carbon? who runs it

Willow · #1 03-04-2005, 04:31 AM

ive never really used carbon before unless i was having problems but ive recently decided to start using it regularly. i was wondering how much do you use and how often do you change it out.

i grabbed one of those big cans of black diamond from j&l and am running a cup of it in a micron bag in the last chamber of my sump. trying to figure out if i should use more and is a month to long to leave it, i suspect it stops working after a week or so.

Invigor · #2 03-04-2005, 04:34 AM

I don't use it. The wind one day told me it's a possible cause for HLLE in tangs, so I jumped away.

Aquattro · #3 03-04-2005, 04:36 AM

I use about 1/2 cup per week of the black diamond.

mr_alberta · #4 03-04-2005, 04:42 AM

I run carbon 24/7. About 1 cup or so. Its hooked up to my return pump so any water that goes back into my tank goes through the carbon. To be honest, I don't really notice THAT much of a difference in water clarity, but I mainly use carbon for the nasties in the water I can't see. Better safe than sorry IMO. I change it every 2 weeks.

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #5 03-04-2005, 04:52 AM

I'm a firm believer of ChemiPure. Have used it in all my tanks since the 80s. Activated carbon loses most of its potency way too quickly for me. ChemiPure is good for months. Less hassle = happy me

JME & O

Anthony

EmilyB · #6 03-04-2005, 05:03 AM

Rarely.

megatron_55 · #7 03-04-2005, 05:04 AM

Yuppers . . . I run carbon too . . . . about 1/2 cup in my fuge . . . . (in the penguin filter) . . . It helps purify water i believe . . . Use it . . .

Besides . . . u saw my tank . . . crystal clear!!

Saltysteve · #8 03-04-2005, 05:42 AM

I was not too happy with the color of my water, had a yellow tinge to it. I threw in a bag of carbon and it cleared right up. Been using it 24 /7 ever since. I am just about to take it out and discard it. Going to see how long before the problem arises again.
Interesting subject!

EmilyB · #9 03-04-2005, 05:48 AM

It might be interesting to add as well, whether or not there is algae in your system, be it fuge or whatever. I don't have algae.

Samw · #10 03-04-2005, 05:56 AM

Big difference in my tank. I definitely use carbon. Here are some comparisons with all else constant (Same Lighting, filteration, etc). Only difference is one picture was taken a few weeks after I started running carbon.

WITHOUT CARBON:

WITH CARBON: