Put carbon in filter for 1st time.....

[Greggz]

Before getting back into the hobby, I read lots of posts on the pros and cons of carbon/charcoal. I decided not to use it, went through a typical cycle, and have had a very healthy, happy aquarium. Water always looks clear, no smell, and perfect readings.

Due to a calamity (Kitchen Sponge thread) I added some carbon to one of my filters for the 1st time yesterday.

All I can say it WOW! I thought my tank looked great before, but after one day with the charcoal, it looks absolutey crystal clear!

Regardless of the arguments on either side, I think I am going to continue to use it. I thought my water was clear before, but there is no mistake there is a difference. My tank never looked better.

This is not meant to start a debate, just my observation on the purely cosmetic function of carbon.

[Beowulff83]

yes if you have tannins in your water carbon will remove it. Carbon is also a good place for bacteria to grow. But just an fyi your carbon will not stay good forever and you will have to replace it.

[TwoTankAmin]

Depending on how much stuff carbon has to absorb, it can last as little as a week or as much as a month or so. Contrary to urban myth, it will not leech stuff back into the tank.

[irishspy]

You might want to consider Purigen, which will also polish the water bu, unlike carbon, can be "recharged" easily. :idea:

[Mgamer20o0]

glad you liked it. i would look into buying high grade active carbon to save your self some money. also..... after a week or two it isnt active anymore but doesnt mean you have to change it that often. if your take is looking a little cloudy go for it.

[Rbishop]

I love my carbon....

[Fishy_Fun]

i too love carbon lol

[Dave-ZZ4]

I always change the carbon out when I do a filter cleaning/change. From what I have heard the carbon does aid in removing impurities from the tap water when you do water changes. Prime works well as a dechlorinator (sp?) but some tap water may have other things in it that the carbon does get rid of. I know our tap water seems to have more "things" in it during the winter months because right after a water change it does get a very light cloudiness to it for about 8-10 hours. In the summer the tank stays crystal clear during the water changes.