Activated carbon in a mixed reef?

[fishmommy]

Should I be using activated carbon in my sump all the time, or just when there's a pissed off coral event?


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[PSU4ME]

This is an interesting topic. You will get both side sim sure so I'll share what I do. I run a small amount 24/7. Not sure if it is necessary but my tank seems to be running good so I'll keep it up until I find otherwise.

 

[higorc]

I have always passively run carbon (Just in a media bag and tossed it in the sump) off and on with no issues. I recently tried running it in a 2 Little Fish reactor and didn't have success with it. My Aussie Neon Green Leather closed up and wouldn't open up for a week until I stopped the reactor.

Not sure why. I have used it a couple of times since for a day or two after fragging a lot of Zoas/Pallys though with no issues.

Higor

 

[dz6t]

I always run carbon on all the systems. It clears up the water and make it crystal. Water coloration has significant impact on light penetration.

 

[fishmommy]

Thanks all. How often do you refresh it?


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[PSU4ME]

Carbon does keep the water clean and that is why people sometimes see a negative reaction to adding carbon because the "light gets stronger" per say. I run about a cup in my 120 and change it once a month. I either use Seagel (carbon and phosphate) or the rox .08 carbon from BRS.

I keep a poly pad on had incase things get hairy.

 

[fishmommy]

Poly pad?


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[PSU4ME]

Yeah poly filter pads.....they are good if something goes wrong cause they change different colors depending on what it is pulling out....helps to find out whats wrong:

http://www.marinedepot.com/Poly_Fil...Media-Poly_Bio_Marine-PB1111-FIFMMEPM-vi.html

 

[fishmommy]

Thanks!


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[JohnK]

Yeah poly filter pads.....they are good if something goes wrong cause they change different colors depending on what it is pulling out....helps to find out whats wrong:

http://www.marinedepot.com/Poly_Fil...Media-Poly_Bio_Marine-PB1111-FIFMMEPM-vi.html

And if nothing is going wrong they are a very expensive alternative. Good to have on hand just in case, but probably not practical as an ongoing filtration option.

 

[PSU4ME]

And if nothing is going wrong they are a very expensive alternative. Good to have on hand just in case, but probably not practical as an ongoing filtration option.

Oh yeah......It is for emergeny situations.......most expensive "pad" out there!

 

[fishmommy]

Yes I do understand. Carbon ongoing, poly for emergencies. Thanks!


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