Using Carbon

[sage_commander]

I got some activated carbon yesterday. I plan to put it in a 4 x 6 media bag in my sump. My question is how much should I put in the bag and how often should I change it out?

And yes, I know a phosban reactor would be more efficient, etc., but I don't have one. I might make my own someday but for now I'd like to start trying my hand at chemical filtration. Thanks!

[rbursek]

2 cups should be fine, and since it is going to be passive not being in a reactor 4 weeks.

[sage_commander]

Two cups. Check. Thanks!

[adam1980]

The more clear you want your tank to be the more carbon you should use. I have a 150 gall tank with a 90 sump. I actually put about 10 pounds of carbon in my sump about a year ago. My water is still crystall clear. And i have not changed my carbon since. I also have a canister filter that i just gutted and stuffed with carbon. Rule of thumb-The more carbon you put in the clearer your water will be.

[rdefino]

Could someone use to much carbon?

[ser_renely]

I think some say it also takes out good stuff in the water, so not sure?

[918ReefCpl]

Carbon will absorb trace elements, but as long as your doing water changes and testing your water (like we all should regularly) - you should be fine...just dont buy the 'cheap' stuff - do a bit of research and feedback from fellow reefers... We use Marineland Black diamond and Kent Carbon...both are good...but I think the Kent product clears faster...also look at 2-part solutions and their Bulk carbon - costs more on the intial purchase but in the long run may be more cost effective...

[frank2926]

Carbon left in the tank to long will leach things back to the water.

[rdefino]

You say that carbon can removes trace ele3ments, but if i do water changes that would put them back in. What if I'm using RODI water? Does RODI system removes the needed trace elements? They does use carbon.

[sage_commander]

The trace elements you need for your tank come from the salt mix. RO/DI water is water only, nothing else. You most likely don't want any elements in your water before you add your salt mix. I think it might be different for freshwater tanks, though.

[Michael]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12509964#post12509964 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by frank2926
Carbon left in the tank to long will leach things back to the water.

aparently its usless after a week, i wash mine weekly and change it monthly, i see what frank is saying and hes probably right you know, as for amounts well a few table spoon fulls is probably enough, heres a couple of threads on carbon for you to look at

http://www.cee.vt.edu/ewr/environmental/teach/wtprimer/carbon/sketcarb.html

http://www.carbochem.com/activatedcarbon101.html

http://www.hallman.org/filter/gac.html:)