Do you or do you not use carbon POLL attempt#2 lol

Let me try this again.....

Do you or do you not use carbon? vote!
I got a bit of criticism for suggesting to someone that carbon isn't necessary for their tank. I know that many people ONLY use carbon when they have to remove meds from their tank. I have seen it mentioned here on fishlore many times, by many people!! So I wanted to create a poll to see what the consensus is. Do you use carbon regularly? Or do you use it only for the purpose of removing meds? I personally don't use it and I don't have any issues not using it. My filters with cartridges are not replaced often enough (I just clean them and put them back) so that means I do NOT have active carbon in those filters since carbon "expires" (I only have it when I put in a new cartridge which isn't very often). As for my aquaclears, I typically replace the carbon with seachem purigen, or more bio balls.

Do you use carbon on a regular basis?
Do you not use carbon on a regular basis?

 

On smaller tanks I use sponge filters...but on the larger tanks I use fliters with carbon on them..very useful in removing certain metals and toxins that naturally gets on our water...I know plenty of people that just use sponge fliters in their larger tanks too...they are more on the growing out or breeders..

 

Yes! All 3 tanks have carbon. I buy the cut-to-fit pads which are more economical. My water is always crystal clear with no odor

 

I buy carbon 50 pounds at a time! You can run a tank without carbon, but I think the water stays cleaner with it.

 

My water stays crystal clear without carbon.....So I personally don't know why people like to use it for that purpose...

I have fishy odor from some of my tanks occasionally.....potentially carbon would help with that though!!!!

But my tanks are crystal clear and that does not require carbon. It just requires taking good care of your tank and doing frequent water changes.

 

Carbon let's you keep more fish in the tank, and still have crystal clear water.

 

I removed all the carbon from my tank 2 years ago and replaced it with ceramic rings. I now only use carbon to remove meds from the water as and when needed

 

I use ceramic rings and carbon, so I have the best of both worlds.

 

Carbon let's you keep more fish in the tank, and still have crystal clear water.

More frequent water changes also allow you to do that

But using carbon is probably a lot easier than extra water changes! lol I prefer to stick with more frequent water changes though. Its easy enough with the python!!

Edit; Not only that...but more fish produce more waste....so extra water changes are necessary! Carbon or not! Clear water or not! Does carbon remove the ammonia and nitrites that could occur in an overstocked tank?

 

More frequent water changes also allow you to do that

But using carbon is probably a lot easier than extra water changes! lol I prefer to stick with more frequent water changes though. Its easy enough with the python!!

Edit; Not only that...but more fish produce more waste....so extra water changes are necessary! Carbon or not! Clear water or not! Does carbon remove the ammonia and nitrites that could occur in an overstocked tank?

Well if I didn't live in drought stricken California, I'd do more water changes. But I would still use carbon. As far as overstocked tanks, I really think that's a matter of opinion. And sites like Aqua adviser aren't as great as some people think they are! Most of the stocking levels they recommend are very boring. I do a half water change on this tank every 2 to 3 weeks, the tank population is up to 175 fish, and this picture is the end of the tank, the fish toward the back are 8 feet away! This tank has 5 gallons of bio balls, 20 pounds of ceramic rings and 28 pounds of carbon. They eat handfuls of food, and the water stays clear, and the fish won't stop breeding. My opinion is a lot of this has to do with carbon.

 

Well if I didn't live in drought stricken California, I'd do more water changes. But I would still use carbon. As far as overstocked tanks, I really think that's a matter of opinion. And sites like Aqua adviser aren't as great as some people think they are! Most of the stocking levels they recommend are very boring. I do a half water change on this tank every 2 to 3 weeks, the tank population is up to 175 fish, and this picture is the end of the tank, the fish toward the back are 8 feet away! This tank has 5 gallons of bio balls, 20 pounds of ceramic rings and 28 pounds of carbon. They eat handfuls of food, and the water stays clear, and the fish won't stop breeding. My opinion is a lot of this has to do with carbon.

Fair enough!! (about the drought issue)

Now, That is an African cichlid tank correct? Because from what I have learned....the only time you should overstock a fish tank in that way, is with African cichlids. And there are reasons for that.

I agree that appropriate stocking is a matter of opinion....but you want to be careful about giving a newbie the impression that they can overstock their tank if they use carbon. I also think it should be specified that African cichlids are unique and you stock WAY differently when keeping African cichlids vs American cichlids for instance. Or other fish for that matter.

I am not trying to imply that carbon is useless and I am not trying to imply that people who swear by it are wrong. I am just trying to understand the different sides. And I am genuinely curious to see more people vote and get a better picture of how many people do use it and how many people don't.

 

Fair enough!!

 

I personally don't use carbon regularly, only for getting rid of medication. I don't necessarily see perfectly clear water as always meaning healthy fish water. My betta for example loves her Indian leaves that leave the water tinted. Carbon would get rid of that tint, and betta's actually like their water less clear from what I have read.

