Does anyone use carbon in the filters anymore? I had tanks years ago and we wouldn't run a tank with out it. I know times have changed but I'm not using carbon and I have the worst algae issue I've ever had.
I do! I find it helps keep the water moving, suck up debris, eliminate smell, and help with algae a bit. They are not necessary but I prefer to use them. Get some more opinions though before deciding.
I boil it for 30 minutes. Then bake it in an oven on a cookie sheet (keeping the thickness at no more than 1"-2") at 400 degrees F for 45 min. Let cool and use. I keep a large amount of carbon on hand so I do not have to wait for the carbon to cool to reset the canisters. I use Marineland carbon. All carbon is not created equal. The cheep carbon is burned coconut husk or wood. Marineland carbon is bituminous coal that lends its self quite well to being reused.
Keep in mind that Purigen and carbon do two different things. Purigen helps remove micro organics before they are converted in the nitrogen cycle. Carbon removes non organics along the lines of chemicals. Now here is where it gets interesting. Carbon will remove additives for plants. Everyone here knows that I add a lot to the water for my plants. Would that not be a waste? Nope, you see I use SeaChem products only. These products are absorbed so quickly (30 min or less) that the amount removed by the carbon is negligible.
