Removing Carbo Temporarily

[Maj0rFiSh]

Is it ok to remove my carbon for a week as im using medication for my discus (Interpet anti slime & velvet) as they have flukes, do i have to put anything in its place?

Ot do i just leave tha part of the filter empty, it has half carbon and half ceramic rings in afluval 304.

[knashash]

youll be fine without the carbon

[JSchmidt]

Many (most?) of us don't use carbon at all. I only use it if I need to remove meds (which I rarely use anyway) or if I suspect exposure to some toxin. Otherwise, the carbon sits on the shelf...

Jim

[redbucket]

first thing i did was replace my carbon with more filter media. i'd suggest you do the same.

[Haymarket]

It is very okay, in fact, you should leave it out permanently and replace it with useful media IMO (bio or mechanical, whichever you need to improve). Carbon is useful for specific purposes, but on a daily basis, it is not needed at all.

[Maj0rFiSh]

WHat can i use instead though, ceramic rings? then ill have a filter just full of ceramic rings, is that what most people do with canister filters?

But will my filter be ok with nothing in its place (The carbon)

[jdellman]

It depends how often you are changing the water. If you are doing frequent water changes, you do not need the carbon. Many people that keep Discus are doing every other day or every day water changes. I do every other day changes, and instead of the carbon filters, I use sponges in the filter. Just rinse the sponges and they are re-usable.

Another thing that many people do is to install a pre-filter on the intake tube, which cuts down on the debris entering the filter, which keeps the sponges inside the filter cleaner, and allows for longer use between cleanings.

[Kasakato]

I have sponges im my Canister. The first layer is 20 and 30ppi spoges and then I have 3 layers of filter floss. I only use carbon when I am using meds, or removing the colour from driftwood.

[Kissofthegorami]

My canister (Eheim 2213) has ceramic noodles, foam sponge, bio substrate, and then a fine sponge (filter floss)

[Maj0rFiSh]

I have sponges im my Canister. The first layer is 20 and 30ppi spoges and then I have 3 layers of filter floss. I only use carbon when I am using meds, or removing the colour from driftwood.

But your meant to take carbon out for meds :confused:

I took my carbon out last night for the first time, i woke up this morning and i can tell what adifference it makes, my tank for the first time is slightly cloudy, i think ill put back new carbon in 7 days when the meds have finished.