My main tank (40 gallon) came with a carbon pad with the canister filter. I took it out. My main tank is also full of plants which suck up the nutrients pretty decently. My water is pretty clear just from the plants. My driftwood is still leaking some tannis, which again I don't mind that tint. I feel like it gives my fish extra security.

I usually hear people want carbon because it makes their water clear. I have even read on blogs and things that if you don't have clear water then it's unhealthy. I just believe that's untrue. It's not necessarily how clear your water is but that the parameters are good, and there are no toxins in the water. The water doesn't have to be crystal clear for that to happen. The opposite is true as well, you can clear water but still have high ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates and/or even toxins in the water that are harmful to fish.

 

No carbon for me, just 2 bags of Purigen. I switch out the used one with the fresh one every couple of months, recharge the used one, rinse & repeat.

 

Wow...I have no comment...this has been a great thread...with a lot of superior advice that I agree with....

 

I personally don't use carbon regularly, only for getting rid of medication. I don't necessarily see perfectly clear water as always meaning healthy fish water. My betta for example loves her Indian leaves that leave the water tinted. Carbon would get rid of that tint, and betta's actually like their water less clear from what I have read.

My main tank (40 gallon) came with a carbon pad with the canister filter. I took it out. My main tank is also full of plants which suck up the nutrients pretty decently. My water is pretty clear just from the plants. My driftwood is still leaking some tannis, which again I don't mind that tint. I feel like it gives my fish extra security.

I usually hear people want carbon because it makes their water clear. I have even read on blogs and things that if you don't have clear water then it's unhealthy. I just believe that's untrue. It's not necessarily how clear your water is but that the parameters are good, and there are no toxins in the water. The water doesn't have to be crystal clear for that to happen. The opposite is true as well, you can clear water but still have high ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates and/or even toxins in the water that are harmful to fish.

Your taking tinted water which can be very clear. I think what people are talking about is a foggy water that indicates bacteria. Also I keep hearing that people use carbon to pull out meds, (fruit for thought) what else does it pull out. And what harm (except for you wallet) will carbon do to your tank?

 

I have used carbon and not used carbon. I find that while my water was clean either way, the carbon gave the water a "polished look". Almost like a chrome look. It's hard to describe. After doing both, I always run carbon now because I like the polished look.

 

And what harm (except for you wallet) will carbon do to your tank?

No harm at all. I didn't see it mentioned that it would cause harm. Maybe I missed it. I don't see a harm in using carbon and I do not see a harm in NOT using carbon Which is sort of the whole point of the thread!

And yes...the harm is to the wallet. Which for some people can be a problem. The biggest issue being folks using filters with cartridges. The ONLY reason to replace the cartridges, rather than just cleaning them, is if they are falling apart, or if you want to have fresh carbon. In other words they can last for a very long time as long as you aren't worried about having carbon. So a person can save a lot of money on cartridges by not being concerned with having carbon. The cost can add up replacing those things all the time!!

as for aquaclears and canisters for instance....ya...a bag carbon isn't very expensive. So why not have carbon in those? It can't hurt. However....it is still not a "necessity" to have a clear and healthy tank. I think even the die hard carbon enthusiasts would agree with that statement.

 

Or the cut-to-fit pads which I use and are pretty economical. I don't think there's been any evidence that it does anything "bad"

I use carbon in a lot of other uses ( like the tray above the cat box to keep it smelling good - these cut to fit pads work for those as well ) and my fridge filter uses carbon, as does the Keurig.

 

I have always used carbon in in my tanks, and always will. I particularly have used it in conjunction with Chemi-pure. The results were amazing, so clear and clean that the water had a blue-ish tint to it. I honestly believe that there is no right or wrong when using carbon, but a personal choice. Also, when carbon does become inert, and it is porous, it can hold BB, then just change out when cleaning the filter. I prefer Chemi-pure because it last so much longer than carbon, it can last 4-6 months.

 

How come so many yes to carbon but only 2 on the poll for yes? Just saying'

 

Is there an actual poll Junne? If there is, it must not been visible on mobile.

 

How come so many yes to carbon but only 2 on the poll for yes? Just saying'

I'm one of the two that voted yes.

 

Your taking tinted water which can be very clear. I think what people are talking about is a foggy water that indicates bacteria. Also I keep hearing that people use carbon to pull out meds, (fruit for thought) what else does it pull out. And what harm (except for you wallet) will carbon do to your tank?

Oh I've been told on a different forum before that my betta's tank is dirty because of the indian almond leaves. I then explained why the brownish tint isn't a bad thing from those leaves.

I don't think carbon is necessarily harmful. I think it's more of a personal preference. It's one less thing for me to do since it's optional to keep it 24/7 and like I said I like tannis lol.

 

I use carbon for odor purposes. BRStv had an episode where they talked about Carbon, and how the cheap carbon from like petco is more efficient in absorbing scents than taking out impurities. While it gets rid of the majority of impurities, if you want to use carbon for impurities, I would buy a higher quality carbon, like chemipure to take out impurities and the imagitarium carbon (petco carbon) for odors. You could just use the chemipure for both reasons, but I like to use both.

