Estimated amount of activated carbon to use?

jfingers8 · 04/05/2010, 12:14 AM

I hear all kinds of things about using carbon and how much to use and stuff like that i know that every tank is different but is there like a ball park amount of carbon to use per gallon?

a9reef · 04/06/2010, 10:57 AM

I just put the max amount I can fit in my phosban reactor for my 58g

Hal · 04/06/2010, 11:12 AM

Ballpark is 1/2 cup per 50 gallons. The quality of carbon varies, so you may need to adjust that amount up or down. On the other hand, it's impossible to use too much carbon. The other thing to consider is whether you are using it in a reactor (more efficient) or just loose in a filter bag (less efficient).

iamwrasseman · 04/06/2010, 08:20 PM

2nd that

RokleM · 04/07/2010, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hal

On the other hand, it's impossible to use too much carbon.

That is not entirely correct, FYI. If you haven't run carbon before and/or have skimming issues, it is very possible to "shock" corals with changes in water quality and clarity.

As with most things reef related if you're starting new/fresh, it's best to go slowly at first.

liquidlunch · 04/07/2010, 08:50 AM

I use a cup and a 1/2 or so in the phosban reactor. Since it's dusty/messy, I have them pre-measured in small zip lock bags for my monthly fills.

Amoore311 · 04/07/2010, 08:53 AM

I used full TLF 150 Reactor full on my 180. The carbon gets pulled and rinsed every other week b/c it gets caked up with bacteria mulm (I run a Carbon Dosed System).

The carbon is completely changed out monthly.

I'm looking into swapping over to a larger grain, or even pelletized, carbon so that I don't have to constantly pull and rinse the stuff.

Guygettnby · 04/07/2010, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RokleM

That is not entirely correct, FYI. If you haven't run carbon before and/or have skimming issues, it is very possible to "shock" corals with changes in water quality and clarity.

As with most things reef related if you're starting new/fresh, it's best to go slowly at first.

totaly agree with this. always start slow, but onc your system is used to it then there is really no max as too how much you can run. i fill my reactor halfway full and run a maxijet 900 on it. i also run a bag of carbon in the sump were it has to go thru.

04/05/2010, 12:14 AM	#1
jfingers8 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: MA Posts: 562	Estimated amount of activated carbon to use? I hear all kinds of things about using carbon and how much to use and stuff like that i know that every tank is different but is there like a ball park amount of carbon to use per gallon?

04/06/2010, 11:12 AM	#3
Hal Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 1,889	Ballpark is 1/2 cup per 50 gallons. The quality of carbon varies, so you may need to adjust that amount up or down. On the other hand, it's impossible to use too much carbon. The other thing to consider is whether you are using it in a reactor (more efficient) or just loose in a filter bag (less efficient). __________________ Some days it's not even worth chewing through the restraints. Current Tank Info: 250g starphire: 72x28x30, BeanAnimal drain with an oversized non-durso emergency drain, 4 inch DSB, 3x Reefbreeders Value LED fixtures, SWC/MSX 300A skimmer, Geo kalk reactor, 3 Vortechs w/bb, carbon reactor, and a RKL

04/06/2010, 08:20 PM	#4
iamwrasseman Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: syracuse Posts: 7,003	2nd that __________________ This hobby certainly can put you in some weird positions ! Dave Current Tank Info: 40 freshwater,25saltwater 2000 gallons ,enough tanks for an army ?

04/07/2010, 08:53 AM	#7
Amoore311 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ulster County, NY Posts: 2,521	I used full TLF 150 Reactor full on my 180. The carbon gets pulled and rinsed every other week b/c it gets caked up with bacteria mulm (I run a Carbon Dosed System). The carbon is completely changed out monthly. I'm looking into swapping over to a larger grain, or even pelletized, carbon so that I don't have to constantly pull and rinse the stuff. __________________ 30 Gallon FOWLR 2004-2006 90 Gallon LPS Reef 2006-2008 180 Gallon SPS Reef 2008-20012 100 Gallon Custom Rimless Mixed Reef 2012-2014 29 Gallon Biocube Reef! Current Current Tank Info: 29 Gallon Biocube, StevesLED Upgrade, Neptune Apex

04/06/2010, 10:57 AM	#2
a9reef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 87	I just put the max amount I can fit in my phosban reactor for my 58g

04/07/2010, 08:50 AM	#6
liquidlunch Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Neptune, NJ Posts: 503	I use a cup and a 1/2 or so in the phosban reactor. Since it's dusty/messy, I have them pre-measured in small zip lock bags for my monthly fills.