Carbon question
- Thread starter nano55
- Start date
Not strictly necessary, unless you're removing some sort of pollutant or medicine. Some people run it routinely for various reasons, I only use it when absolutely necessary.
There is a lot of debate out there about the uses/effects of having carbon in the aquarium. Some people use it religiously, others see no need to unless they need to remove something such as medication.
Carbon is chemical filtration. The bio-balls and ceramic rings would be biological filtration. Sponges are mechanical. Three different types of filtration altogether. You'll want to have at least mechanical and biological filtration capabilities in your filter. Chemical filtration (carbon) is not necessary but can help with water clarity. Some people also use filter floss (polyfil) to polish water.
From http://www.algone.com/chemical_aquarium_filtration.php
"Activated Carbon is used to remove organic pollutants, which cannot be handled by bio-logical or medhanical filtration. Organic pollutants are particles and nutrients from metabolic waste, organic acids, proteins, hormones, antibiotic compounds, organic compounds etc. But also many elements from the surrounding air, such as pesticides, nicotine, and perfumes etc., which enter the aquarium at the water surface."
So carbon will do more than just remove medicines and polish your water, This being said water changes will also do the same and replace trace nutrients.
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it isnt a must but its not going to hurt. one big point is making sure you change it every week or two.
i just think there is a lot of people who dont understand it and spreed myths about it
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94711