 

Is there an actual poll Junne? If there is, it must not been visible on mobile.

Oh maybe... I dunno... its at the top of the page though

 

OK, it's not available on mobile. Count me a yes vote though! Lol!!

 

This is a personal choice...all my sponge fliters have carbon in them...all my hang on fliters have carbon in them etc....carbon...will remove odor..color of water (tint)..heavy metals...left over medicine...and they absorb the finest particles...in general it will improved ur overall water quality ...so my vote is yes...definitely if you have show tanks...its a preference...I know a lot of breeders that have over 50 tanks and don't use it and their fish are breeding and fine...its a trail and error thing and what you believe is the best for YOUR fish....to me carbon is cheap....even when I make my own fliters...I use floss and put carbon in a womans nylons...I swear by it..I swear by salt also for my cichlids..again a lot of people don't use carbon or salt and their cichlids are fine...great question....

 

Well I have always used carbon. I'm one month in on no carbon in my aqua clear. Idk ill see

Definitely agree with polishing and odor benefits. I'm trying to see the effects on macro and micro

 

I guess I just can't relate to the clarity thing. I have used carbon in some tanks and not in others. And the tanks without the carbon are equally polished and crystal clear. I've seen no visual difference when using carbon vs not using carbon. Strange because the consensus seems to be that it makes the water clearer. Are you sure it isn't just in your heads guys? LOL I am totally kidding!!!!!
But honestly...my non carbon tanks are crystal clear. Just like the tanks with carbon. All of my tanks get a weekly water changes at minimum and that is why I have crystal clear water.

 

I guess I just can't relate to the clarity thing. I have used carbon in some tanks and not in others. And the tanks without the carbon are equally polished and crystal clear. I've seen no visual difference when using carbon vs not using carbon. Strange because the consensus seems to be that it makes the water clearer. Are you sure it isn't just in your heads guys? LOL I am totally kidding!!!!!
But honestly...my non carbon tanks are crystal clear. Just like the tanks with carbon. All of my tanks get a weekly water changes at minimum and that is why I have crystal clear water.

So far mine is clear lol it may be in my head lol

 

Guys this is one of those questions that is hard to answer....I also know MANY people with small and large tanks that do not use carbon and their water is crystal clear...but like mention above...they also do weekly water changes...its a preference thing...that's like asking what percentage of water changes do you do and how often....everyone would have a different method and amount...to be carbon or not to be carbon....laughs..as long as ur fish are happy and healthy that's what really matters....for the record donald trump uses carbon...JOKING ...just teasing..no political stuff please....

 

Yep yep yep! CARBON!!!!

Must....use....carbon....I. ...do.....

It's the original, eau nateaural dechlorinator. Has many purposes and uses. 1 of which is removing toxins.

It's all fairly scientcy. ....

The best part, carbon never gets used up. Yea, it's a waste of money buying it all the time, when you can simply REUSE IT!!!

put it on a sheet pan, cookie,sheet,etc. Put it in the oven at 275 for a couple of hours. Presto, brand new , reactivated carbon....TA DA! !!

that too is scientcy. ... Simple explanation, heat breaks the bond of the adsorbed chemicals,toxins,etc, and dispursed through evaporation.

So, yea.... I use carbon....

 

I don't use carbon, and definitely haven't noticed any change in water clarity. (actually, my water was cloudy while I was running carbon...)

As for a downfall of using it - I know a lot of planted tank owners don't use carbon as well because they believe it pulls nutrients from the water... Maybe something to consider.

Imo having to bake it/buy it every few weeks is just a huge hassle.

 

Oh, soldier!! I did not know that! Something new for me to research and read about.

 

Oh, soldier!! I did not know that! Something new for me to research and read about.

You can bake carbon, and it well reactivate it.
It doesn't look like every body voted, so get your vote in before they outlaw carbon, or maybe fish keeping in general!

 

I can't vote!!! I'm on mobile app!!

 

I can't vote!!! I'm on mobile app!!

Do you have a Web browser on the device you're using? If so, just go on the website and vote that way.

 

I wonder if you bake it with chocolate chip cookies if it will pass on to the fish... that would be a treat....just joking....I vote yes.....I know the basics about plants in the aquarium...never had much with cichlids...but I really could see carbon removing stuff that is beneficial to plants...so many interesting comments....I have to say I never heard about baking it...we boil rocks...we cook driftwood....now we baked carbon.....honey IAM HOME what's for dinner.....

 

I wonder if you bake it with chocolate chip cookies if it will pass on to the fish... that would be a treat....just joking....I vote yes.....I know the basics about plants in the aquarium...never had much with cichlids...but I really could see carbon removing stuff that is beneficial to plants...so many interesting comments....I have to say I never heard about baking it...we boil rocks...we cook driftwood....now we baked carbon.....honey IAM HOME what's for dinner.....

No chocolate, but Welches grape jelly is the fishes favorite, I know I'm an expert!!