activted carbon all the same?

Quinster · #1 09-14-2006, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlesilvermax

All carbon has some phosphates in it. Some have more then others

That is not completely true, there are carbons that are 100% phosphate free, many medical and technical grade carbons have no trace phosphates.

Johnny Reefer · #2 09-14-2006, 03:24 PM

Unless there is some kind of loophole where phosphate free doesn't necessarily mean 100% phosphate free, I think Marineland is legally bound to provide to the consumer phosphate free carbon, as they claim their Black Diamond carbon is. This is indicated in the small pamphlet they put inside the jar, on top of the carbon.
To me, Johnny Consumer, phosphate free means no phosphates. Period.

It'd be a good one for that TV show "Marketplace". They could test the stuff to see if what they say is true. But then, most people that watch the show probably wouldn't care.

Cheers

,

JOSH · #3 09-14-2006, 03:52 PM

so what would happen if you put in carbon with phosphate? what would be a result from it getting into your tank?

Johnny Reefer · #4 09-14-2006, 04:04 PM

The phosphates will leech out into the tankwater, thus increasing the water's phosphate level. Phosphates are a contributing factor toward algae and cyanobacteria growths. Keeping phosphate levels low is desired to help combat this. Less than or equal to 0.05 mg/l is an ideal, IMO.

Cheers

,

littlesilvermax · #5 09-14-2006, 04:45 PM

Something like 3+ years I read that there is a trace amount of phosphate that is below a certain level they can claim phosphate free.

Like a lot of drinking water says sodium free, but then on the side it shows how many ppm of sodium is in it, and there is some!

I am sure Quinster knows better!

GMGQ · #6 09-14-2006, 05:32 PM

This rings a bell with me too.

It's like how Ketchup is Worm Free, but Heinz can have a certain percentage of worms mixed into it

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlesilvermax

Something like 3+ years I read that there is a trace amount of phosphate that is below a certain level they can claim phosphate free.

Like a lot of drinking water says sodium free, but then on the side it shows how many ppm of sodium is in it, and there is some!

I am sure Quinster knows better!

Johnny Reefer · #7 09-14-2006, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlesilvermax

Something like 3+ years I read that there is a trace amount of phosphate that is below a certain level they can claim phosphate free. ....

It's a shame that they can get away with things like that. I guess the saying should really be...."Buyer beware....uh....to a certain point".

Cheers

,

Skimmerking · #8 09-14-2006, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quinster

That is not completely true, there are carbons that are 100% phosphate free, many medical and technical grade carbons have no trace phosphates.

like Quinns stuff truely amazing give him a call at prairie reef supplies for some very cheap too .

kwirky · #9 09-15-2006, 04:43 AM

Copanies use the term "XXX free" rather than "no XXX" because linguistically, it's a euphemism, and it has plenty of grey area for lawsuits

. Think freedom vs. rights.

It's a euphemism, just like "smaller chance of..." and "most cases..." etc etc... All product packaging is full of euphemisms

midgetwaiter · #10 09-15-2006, 07:05 AM

There are so many amusing loopholes in this stuff. My g/f brought home some No MSG Added (I'm really alergic) sausage once, that had modified corn starch in it. I had to explain to her that the label was useless as "modified corn starch" is about 49.9% MSG.

Most people that use Black Diamond seem happy with it though, I imagine the cost of lab grade stuff would be prohibitive.