Carbon filter?

[dinosue]

Hi, all
I have an eclipse 6 that's been running about a month and half and I believe it is cycled. The kit came with a carbon filter (blue foam top with plastic casing that holds charcoal) and a bio wheel. The manual from the kit says carbon filter is supposed to remove chemical impurities and should be replaced every month; bio wheel is supposed to remove ammonia and beneficial bacteria will grow on the surface, so never clean or replace.

But, after 6 weeks, the blue foam top on the carbon filter seems to be covered by bacterial colonies (grayish gunk) and nothing on the bio wheel. So at this point I don't think it is a good idea to replace the carbon filter, but I also heard that carbon filter will be useless after 2 weeks or so. So I am not sure what to do with the carbon filter. Should I just leave it as is or replace with a new one (but I am afraid that it will start cycling all over again)?

I would really appreciate your advice. Thanks.

[Blueiz]

Rinse the filter pad off in dechlorinated water or old tank water, replace it when its falling apart. No need for carbon unless you are removing meds or tanins from the water. You can leave the old carbon in there. The grey gunk you see on it are particles, fish waste that have been filtered out of the water. This gunk should not accumulate on your bio wheel.

[7itanium]

Carbon is not needed.... the only time its really useful is to remove medicines and can be good when first cycling a tank if adding ammonia.

it is great for removing impurities.. but its only good for about 2 weeks and then it needs replacement

most hobbyists dont bother with replacing it unless they are treating something.. its not needed and can be expensive

just rinse your filter with tank water if its dirty ( be careful)

and forget the charcoal.. you can even remove it

[Rbishop]

While you may not need the carbon, it does have many useful properties that you may need depending on the quality of your source water.

It does have a limited time frame for this chemical filtration..but it is used by many hobbyists on a consistent basis for excellent reasons.

[7itanium]

While you may not need the carbon, it does have many useful properties that you may need depending on the quality of your source water.

It does have a limited time frame for this chemical filtration..but it is used by many hobbyists on a consistent basis for excellent reasons.

agreed.. that was kind of my point-- its benefical but not really necessary either

[Rbishop]

In certain water conditions, it is very necessary. That was my point. What is needed by many is not needed by all.

:)

[LouRey]

What water conditions would require carbon? Where can I get information on this?

[Rbishop]

Discoloration.

Heavy metals.

Unusual odors such as sulfur smells.

And for overall increased clarity for photo taking.

Just follow google links...a world of info.

[b.greene]

I love my carbon filters. I know it is not important to all, but for me, I really love crystal clear water and carbon helps.

[colinsk]

I love my carbon filters. I know it is not important to all, but for me, I really love crystal clear water and carbon helps.

I guess I am at the other end of the spectrum. I just turned off my HOB filter last week and replaced it with a power head that has no filtration at all. Now my only filtation is gravel vacs and my bio filter is in my plants and gravel. My water will never be as clear as if I had high quality filtration.

[Fla_Larry]

Discoloration.

Heavy metals.

Unusual odors such as sulfur smells.

And for overall increased clarity for photo taking.

Just follow google links...a world of info.

and it is inexpensive, still have not figured out where the expense thing seems to have come from, not the first time i have heard that used as a reason. But like you said, it remains in very common use by most keepers, granted not changed maybe as often as it should be, but very useful, it's benifits are in its abaility to remove disolved gases that the bio and mech filtration are unable to touch. it dont take to long before you can smell the water after the AC is "Used Up" generally right around 4 weeks

[7itanium]

and it is inexpensive, still have not figured out where the expense thing seems to have come from, not the first time i have heard that used as a reason. But like you said, it remains in very common use by most keepers, granted not changed maybe as often as it should be, but very useful, it's benifits are in its abaility to remove disolved gases that the bio and mech filtration are unable to touch. it dont take to long before you can smell the water after the AC is "Used Up" generally right around 4 weeks



well if you buy carbon in a carton and use it to refill your filters it is cheap.

BUT.. if you are constantly buying NEW filter cartridges that are pre-filled with carbon it gets expensive especially if they are brand name