Activated Carbon

[PPMN]

I have recently heard that carbon isn't necessary, in fact that it removes beneficial nutrients for plants. This is a new concept for me. I'd like to get everyone's opinions on the use of activated carbon. What are the pros/cons? Does it really remove fertilizers? How else do you keep the water clear?

 

[Nitro]

I havn't used carbon in over 10 months. My filter has a coarse sponge, then a fine sponge, bio media, some crushed coral and then a very fine sponge. My water is always crystal clear.

As far as I know, it is only good for removing medicine and it doesn't last very long anyways.

 

[cherrypie]

Keep some aside if you ever need to remove meds or suspect some other form of chemical contamination. Otherwise don't worry about it.

 

[PPMN]

Does it really remove ferts?

 

[cherrypie]

I'd say it's possible it might pick up some components. Though it doesn't bind to most inorganic compounds so most trace elements should be ok.

 

[12 Volt Man]

it is okay with ferts.

 

[TEL]

I agree with cherrpie, i dont use it and my tank is crystal clear. But keep some handy just in case.

 

[Rbishop]

Use it all the time, all 27 tanks...planted and not planted. Some things are just myths.

 

[Weezer]

I use it about 3 weeks a month, I think some people shy away from it because of the added expense, about 10.00 dollars a month, IMO its worth it......

 

[hitman12131976]

I use Activated Carbon AND the Zeolite crystals in my tank. The carbon keeps my water clear and the zeolite helps absorb ammonia and other nitrogenous compounds. Fish seem happy.