running carbon?

[johns]

I've heard a number of people talking of 'running carbon' at various times in their setups to eliminate dirty or smells water.

What is it that one does to 'run carbon' in a DIY sump setup? Can you buy packets of carbon to put into your sump along with your skimmer to do this? Or are they refering to something else?

 

[PeeJ]

filter sock, fill with carbon, place directly in flow of water...water MUST go through carbon, not around

question...how long is carbon good for until it starts to leach?

 

[MattM]

In general, carbon adsorbs organic compounds for 48-72 hours before becoming clogged. You can leave it in for a week or two, but it doesn't do much after the first three days.

 

[PeeJ]

i had the same carbon in my canister for 2 months

 

[NewMan]

In general, carbon adsorbs organic compounds for 48-72 hours before becoming clogged. You can leave it in for a week or two, but it doesn't do much after the first three days.

Alternatively, you may wish to run a small amount of carbon for a short period of time. Maybe a cupful for 3days.

It is known that this method is more effective than a few cupful for a few months.