View Full Version : What is carbon used for?
dom418
12-16-2002, 10:32 AM
Do you think it is better to double up on the sponges on my aquaclear filters, or use carbon and only 1 sponge? Which combo is best? I have heard carbon only eliminates odor
Tyler718
12-16-2002, 10:39 AM
With my AC I use two sponges. Also, I only use carbon to remove meds if I use any. It can used remove odor, but IMHO if you are doing your maintenance regularly on your tank you won't have the need for the carbon.
Wippit Guud
12-16-2002, 10:42 AM
On here, carbon is used to start debates :)
morleyz
12-16-2002, 10:47 AM
Carbon is probably the single most important element in organic compounds...without it...we wouldn't be having this conversation.
Oh yeah...and what everyone else said too.
carbon is used to seperate you from your $$$. :D
and a bunch of other reasons already mentioned. ;)
i, personally, have not specifically used it in months. my emps come with it included in the cartridges but i rinse and reuse these constantly. ditto for the whisper type filter bags, if it comes with the carbon i use it, but after that i just rinse and reuse the filters until i can do it no longer. i do have a big, brand new jar of it i use for a paperweight tho. :D
it can be used for eliminating oders and some organics i believe, but regular maintenance works better and costs alot less.
JacksontoKobe
12-16-2002, 6:12 PM
The one thing I noticed carbon does is clear water fast after a water change and real good vaccuming where all kinds of crap is floating around in the water from shaking up your gravel with the vacuum. It definitley makes your water look polished. But I would say 2 sponges is the way to go fore more biological activity.
wetmanNY
12-16-2002, 6:27 PM
Dr Tim Hovanec's articles on carbon are the best science stuff on what carbon actually adsorbs-- in other words the real answers to this thread.
They're at www.marineland.com/ Open the Marineland Labs section and then Aquatic research. There you'll find "Dr. Tim's articles."
JacksontoKobe
12-16-2002, 6:57 PM
That is a very good page wetman.
Twilight
12-17-2002, 8:55 AM
Lol.....I asked the filter question once.......filter cartridges vs sponges. Of course carbon then became a question. Went on for days. I switched to sponges. Carbon...well......I've been told it's good to use to remove medications. Some believe in it....some don't. I say do what works for you. And shhhhhhh.....don't mention that "C" word. ;)
wetmanNY
12-17-2002, 9:22 AM
Carbon is not the Immaculate Conception. You don't have to "believe" in it or not. It's sensible anyway to follow the link-- if you have any curiosity about carbon-- educate yourself and procede from there..
I don't "believe" in carbon, I use it for what it actually does. No more. No less.
..Once you have a computer, ignorance is a choice..
Twilight
12-18-2002, 7:05 AM
How niiiiiiiiicccce of you wet dude to correct my choice of words. Your definately my mentor now. I didn't mean literally "believe" in it. Maybe agree with the uses of it is a better choice? Anyway don't be so **** technical about it. Instead of correcting my choices of words and pinpointing on them just give your advice without your hoity bull responses! Get a life.
wetmanNY
12-18-2002, 1:10 PM
...twilight indeed...
Twilight
12-18-2002, 9:25 PM
I do apologize to you wetman.......that was very rude of me. I know that I shouldn't voice my thoughts when I am having bad moments. Sorry, I am sure that you only want to help.
wetmanNY
12-19-2002, 2:30 AM
Why, thank you, Twilight. I was quite cross myself, to tell the truth.
I honestly do try to make complicated things simple. I know I don't always succeed. But I also try not to make finicky distinctions where it really doesn't matter. And I also try not to interfere when it's not necessary. (You probably think I post far too much anyway!)
The great thing is to remain curious and never stifle one another.
Twilight
12-20-2002, 7:03 PM
No not at all......Wetman. You are very helpful to this site. A lot of folks are. Have a great Xmas!
JamisonBWolsh
12-20-2002, 9:03 PM
My 2 cents worth: I dont use it. Its really not needed unlees you want to remove medications. Its used to remove smell...but a healthy tank only has a VERY slight earthy smell...
TnCgal
12-20-2002, 9:19 PM
To answer the original question :
2 sponges are best. You will have more surface area for your bacterial colonization, leading to a healthier tank.
Twilight
12-21-2002, 7:53 AM
yep....I am a official sponger now.
fishbrain
12-21-2002, 3:01 PM
Ditto on the sponges.I don't use carbon,I keep up on tank maint.and never have a problem.But using carbon is one's own choice.