Carbon??

[RG81]

just wondering if anyone always keeps a constant source of carbon in there sump.. I only use it once in a while, i always thought it would take away from my additives such as calcium and any food i use for my corals. Do any of you keep it in there all the time??

thanks in advance

 

[tcollins]

There are quite a few reefers, like myself, that run carbon 24/7 in phos-reactors. I run two reactors, the other with phos-ban for phosphate control. Change out monthly.

 

[magic]

I use Chemi-Pure Elite. Has the same removal properties as carbon with the addition of phosphate control. Supposed to be good for 6 months. I change every 3.

 

[jazzsam]

I actually have never run carbon in my reef and everything seems to be growing and happy.

 

[harlequinreef]

1 cup of pelletized carbon and changed once a week

 

[DaveK]

As you can see, there are a lot of ways people use carbon, from all the time to not at all.

It's kind of like the old politician speaking....

"I'm glad you asked that question, and every voter should know where I stand on this issue. Some of my friends are for this issue. Some of my other friends are against it. My position is that I agree with my friends."

There is no right or wrong way to use carbon. As usual, I recommend using only a top quality carbon, and if you are in doubt, use only a small amount and gradually increase it.

 

[Carlo]

Yep, lots of "ways" to run carbon and similar type materials.

If you choose to do so the only recommendation I'd make is to use a reactor and not just stick the media in a bag thrown in the sump. Ideally, you want to force the water through the media like in a reactor. The problem with most carbon in a bag type situations is that the water can usually just pass right around the bag without the media getting a chance to really do it's thing. Remember water will always take the path of least resistance.

Carlo

 

[hayabusa2003]

do you think it would be less effective if I put carbon in a filter bag, and put the bag in a media reactor? I was thinking to do this so that it would be easier to change out the media monthly, but not sure if by doing that, I reduce the effectiveness of the carbon.

 

[depitch039]

You are reducing flow thru the carbon if it is in a bag inside of the reactor.

I would rince the carbon in a mesh bag to reduce particles, then pour rinced carbon into reactor.

Doug