Carbon

[PumaWard]

I was wondering if activated carbon is a must in the aquarium, and what exactly does it do for the aquarium. I know carbon removes toxins from water, but that's about it.

Also, I was wondering how I would make my water softer... are there any house-hold items that I would use....

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[mota]

I have a few aquariums that I've never used carbon in all the years I've had them set up. Most of my aquariums I do use carbon tho.

Carbon isn't needed, imo. If you have dingy water from adding driftwood or are trying to get rid of medications you previously added, then it works good.

[biggisteve]

i have 4 tanks in my house 2 55's a 40 hex and a 30 and in none of them do I use carbon. It just didn't seem to be worth it. i use emperor filters for 3 of the tanks with just the cage of filter floss and in the hex i have an eheim echo using just the pads they gave with it and some filter floss I've never had a problem with out the carbon. its nice to save money with out it.

[Fishskin]

If you do use it, it is only active for a week or two. Unless you change it that frequently, it won't "do its thing" anyway.

[rsava]

Carbon is not a "must" in aquariums. It is always a good idea to keep some around though in case you have to medicate your fish in a non-hospital tank. It is useful in removing medications after the medication process.

Peat will soften your water but it also lowers pH so be careful. It will also tinge the water slightly.