Carbon leaches back into the water once it become saturated
 
Tobes said:
By the way, any bad things gonna happen in the long run if you don't use carbon?
Click to expand...

Not using carbon is not bad for your system, some debate that it removes beneficial elements from the water, but that's a whole other topic.

I use carbon 24/7/365 and change every 3 weeks or so.

What you do need to me mindful of though, is that if you don't use carbon for an extended period, then start using it can and has caused bleaching in corals. The carbon "polishes" the water and improves clarity which enhances light penetration. Light sensitive corals have been known to bleach from the increased light intensity.

HTH ;)
 
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