Use of activated carbon

[Wilhelm]

Is there any circumstance where I would not want to use activated carbon other than when using medicine? Does activated carbon interfere with any other regimen? My numbers are all within acceptable ranges for pH, salinity, ammonia, etc.

 

[House of Laughter]

it polishes your water and provides better penetration of your lighting.

if not rinsed correctly, the dust from shipping and settling isn't great to put into the tank depending on size of tank and amount of carbon put in.

Running it passive (in a media bag) is less effective than running it active (using a media reactor)

Some tips - Hope that helps,

House

 

[Downbeach]

it polishes your water and provides better penetration of your lighting.

if not rinsed correctly, the dust from shipping and settling isn't great to put into the tank depending on size of tank and amount of carbon put in.

Running it passive (in a media bag) is less effective than running it active (using a media reactor)

Some tips - Hope that helps,

House

+1
I think that having a good skimmer along with running GAC and GFO are good components to a successful tank. There is some anecdotal evidence that running carbon can cause HLLE, but I've been using it for years without a problem.

 

[ZANYMASTER]

Also can bleach corals as well.

 

[Jakef150]

Also can bleach corals as well.

only if use too much carbon, no?

 

[ZANYMASTER]

Correct

Sent from my DROIDX using Reefs

 

[Wilhelm]

How much carbon is too much? I have a 120 gallon tank with 100 pounds of live rock.

 

[Downbeach]

How much carbon is too much? I have a 120 gallon tank with 100 pounds of live rock.

Calculate your total water volume including sump and approximate rock/sand displacement and then use this:

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/reef-calculator

 

[Montaquelaveist]

Has anyone ever used Chemi pure in a reactor and if so how do you do it since it says not to take it out the bag and how many would you use on 120 gallon reef im currently running 3 elite bags

 

[ZANYMASTER]

I would not recommend that because that combination will not suit a reactor.

 

[Downbeach]

I would not open the Chemipure bags. I do think you'd be better served by using a reactor for both GAC and GFO. I know some folks who run both in a single reactor and some who use a dual reactor, but I prefer to use a single reactor for each, since they work best at different flow rates.
Are you still using a SeaClone skimmer?

 

[h2o]

I change my carbon ones a month and use esv carbon. It lasts longer then the other ones. I run mine in a reactor and the return hose goes into my filter sock to pick up all the stuff that gets away from the sponge . New carbon i rince it twice with the water from the water change .

 

[Wilhelm]

Thanks for the advice. And, yes, I use a Sea Clone Skimmer. That is one of the components I need to change as it never quite lived up to expectations. I will also be making the change from carbon in bags to a reactor. It is all part of the growing and learning experience I have had with my tank.

 

[Chris Jury]

Almost always folks that report bleaching in their corals after putting in GAC have added a large amount after not using it for awhile. The major issue there is that GAC is really good at removing colored compounds (the big reason we use it) from the water, and those colored compounds are excellent at absorbing UV light especially, and blue wavelengths to a lesser extent. The major change in water clarity, especially to UV which we cannot see, zaps the corals. It's somewhat like going to a tropical place in the middle of winter, after seeing very little sun, and then forgetting to wear sun block: you'll fry badly. If you develop a tan slowly first the UV is much more tolerable. Corals can tolerate UV and bright light, but a sudden increase in either is bad news.

cj

 

[Downbeach]

Thanks for the advice. And, yes, I use a Sea Clone Skimmer. That is one of the components I need to change as it never quite lived up to expectations. I will also be making the change from carbon in bags to a reactor. It is all part of the growing and learning experience I have had with my tank.

Some years back, when I converted my 55 to SW, and with the advice of my LFS(at the time), I bought a SeaClone 100. I was very disappointed when I finally realized that it was far from a good choice. I then did some research on my own without the advice of the LFS, and bought an AquaC Ramora. Within a week there was a remarkable difference in my tank. I have since moved onto a larger tank, but still use that Ramora to this day, the 55 is now my QT tank and the skimmer is still working great.
If you're still using canister filters on the 120, I would put a sump on my wish list, especially if you're going to a reef type tank. Then add the reactors, etc., you'll need to keep coral's etc.

 

[FlyTekk]

I use rox from bulk reef supply. Its really hard so doesnt cause alot of dust. There tiny so can clog a reactor. But i ordered the new clear canisters that dont use sponges. Maybe less clogging. Lets see. Back to the point, i wouldnt run a tank without carbon. If only for its ability to always be there incase something happens. A coral could let out chemicals, windex could accidentaly enter the tank etc etc. Skimmer, carbon, gho.