importance of running carbon in a reef tank?

[redhanded77]

the search function is giving me some issues, so i wanted to ask a basic question here. what is the importance of running carbon in a reef system and why? thanks

[seapug]

it can help limit particulate matter and remove some organics but it's not really important for any reason beyond maintaining water clarity, which it does very well.

[phish guy]

+1 to what seapug said.

i run carbon about once a month (for a week or so) just clear up anything i cant see. also it makes me feel better about the toxic war goin on between the umpteen different species of coral in the tank.

[saltylife1]

once in a while is ok but i see no reason to run it 24/7.

[I AM THE REEFER]

As stated above, I run carbon for water clarity which in turn helps maximize PAR!

[wbond]

how often and for how long do you run carbon?

[Michael]

i run it 24-7 and regually change it, its good for removing organic waste, and removing chemicals released by soft corals, plus keeps the water crystal clear

[_E_]

Like Michael, I run carbon 24/7. I do it mostly because softies are known to sometimes emit chemicals that are harmful to SPS. I also notice that my water is very clear now, where at times before it would have a yellow tint. Less smell in the sump with it going full-tilt also.
Eric

[Ranchhand02]

I run it 24/7 and I change it about once a month.

[brianx45]

I run it 24/7 and change it about once a month also.

[atwinparadox2]

if you think your water is clear now, run carbon for a week and put the sunglasses back on! But just like most threads you can always find someone that will dispute the need to run carbon.
It won't hurt your system to give it a shot. Run some carbon, if you like the way it makes the water look then keep doing it, if not, then stop...no harm no fowl.

[atwinparadox2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14308065#post14308065 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by atwinparadox2
if you think your water is clear now, run carbon for a week and put the sunglasses back on! But just like most threads you can always find someone that will dispute the need to run carbon.
It won't hurt your system to give it a shot. Run some carbon, if you like the way it makes the water look then keep doing it, if not, then stop...no harm no fowl.

*foul*, I mean :D

[seapug]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/106/307735236_78ccbf8555.jpg

[phish guy]

nice

[Sk8r]

mostly if you have softies: they spit into the water.

[tgriffin]

Maybe a stupid?? When u say run it in ur system, is there something u install in ur sump, or do u use an additive. I definetely want crystal clear water, so I might want to use this in my tank when it gets set up. Thx

[palawan]

I use a phosban reactor to contain the carbon which is the best way to run carbon in a fluidized manor.

[chort55]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14308783#post14308783 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tgriffin
Maybe a stupid?? When u say run it in ur system, is there something u install in ur sump, or do u use an additive. I definetely want crystal clear water, so I might want to use this in my tank when it gets set up. Thx

The only stupid question is a question not asked :D There are several ways to do it, but the most commonly accepted way to run carbonis with a carbon reactor with carbon in it.

Here are a couple links to several examples:
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/4537/product.web
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/10675/product.web

and here are a couple links to DIY carbon/phosphate reactors if you would like to make your own (although they are fairly cheap to just purchase):
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1148795&highlight=DIY+reactor
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1243026&highlight=DIY+reactor

Hope this helps, enjoy :D

[atwinparadox2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14308349#post14308349 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by seapug
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/106/307735236_78ccbf8555.jpg

from what i have heard, putting a live chicken in your system can do wonders! HA!

:D

Just kidding, I don't want to be the one to start a trend of chicken does systems....

Back to topic, as most have said your best bet is to get a phosban reactor and run carbon in it. They are very cheap, most of the time under 40 bucks, and you run them with a small pump. Plus the best thing about them is you can use them for multiple media (not at the same time). Run Carbon, Run Phosban...etc.

[fender4string]

Other than clarity, will running carbon help with preventing diatoms?

[tastingSalty]

GFO (Granular Ferric Oxide) along with good water circulation will prevent or help a diatom situation

[E.intheC]

I have my carbon in a HOB aquaclear 70 filter.. it works fine for me. I had one already sitting around though. If I had to buy something, I'd go with the bulkreefsupply carbon/phosphate reactor (the double) it's inexpensive and I've heard it's very well made.

[Michael]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14314057#post14314057 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tastingSalty
GFO (Granular Ferric Oxide) along with good water circulation will prevent or help a diatom situation

as someone who absolutely loves carbon i would love to agree with you, but im unsure about this, can you clarify:) how does carbon stop diatoms? thanks salty:)

[Jeremy Blaze]

He did not say carbon would stop diatoms. He says GFO (Granular Ferric Oxide) aka phosban aka rowaphos, etc... Does stop diatoms.

[Michael]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14316513#post14316513 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jeremy Blaze
He did not say carbon would stop diatoms. He says GFO (Granular Ferric Oxide) aka phosban aka rowaphos, etc... Does stop diatoms.

your right, i misread the post, thanks jeremy:)

[seapug]

Silicates are the primary fuel for diatoms-- GFO is a better silicate adsorber than carbon.

[rhunter513]

There is one caution with carbon that no one has mentioned yet. You can shock and bleach your corals if you add too much carbon esp right after doing a water change. Carbon removes yellow very well and so does water changes, the combo can shock your system and hurt your corals. Add it per directions and not at the same time you are doing a water change. Also if you leave it in the sump/filter too long it can trap nutrients and cause nitrates. Other than that its good stuff.

[fishoutawater]

What kind of flow should you push through a reactor? Does it change based on reactor/system size?

[seapug]

Studies have shown slow flow maximizes carbon absorption rates. I have my reactors daisy chained together so the carbon and phosban are getting the same flow rate. Carbon first, then GFO. Carbon is downflow, GFO is upflow. Works very well for me.