krismoore888

I have the standard filter that came with my tetra 60l tank and the media has carbon in it, why is it there and what does it do and do i need it?
thanks in advnace

agabr123

carbon can take out a lot of impurities out of the water and can make it really really clear.

dozey has a really great thread going on the pros/cons and when to use or not to use it

Shawnie

Advice for what to put in place of Carbon heres a great link to follow

Dozey

Many members here do not use carbon at all except when removing medications from their aquariums. Carbon will remove odors and some toxins from aquarium water. It is not absolutely necessary. I have experimented with both not using carbon and using carbon. Without carbon I did find that my water was quite clear. However, since adding carbon back to my filter I am finding that my water is now crystal clear.

There is an added expense to using carbon as it needs to be replaced ever 3 to 4 weeks. I have decided that to maintain the crystal clear water that I prefer I have recently decided to continue using carbon in my filter. But this is only a personal choice.

I will suggest that you try running your filter without carbon for a month or two and then add carbon for a month or two and decide for yourself if you find the small expense worth the water clarity.

Dozey

Here is the link to the carbon thread that agabr123 is referring to...
Carbon Question

From the thread you will see that people have different views on whether to use carbon or not. It was a great thread as I received a lot of very positive input as to whether to use carbon or not. The ultimate choice I think is a personal preference.

My personal preference is that I’ve decided to add carbon to my filter.

agabr123

thanks! i was looking for it but couldnt find it right then

krismoore888

great thanks everyone, i have used it with and without, purely by mistake, when replacing the media i brought one without the carbon and the water was not as clear as when i use the carbon ones, I just wondered why that was, so I will continue to use carbon for the crystal clear water. thanks again

krismoore888

but it needs to be removed if medicating right? and what about water changes, does it need to be removed then as you have to add some kind of dechlorifier and im guessing but if it removes toxins and medications etc, it will also remove the dechlorifier?

sorry if this has been answered in your previous thread.

pepetj

I use activated charcoal in most of my tanks. I replace mine every 3 weeks, and if for whatever reason I don't have the replacement at hand, that tank stays without chemical filtration until I get it.

There's no absolute need to use activated charcoal, after reading around, I decided, in my case, it makes sense to use it as long as I avoid, at all cost, that its pores reach a stage of saturation since most impurities will leach back into the tank.


Water definitely looks clearer with charcoal but also smells differently (better with than without) to me.

Pepe
Santo Domingo

Dozey

Carbon needs to be removed when medicating. However, as de-chlorinators work instantly there is no need to remove the carbon during water changes.

krismoore888

good to know thank you