activated carbon
- Thread starter bennylax3
- Start date
As something that removes chemicals from the water, probably 3-4 days at max. As a place for bacteria to grow, forever.
I have never used it in my tanks except to remove old medications. I use sponges and just rinse them out when I change my water. Costs a lot less money.
I have never used it in my tanks except to remove old medications. I use sponges and just rinse them out when I change my water. Costs a lot less money.
3-4 days? Hmmm thats debatable. Even the most skeptical of all skeptics have said it lasts as a chemical media for 2+ weeks. I would say 3-4 weeks personally, but that JMO.
The bigger point, is that carbon is generally not needed unless you have a medication, severe smell, or dye to remove. I (personally) haven't used carbon in years.
Links to Carbon Related Topics
Carbon - Q & A
General Carbon Information
The bigger point, is that carbon is generally not needed unless you have a medication, severe smell, or dye to remove. I (personally) haven't used carbon in years.
Links to Carbon Related Topics
Carbon - Q & A
General Carbon Information
I've had my penguin/emporer cartridges for a few months and have just been cleaning off the pad when I do waterchanges. Most medications say to remove the filter cartridges. Am I wasting my time doing this? I'd rather leave the cartridges in so they can do their jobs. I have been removing them because it appears they would remove the medication from the water it was filtering but if the carbon has lost it's ability to work, I'd rather leave them in. thanks, Kyle
Chances are that the carbon will do nothing to the meds if it is spent. However, carbon in theory can loose its bonds with toxic substances if another substance comes along that has stronger bonding potential. And meds genrally present strong bonding potential.
I said chances are that this will not happen but this is another reason I do not bother running carbon in any of my tanks. I replaced all of those catridges with sponges cut to fit.
I said chances are that this will not happen but this is another reason I do not bother running carbon in any of my tanks. I replaced all of those catridges with sponges cut to fit.
Carbon lifespan depends upon quality, but 2-6 weeks is about the correct range. I have to say I don't think its wise to keep used up carbon in your filtration system, but I'd kinda like to see some filters have the option of buying media without carbon.
So what about it releasing toxins when its spent? After you rinse it once its spent is it safe then?
If the tap water doesn't taste good for human consumption, would it be safe to say carbon should be used for the fish tank ?