Carbon & PO4

[Copperband]

I use carbon in my sump and then decided to look why so many reefers are against using carbon. I found this article on carbon and PO4 that you might find interesting or in my case scary..

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_4/V4I2/carbon/carbon_comparisons.htm

Now a couple of questions:

1) Who uses carbon and how often?

2) Marco have you done this type of study on the coconut carbon you use?

3) Out of this article, is the PO4 leaching high enough to be a problem?

 

[palmerc]

Hi CB,

From these results you have nothing to worry about. Many other carbons contain a lot more.

My personal opinion is that these results are not totally correct. There is almost 0% chance that you will not pick up any phosphates as all carbons do contain them.

That said I think if you follow the method in the article and get less than 3 ppm you should be reasonably "safe" in terms of introducing phosphates.


Why don't we here on MASA try do similar with the brands we use and post results in this thread. I think it would be quite an interesting exercise.

 

[palmerc]

For interest, aquiCARB is guaranteed to be less than 1.5ppm (if tested as above) but usually comes in at less than 1ppm. Will get a more accurate result for everyone soon.

Clinton

 

[Copperband]

Thanks Clinton, I'll get you some of the brands I use.

 

[djmurray]

Nice thread