RabbitsAreSlow

Just finished removing my HOB filter now that my wet/dry filter has been running for well over a month. I have filter bags for loose filter media. I have some marineland activated carbon granules but don't know how much to use. I can't find the info anywhere and have been searching forums and the web for almost an hour. How much activated carbon do I use per gallon of water? BTW my tank is 36 gallons with approximately 3-4 gallons in my sump...let's just say 40 gallons total...any input guys? Thanks as always in advance!

Butterfly

Most experienced hobbyist only use carbon to remove meds, or clarify the water.
Carol

Nutter

I agree with Butterfly, unless your using it to remove a medication or some other pollutant, I wouldn't be using it. Your better off not using it unless you have to.
If you do have to use it then just fill one of the little filter bags with it or sandwich some between filter floss. I find a layer an inch or two thick is fine for removing meds but how much you need on a constant basis I wouldn't know. If your tank is planted or you intend to have plants, DO NOT use carbon as it will remove many of the nutrients from liquid or powdered fertilizers. It does not effect substrate fertilizer tablets or nutrient substrates.

aquarist48

Hello Rabbit.

I'm a firm believer that every aquarium, not planted with live plants, should have carbon in the filter. It collects minerals (what I also call cooties) that are not beneficial to your tank. It helps to keep the water pristine and odor free and clear. For your size tank I would suggest 1 cup to 1 1/2 cups and change it every 3 weeks. By changing it every 3 weeks helps to prevent the "cooties" from leaking back into your tank. As stated above it will also remove medicines, brown tint from tannins (drifwood) from the water as well. I lay my carbon on the pre-filter sponge in my wet/dry tide pool.
Another tip: Do the smell test...smell your tank water not using the carbon for a couple of weeks. Then add some carbon, wait 4 or 5 days and smell it again. Which is better? With or without?

Using activated carbon is a personal choice. Many of the members on this site do not use it and many members do use it. If you tank begins to smell foul...I suggest that you add it immediately.


Ken

RabbitsAreSlow

Ken, thank you so much for answering my question. I don't know where I would be without you. Always coming through with exactly what I ask. I too, believe in using activated carbon for the exact reasons you mentioned. I do believe it removes smells and discoloration, even clarifying the water. For those who think it's the easy way out...everyone is entitled to their 2 cents. Anyway, I will follow your advise and wish I didn't have to ask questions all the time but sometimes I cannot find answers no matter what I do. In this case, the activated carbon by marineland does NOT have dosing instructions on the container or on the website.

On a side note, Ken, or anyone what is/are your opinion(s) on using ammonia neutralizing crystals (also by marineland). I know you need ammonia in the tank to have nitrite to have nitrate...but was just wondering if using this product might just make the ammonia non-toxic....opinions guys and gals? Thanks mucho!!!

Nutter

Don't know about those particular crystals but the ones available where I am are from Aquamaster & only eliminate the ammonia not just detoxify. The best way IMO to make ammonia less toxic is to run your tank at a pH below 7.0 & at a cooler temperature. This of course depends on the type of aquarium that the individual has & is no good for tanks containing fish that require higher PH levels. Below PH 7.0 Ammonia is converted into Ammonium, which is far less toxic to fish. As an added benefit in planted tanks, ammonium is taken up by plants much more readily than ammonia, which the plant then has to convert into ammonium to make use of. Cooler temps also help fish deal with Ammonia but I'm not sure of exactly how or why. It's just the info I have read on the subjuect. IMO the less additives in a tank the better, there are liquid additives for detoxifying ammonia but I personally think it is better just to do the extra water changes until the bacteria population has built up enough to deal with the wastes being produced.

RabbitsAreSlow

I just happened to purchase a large container of the marineland ammonia neutralizing crystals when I placed a large order from Dr F&S and threw that in there. I now have yet to use it and am wondering if I should use it at all since bacteria need ammonia to get nitrite to get nitrate. I probably will not use it. My water parameters are fine and I do regular water changes I just hate to have bought something and not use it...oh well...

aquarist48

Hello Rabbit. Glad to help anytime I can as I'm sure other members are as well. I use the Marineland White Diamond (ammonia neutralizing crystals) in conjunction with the Marineland Activated Carbon. (I don't buy the blend but separate containers of each) I use a cup full of the White Diamond (for ammonia control) as well and change it once a month. I have "large" fish and fully stocked in my 265g. The White Diamond is not something I recommend for newly established tanks or lightly stocked tanks or tanks in the cycling process. I honestly don't know how much of the ammonia it gets rid of or neutralizes. The label only states that it neutralizes harmful ammonia and is good for any aquarium.

The best I can tell you is, I use it, I also keep my water pristine via frequent water changes and I have no ammonia issues at all. I've used both products for many years.
Thanks for the kind words!
Ken