Dozey

On the recommendation of many experienced FishLore members I removed all my carbon from my filters. On a quest to have everything I need on hand that I might require someday such as medicines, spare filter media etc. I also purchased API carbon and a carbon bag just so I’d have it on hand to remove meds when I need it.

As I tend to read everything I read the following on the carbon…

This certainly sounds like a good thing. So why are we removing carbon from our filters? I know carbon expires and requires replacing every month but are we removing the carbon just to save a dollar of two? Is there a harmful effect of carbon to the fish? As I use a multi-stage canister filter, each stage having its own basket, all that is involved for me to replace the carbon is to remove the basket dump in new carbon and drop the basket back into the canister.

I purchased a fairly large quantity of carbon for less then $6. I am removing the carbon to same myself 6 dollars a year?

jdhef

I also have a cannister filter in my 36 gallon tank, and I do use carbon with it. But my tanks that have carbon inside the cartridge, I removed the carbon. I do occasionally consider putting some back inside, but it is kind of a pain to do.

Dojo

I haven't read up much on carbon but my aqua specialist says it is great and since it has been out of my filter for the last couple of weeks because I was medicating the tank I have to say i've noticed the water clarity has suffered even though the parameters are still fine. It's not cloudy, it just isn't as crystal clear as it was with the carbon.
I heard it can disintegrate and release stuff into the aquarium but I imagine you are supposed to change it before it starts to disintegrate.

jdhef

Yes, my filter has 2 baskets for carbon. So at the beginning of the month I change out the upper basket and at the middle of the month I change the lower basket.

agabr123

i think the only real problem with using it is that it's messy and needs to be changed. Most of the carbon that my filters come with is inside of the filter, so i cut it and remove it and generally put it in a plastic bag or something, but i don't want to change my filter as i only have HOBs or whispers, not a canister, so it isn't something that is easily done. could i buy a carbon cartridge separately? sure, but not having a lot of money to spare i don't really see it as necessary

Dozey

I set up my first canister filter only 2 weeks ago. As it came with carbon I thought what the heck and threw it in figuring I would throw it out at the end of the month. Although my water was certainly clear prior to my purchasing the canister filter I have definitely notice a difference in the clarity of my water since. My water seems to have gone from clear to crystal clear.

I certainly understand that with most HOB filters today using cartridges it makes it a fuss to deal with carbon. I originally set up my tanks with penguin bio-wheel filters and it sure was a hassle to get the carbon out of the cartridges and I sure wouldn’t want to deal with adding and removing it every month.

But since I can very easily change my carbon without out any mess or hassle is there any reason I shouldn’t be using it?

agabr123

I don't see any reason not too, since it can be easily done and you have plenty. My biowheel is an absolute pain to do it on, but if i could and had the ability to use and change it, i probably would

shih-tzu mom

Dozey; i use the carbon and i find a big difference in the water ect; i have always used it and you just have to remember to change it every 3-4-weeks lol bella

shih-tzu mom

Sorry, i always put filter floss in behind the carbon as well- it keeps the tank very clean and you would be surprised at how much garbage it picks up and can easily be replaced lol bella

Red1313

I would probably look into using carbon more then I do but since I mostly have smaller tanks with cartridge filters I don't' really want to mini cycle my tank every month just for the little difference that the carbon would make. I have noticed recently these carbon "pads" at petland that you can cut to fit your filter and I might look into those.

tinah

you wouldn't have to put the carbon back into the filter itself. Just put it in the bag and drop it in the space either in front or behind the filter. Doesn't really matter where it is; the water is going to circulate around and through it.

Shawnie

I think the biggest reason alot recommend not using carbon is that it really absorbs and acts like a sponge and puts all the stuff back in the tank after 3-4 weeks and most do not change it out after that...I run carbon on 2 of my 7 tanks.... my 75 gal and my overstocked live bearer tank ... but its changed out every 3 weeks....to me its another cost of owning fish tanks..but one worth it to me...its a bag in both cases and mines a canister also on the 75 gal but a hob in my 20 gal.....and I do notice a HUGE difference when using it and when I dont...my clarity is better, and my water changes are much less when I run carbon...and 99% of the time, ppl dont use carbon to save money ....but im willing to pay once a month to change mine to save on my back from more water changes ...so its a matter of if you want to spend the extra and change it often or not...

Fla_Larry

That is the second time i have heard that carbon can leach gases and impurities back into the water that it takes out.

I too asked the carbon question on a couple of other forums a few months ago when i noticed what appeared to be numerous people not using carbon.

