The carbon controversy HLLE and anything else you have.

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Que

Que

I wish I was a fish I wish.
Feb 15, 2007
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This post is intended to bring forth information and discussion about activated carbon, how it's used and what it does or doesn't do to our fish and water. I would like posters to use links and sources so all can view where you got your info from.
I googled and found this site as the first hit with this (carbon fish filter removal nutrients hlle) in the search box as it pertains to our subject but specifically to HLLE or head and lateral line erosion.

site: http://www.aquarium-design.com/fish/hlle.html

info: Researched and written by Nathan Henderson

THE CARBON THEORIES: There are several theories that the use of activated carbon in tanks may cause HLLE.
One version of this theory is that the carbon could be causing nutritional deficiencies by adsorbing vitamins or trace minerals either directly from the water, or by adsorbing molecules that the needed nutrients could then bind to. This theory, however, has several problems: There aren't any vitamins in tap water to begin with, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and iron should be available in large quantities in most prepared fish foods. Additionally, it is reported that fish rely on food for nutrients, trace and otherwise, making the presence of nutrients in the water irrelevant (4) although fish have been shown to be able to extract various minerals from the water (calcium, iron, zinc, etc.)
A second carbon theory is that some types of carbon may release toxins which cause HLLE. Perhaps a more specific variant of this theory is that some poorly manufactured carbons might release chemicals that cause stress to the fish. (See THE STRESS THEORY.) Another theory is that loose particles of carbon dust in the water have some caustic affect, but there is no support for this that I have been able to find.
All carbon-related theories regarding the cause of HLLE suffer from one other significant shortcoming: HLLE can be found in tanks which have never had carbon of any sort used in them, yet is NOT found in many tanks using carbon. While it remains possible that carbon may be involved in some cases, there is no reason to believe it is a factor in most cases, if any. There is no sound evidence for a link, or even a logical specific theory--at best, the carbon-HLLE theories amount to a handful of individual cases where HLLE was seen in tanks using carbon, but appeared to improve after the carbon was removed. Since there is little to no information on what other steps where taken in the treatment of the HLLE, the association with carbon is rather suspect.
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Most fish keepers I know use carbon only to remove medications. Let's hear what you have to say and what you can find.


Q
 
i dont use it at all in my wet/dry on my 55. just mechanical and biological. no zeolite or anything else either. so far, my water has tested perfectly for almost 3 months now
 
Well, as most folks know, I am a prolific carbon user. I will look at my notes and get back with links, but they will be as inconclusive as most articles are on the subject.

My main reason..clear water. There is nothing out there that takes out impurities and physical debri as effectively as carbon. I have never seen as clear water as that that passes thru a carbon filter.
 
i used to use carbon for years and had no ill effects with it and the only reason i quit was because i no longer wanted to pay for the carbon and decided extra water changes would do the same thing for cheaper
 
wildman117 said:
i used to use carbon for years and had no ill effects with it and the only reason i quit was because i no longer wanted to pay for the carbon and decided extra water changes would do the same thing for cheaper
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If you have undersirable elements in your water, more water changes doesn't clean them up.
 
i didnt realise there was any ossociated problems with carbon untill this artical and use carbon in my tank noticing no adverse affects but i will now keep a closer eye on my tank
 
my O has1 HLLE spot.. small and barely visible, but still there. i'm going through a cycle and dont let the ammo get above .25. i think that's what caused his little spot. i was also feeding him pellets that SAID they were very nutritious, but switched to hikari pellets instead just incase. i also give him peas and small shrimp 1 day out of every week, and give him a different type of pellet every once in a while.
i use carbon, but recently got some stuff to customize and upgrade my filtration, so im taking the carbon out today. ill be sure to post back if the spot goes away.
i think he got it because of the stress of the cycle. ive upped my water changes even more and varied his diet and made it more nutritious. still that 1 spot, but it seems to be fading a little.
ill let you know in a couple of weeks if it has faded more or gone away.

i guess theres MSG in some fish food to enhance flavor. i made a thread about this in the general chitchat section a bit ago and someone told me that carbon could and would have a chemical reaction with MSG. idk if it would be a crazy reaction, but i just found that interesting. dont think it really means much though.
i think HLLE is mainly stress-related.
someone did tell me -(one of the ?vendors?) on MFK i think it was- that a lot of people in his store tell them that when they take out their carbon, HLLE goes away or gets better.
 
while i never use carbon and HLLE has nothing to do with it. there is a lot of mis info out there and a lot of unproven info out there. its the whole keep saying it until its true. people switch i think or believe to i know or it is.......

there been plenty of people who been using carbon for years and years with out and problems.... a couple people get it then take the carbon out and it doesnt happen again..... now it turns into fact......
 
I also use carbon 24/7, and have for years, changed out every 10 days. with no problems that iam aware of.......:)
 
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