Carbon

[sgtbilko]

Is there such thing as to much carbon for chem filtering?

[michaeljames]

not per say, just make sure your replacing it monthly because it will collect all the waste you don't want in your tank, and when it get's "full" it will leech back into your system

[sgtbilko]

Thanks

[sabbath]

I agree & I use about a cup per 50g of water.

[Mavrk]

There is thought that there is a link between using too much carbon for too long and lateral line disease. This has not been proven, but better safe than sorry. Also, there is the possibility of depletion of beneficial nutrients.

I recommend running small amounts of carbon once or twice a week for 12-24 hours unless your nitrates are really high.

[Mavrk]

By a small amount, I mean about 3 TBS per 50 gallons.

[crumbletop]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10868822#post10868822 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sgtbilko
Is there such thing as to much carbon for chem filtering?

Make sure you use good quality acid washed carbon. Seachem and Black Diamond are two good brands. If the carbon you use contains too much ash content, using too much can cause a huge pH spike and can crash your tank. As others have said, you don't need to use a whole lot at once. ~1 cup per 100 gallons is what I use.