It seems to have come from statements of removing it during medicating, which makes sense to a point, and just kinda devolved from here.

But the Carbon releasing any gases back into the water is a new one.
Is there a condition under which this occurs?

I was under the impression that the gases and compounds absorbed where then bonded to the carbon, and the carbons high porosity is what allows it to trap and hold impurities in.

anyone know where this comes from?

Shawnie

if you are in the mood to read, heres a great article where I got my info from..not sure about others tho

http://www.algone.com/activated_carbon.php

"Removed organic, particles and substances adsorbed by the carbon will remain biologically active. Trapped waste particles will still decay and remain part of the aquatic system. activated carbon is therefore best used on a short term basis and replaced regularly."

cerianthus

Most media that we use to remove something is done via process known as ADSORPTION not ABSORPTION. Thus limited ability. Wether it will leach out toxins,possible only with improper handling, IMO. Carbon is proven to remove what they claim to remove which can be seen when properly used such as clear to crystal clear. But requires replacing. How much and how often? All depends on tank since no taks are alike. Should use your judgement and instructions.

Dozey

Thanks everyone, I seem to have my answer. As I don’t mind spending less then 20 dollars a year on carbon and given that I do have a canister filter making it a breeze to change I will continue to use carbon.

As I mentioned earlier it certainly seems to have made my clear water crystal clear and I’m liking the crystal clear look. I think I can handle the 30 seconds it will take me to change it ever 3 to 4 weeks.

mlfly

This is for an HOB filter and an Internal filter in a smaller tank but I like the carbon. However, I don't want to discard the floss part of the filter. So, I buy the carbon in a bottle and replace it on the first of each month. This keeps me from removing the material holding good bacteria but at the same time I have crystal clear water and no odor. I've not read exactly how much to use so I've settled on 3 tablespoons for a Whisper 30 and 1.5 tbsp on a Whisper 10.

Mike

Dozey

The instructions on my bottle of API carbon recommends 8 tablespoons for every 10 gallons of water. But I'm thinking that's way too much. I will compare it with what's in my filter now when I change it at the end of the month.

mlfly

That would be 24 tablespoons for me. Yikes! Not that much came out of it from when I removed the factory carbon. I have several so I might just open one and measure it. I'll let you know what I find. The Whisper cartridges are very easy to open.

Okay - did it. 3.5 tbsp on the Large Bio-Bag and 1.5 tbsp on the Medium Bio-Bag. Both were factory sealed until I opened them.

Dozey

That's what I was thinking. When I set up my canister it came with 2 carbon pouches (both to be used) but I’m thinking there might have been 8 tablespoons total. Not 28 tbls that API is suggesting. I don’t think that 28 tbls would even fit in the basket. So I will be comparing to the factory amount as well.

I’m sure API would be more then happy if I used the entire bottle. Sorry API.

I double checked the package to make sure my old age or failing eyes didn’t make a mistake and sure enough that’s what it says. Gees if I had a 100 gallon tank I’d need a 10 gallon tank just for the carbon.

Fla_Larry

Thanks Shawnie that explains where that comes from, i still stick on this:

so the usage of minimal would indicate to me Some adsorbed particles can be released back, which explains how the nitrifieing bacteria can be present in the water as an added bonus.

also in the same article,I also see why many indicate they do not use carbon,

and as most of the subsections i frequent revolve around Planted tanks... Vioala

So now i have the answer to both questions WOO HOO.
Thanks

cerianthus

Off the topic a bit.
Be careful, Dozey, when guests comes over. On numerous occassions, guests bumped their heads on front glass when tank so crystal clear under very bright (20K-40K) lighting. I was more concerned w/ my tank than their heads. LOL!!!

mlfly

I read the article too and noted the recommendation for soaking in distilled water. I've not been doing that. There are so many resources on the internet - I'd like to hear that again before I worry about it

Dozey

On the hobby of fish keeping I’d like to see two sources agree on anything. Gees!

Can we at least all agree that we don't agree?

cerianthus

i would've never figured that out w/o help from children. Generation Gap? lol

sgould

Abbreviations for swear words still count as swear words and are not allowed.

cerianthus

Please Explain!

Dozey

It’s pretty straight forward. Swear words are not allowed on this forum or any other forum that I can think of. Using abbreviations that suggest a swear word are also not allowed. For example four asterisks could imply an inappropriate word and is not permitted here. FishLore has many very young members and for their benefit the moderators will edit/delete any post that implies an inappropriate word.

Lucy

The offending post has been deleted.

Thanks, Sean

cerianthus

Got it!!
My apology for insensitivity!!