Charcoal Filtration (always or scheduled?)

[gwilcom]

Can I filter my water through charcoal constantly or should I do it on a schedule like 2 weeks on 2 weeks off?

Does it remove the trace minerals necessary for a healthy reef tank?

Should I supplement those minerals more often if filtering through charcoal?

Are there any downsides to this type of filtration?

Are there things I should be aware of but haven't asked?

I've been doing it now for a week with a PhosBan reactor full of charcoal and I just love the clarity of the water and how the light ripples through it.

 

[gwilcom]

Any advice you guys can share on the use of charcoal?

 

[ChrisRD]

I've tried using carbon part time, full time and not at all. IMO it doesn't do any harm and has some benefits (water clarity, as you mentioned, is one of them), so on my current tanks I just run it continuosly (although part time is fine IME too).

I run it the way you do and just change it out once a month. I don't suppliment anything special and have never found using it to be detrimental to any coral/fish/invert I've ever kept. IMO concern about trace element depletion by carbon use or skimming is overblown on the internet forums. If you're doing regular water changes IME you'll be fine.

JME of course...