I too run carbon 24/7. Big difference, I find. I use a couple tablespoons and change it out after 1-2 weeks. I run mine in a 304 cannister filter on the sump. In the past I've also just had it in an aquaclear. When you run it actively pushing water through it, it seems to be really effective, but you have to keep on top of the routine of changing it out and rinsing the filter bag since it tends to be prone to clogging.

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Wow, I guess I've been using too much carbon. I run it 24/7 as well but I use about 2-3 cups at a time, I leave it in the sump for over a month though. I haven't got pics to prove clarity like Sam but I definately notice increased clarity with a fresh bag o' carbon. :mrgreen:

What happens if you leave the carbon in too long. Is there any bad results. I have a lot of softies in my tank so I started running carbon. After a while I niticed that there was some green algae growing on the rock where there wasn't before. The only thing I was doing differently was using the carbon.

I was using Black Diamond Premium Activated Carbon. I was using about 2 cups and changing it maybe once a month .

I didn't run carbon, was told and read that it can remove a lot of your trace elements etc. Some carbons contain phosphates and will leach them into your system. If you leave the carbon in to long it will eventually start to leach out the nasties it removed. I've use Chemi pure and was very happy with it and I'll stick with it.
That being said it does seem to do a lot of good in some peoples tanks so as the saying goes, some say tomato some say tomato.. (doesn't work in type).

Doug

I also use it 24/7. About 2 cups in an magnum canister filter. I change it evry 2 weeks. I have quite a high bioload in my 90 gal reef.

I found that my water was getting a yellowish tint when not using carbon.

I also use phosban on a 24/7 basis, and I'm quite satisfied with the results.

Marco

I run it 24/7 and I change it monthly. I run 8oz at a time.

Steve

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I also run about 2 cups 24/7.
New carbon once a month makes the water shiney clean.
I do notice the initial "magic" is short term but a couple cups seems to keep the leathers and Acros from chemical wars for about a month.
I also rinse the accumulated debris out of the carbon bag about once per week....seems to add to the lifespan.
Maybe I'll try Chemipure for that lasting effect depending on $$.
Does it get the yellow out as well as carbon?

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carbon and chemipure

for something that absorbs bad stuff, how bad can it be for your tank? I figure its probably more beneficial than not.

I run about 1/2 cup of black diamond on my 30G 24/7.... change it out every 2-3 weeks.

Just out of curiosity does anyone run Renew? it's the rechargable carbon from Seachem. I don't remember how to recharge it but I remember it can be done a number of times.

Doug