Try this on your carbon
 

Well did a major filter clean out of my Koi filter which of coarse includes changing out the carbon. Did the hot water soak and decided to I didn't need as much as I soaked. So I drained the extra carbon and put it in the lid of the carbon container. Went back later to clean up my mess and noticed this in the carbon (undisturbed) Not just a little rust but lots, even stirred it up to check. And this is just barely a handful. Shows some of the crap that's on the market. Try this on your carbon, I'm curious to see if others find this.

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/r...g/IMG_1907.jpg

ROX all the way =)

Yup, just bought some for the first time.

Here is an excellent article that explains the different kinds of carbon.
http://joejaworski.wordpress.com/200...k-need-carbon/

There was a 400 gallon tank about a year ago where rust was found in the carbon. Something about a group buy. The tank was adversely affected by the rust, so perhaps you are lucky.

- Brad

Pull it out with a magnet Mike!

Chemi-Pure Elite Wooooooot!

That was Greg (Snappy, Coralmaster) right here =)

Just curious... why would you hot water soak your carbon?

I thought you were only supposed to use cold while rinsing or cleaning?

Would you have the same effect if you soaked in cold water?


Strange none the less. Not sure if I missed it... but what brand of carbon is that?

Ahh sorry to hear you encountered this issue!


Thanks for linking that, good read!

I agree on the ROX 0.8 as well. The only thing I can really say about it is that the smaller pellet sizes means you have to be a little more careful loading and unloading your reactors if you don't want a huge mess, also it seems capable of working its way through sponges so inevitably some will work its way into your sump but as far as a quality of carbon there's no alternative.

That article NorthernSeaCorals linked to just a good job of explaining the issue with organics and outlines why carbon is important even with good skimming.

Yeah the ROX can weave through multiple layers of foam it's crazy. I've got the stuff figured out now tho and barely waste any when rinsing and see none in my sump. First couple times that stuff was even in my display!

I have always used marineland (from walmart) way cheeper and is still listed as good. mind you I run it 24/7 and change it out every two weeks.

Steve

I was all proud of myself the last carbon changeout last weekend, didn't spill any out of the reactor of the old OR new but then bumped the container and I hadn't tightened the lid all the way so lost about 1" of carbon out of the container all onto the floor. I rock!

Thats what this carbon was, Marineland. I've used it for awhile now, but can probably explain some issues I've been having.

I use Kent Carbon, good price on JL and have never had a problem with it. And it is listed as good on the article. YIPPEEEE!!:cheer2:

Bad carbOn
 

I beliieve snappys problem was discovered to be his bad brs d/I cartridges.

@ Brett and Tony. I dont know what kind of reactor you are using, but i run the rox carbon and all my tanks. I run it in two little fishy reactors and run two foams up top with a media baggie cut below the carbons so the media cant work its way out never lost any carbon. To rinse it i take the outlet line from the carbon run into a pail for a minute and no hassle of trying to do it in the sink and then fill the reactor. Hope this helps.

Like what? I used it for 9 years with out any issues, and no rust either as I used it in both my fresh and salt tanks. both were switched out every two weeks.

Steve

I use the Seachem charbon. It has the shape of little round balls and it is very pure. Last 3 months. It does not do the same thing as your carbon.

+1