Activated carbon. . . pro/con?

[Beeman]

So, I've recently read that carbon as a filter medium is not always beneficial, especially when you are attempting to soften hard water. I am running a new SA cichlid tank, with angels, festivums, biotadomas, acaras, and various tetras. My water parameters are ph7-7.3, gh60, kh180(please see the recent thread by thedavidzoo:wacko. I was thinking of adding peat-balls to soften things up a bit. I am drawing my water straight from the source, i.e. no 'artificial preservatives or additives.' So I guess my question is, do I need carbon at all?

 

[jonclark96]

I haven't used it in years.


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[Beeman]

W T F ! ! ! I really am surprised I haven't seen anything on the forum about this before! More room in the filter for bacteria medium then, WOOP WOOP !!! I also read that plain old filter-floss is as good as sponge as bac. medium also. Any reason to opt for one over the other?

 

[rsretep]

I haven't used it in years.


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Carbon what????? Me either, years without carbon

 

[rich_one]

I've been off and one with it over the years.

Pro: It is pretty good at removing certain impurities, and helps some with tannins and such from driftwood.

Con: Have to change it frequently, as it doesn't last real long, and it does take up space for more bio, for instance.

-Rich

 

[hotwingz]

I had a very similar question long ago. And i stopped changing my filter media and cleaned them off instead of changing them and i have! seen a difference! im still using a small amount of carbon because im still having sone tannin issues. But water changes are better and faster for that. But otherwise. No mas carbon.

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[Shane]

I do not use it either in any regular sense. That said, I keep some on hand to ensure medications or other chemical additives are completely removed when I have finished the treatment cycle. I'll also add carbon to the filters of my few heavily stocked tanks if I know I am going to be out of town and unable to do water changes for an extended time.
-Shane

 

[dogofwar]

Carbon generally isn't necessary, but is useful for removing color, medication, odor, etc. from the water. I use as needed (which is seldom).

Matt

 

[Beeman]

Well ok then. Learnin something every day through this forum. Many thanks, and keep it coming folks.

 

[Hawkman2000]

I used to think that people who didn't use carbon were crazy. Then one day I got tired of having to rinse/change the cartrige on my eclipse sytem and decided to customize it without carbon. I have been unning all of my tanks without carbon now for 6 months and they seem to actually be better off.

I still keep tha carbon around if I need it for tannin/medication removal.

 

[crazyclowntang]

The last time I bought some was in 1999.

 

[DiscusnAfricans]

Recently I've noticed that all the Aquaclears have a sticker on the outer packaging advertising free inserts for a year. I didn't actually read the small print becasue I don't intend to use them. I'm assuming they include the carbon and "ammonia crystals."

I bought extra sponges for all my new aquaclear purchases and will hold onto the included inserts just in case. The ceramic rings will probably be thrown into a canister filter somewhere. Anyone want these stickers for free inserts?

I'm wondering if Hagen (Aquaclear manufacturer) is trying to get rid of excess supply, or if they're trying to re-generate interest because less hobbyists are using these inserts. I'm assuming you can send them the sticker with your return address and they'll send the inserts.

 

[jonclark96]

You have to send in receipts for your purchases over the year and they refund you. Seemed like a hassle as I only use the sponges.


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[Leffler817]

The good thing is, you get a years worth of both carbon replacements and sponges. Up to 12 carbon pouches and 6 sponges. But you have to save receipts and bar codes(?). Definitely receipts though. I think you can even get the sticker form off the website if you lose the sticker off the box.


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[dlfn1]

fascinating!
so no carbon in the canister filter..........should i pack it w/ extra sponges, do i bother with the floss? same w/ HOB?
will def save time cleaning the HOB, not having to deal w/ carbon. beautiful!

 

[minifoot77]

use the extra space in your canister for crushed coral it will give some bio space and buffer the water

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