How long should I run carbon?

[letoan]

I got ich a few weeks ago, went to Skipton, they recommended to use Voogle Ich treatment...

Not sure if this thing works or not but at least no more dead fish, but ich still there. It's also cause some of my softies not fully open as well (they warned me about this when I bought the product).

I'm planning to use carbon to remove the chemical from the tank, how long should I leave it in there?

 

[pallobi]

carbon should always be used, and i swap mine out every week... some go longer... however if you using to remove something you know is in there that you want out, i would run it for a few days, and sawp it a few times... then always run carbon after that... and do a water change or two...

 

[CoreyWoulds]

I have been doing research on carbon for a filter and it seems like its not even that beneficial to the tank. I have also heard it could increase phosphates. I wonder why you are such an avid carbon user.

 

[kshliapa]

I also run carbon all the time. I change it every two weeks. I have never seen any bad effects from it. My water was never as crystal clear as it is once using carbon. I believe that any of the carbon products labeled as reef safe will not leach phosphates into the water. I have tested my tank before carbon as well as after and have never seen a phosphate increase.

 

[The Ng Thing]

I have been doing research on carbon for a filter and it seems like its not even that beneficial to the tank. I have also heard it could increase phosphates. I wonder why you are such an avid carbon user.

Not all carbon is the same. The author of this Blog I found a while back says the method used to create the carbon determines whether it will leach phosphates or not. If it is physically activated it won't leach phosphates but if it is chemically activated it will.

http://joejaworski.wordpress.com/2008/05/09/does-a-reef-tank-need-carbon/

I can't think of any place that would say carbon doesn't help. My understanding is that the useable life span of carbon in marine tanks is shorter because of the salt water. It still removes organics but it also absorbs a ton of other stuff too, then it goes inert.

 

[letoan]

I have a bottle of Seachem Matrix Carbon, are they safe to use?

 

[The Ng Thing]

That looks fine to use based on thier description. They touch upon the phosphate/ash issue described above. Since your trying to get rid of the chemicals, I would change the carbon every week or two weeks. Afterwards you can go back to changing it every 4 weeks or not at all.

Think of it like a landing pad for waste. If you have a ton of waste, space will get used at a faster rate and you'll need to replace it more often.

 

[pallobi]

I have been doing research on carbon for a filter and it seems like its not even that beneficial to the tank. I have also heard it could increase phosphates. I wonder why you are such an avid carbon user.

I recommend a little more research... i use it all the time, and would never not use it... activated, quality carbon FTW...

 

[frank180reef]

yes activated quality carbon is the way to go, change it often if you are having problems

 

[inverted]

I have been doing research on carbon for a filter and it seems like its not even that beneficial to the tank. I have also heard it could increase phosphates. I wonder why you are such an avid carbon user.

Carbon will not increase phosphate in a full system. Carbon is a natural product and as such contains some phosphate. It will also leach some phosphate. However, the amounts we are taking about are so small, they are beyond miniscule once you add that amount to a full system. Even the worst, cheapest carbon you can buy does not leach enough phosphate to even think about.

Carbon is extremely beneficial to a tank. It is very similar in principle to protein skimming, as it also removes organics, but removes more than skimming and does so more effectively. Many organisms in our system produce toxins and these are organic molecules. Also, our systems are extremely polluted with heavy metals, which tend to bind with organics. And high levels of organics, can drive cyano and act as a sink for inorganic nutrients which drive algae. Additionally, high organic carbon can drive bacteria, which can disrupt the symbiosis between corals and symbionts, by driving mucus associated bacteria, and is associated with coral mortality. However, with GAC, the levels do not come close to these levels, even with significant organic carbon dosing.

Water changes will removes these too, but not in real time. We only do water changes occasionally. Carbon can be run all the time.

Ken Feldman has studied carbon and skimming quite a bit. In his words "bubbles are really not a very effective medium for organic nutrient removal."
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/1/aafeature

And on carbon:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/1/aafeature1
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/2/aafeature1

Other relevant articles:

TOC:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/8/aafeature3
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/9/aafeature2

Bacteria driven by organic carbon:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/3/aafeature

 

[Bobbofin]

I use carbon, about 10 teaspoons along with 3 teaspoons of SeaChem Phosguard, in a carbon reactor changed bi-weekly, never seen no negative results. Also using Bio-Pellets in another reactor. I think good husbandary, water changes, water tests and appropiate dosing will yield great results in great reef tank. Patience is key. Avoid pouring large amounts of chemicals into your tank. All changes must be made slowly in conjuction with testing.