activated charcoal

[Swimfins]

On my aquaclear 200charcoal insert, it says to replace once a month. I read that this is unecessary and even undesirable, due to the bacterial colonization. Anyway, last weekend, I noticed a white cloudy look to my water, that didn't go away, even with over 50% water change.
Yesterday, I was at my LFS store, I was looking at those additives to clear a cloudy tank, picked up the bottle and put it down again, and grabbed the charcoal filter instead.

Anyway, after changing it, within 2 hours I saw a difference in the clarity of the water. When I got home from work last night, I saw a 60% improvement in the clarity of th water.

What does 'activated' charcoal mean? I also use a britta for tap water (for drinking), is this the same principal? I noticed a hissing sound after rising it under the tap as instructed to do.

Also, might I change the sponge too? Or shall I wait? It was set up On Sept 16th., and hasn't been changed. I have an amonia pack in there too. Should I change that too, in a week or 2? (Not at the same time, I know.)

Thanks

 

[OrionGirl]

Charcoal actually mut be changed regularly. It has a limited capacity to adsorb dissolved wastes from the water, and once it's full, it's full. Replacing sponges or other bio-media shouldn't be done frequently, but charcoal does need to be exchanged--one reason why I don't like some of the cartridge style filter media--you can't replace just the charcoal! The ammonia removing media is similar--but, it competes with the bacteria for the ammonia. I would remove it, and replace it with a better media for the bacteria--sponges, ceramic rings/noodles, etc. You'll need to monitor the tank to make sure you don't have an ammonia spike,and perform water changes as needed until the bacteria colonies can develop fully.

 

[Swimfins]

Right no amonia is 0
nitrites 0
nitrates 0

I'm nervous about taking out the amonia pack. I'll take it out now 12 pm, and monitor for amonia at 12 am tonight. If I see amonia, should I put it back?


Thanks again.

 

[OrionGirl]

No, because you want the bacteria to develop--otherwise you have to keep buying the ammonia media, and that can be expensive. IMO, those should only be used in emergencies. For now, if the ammonia starts showing up, do water changes--much better solution for the fish, and still allows the bacteria colonies to develop. I'd imagine that you do have a decent bacteria population, and it's been growing as the ammonia media 'fills', so it should be able to sustain the load.

 

[TKOS]

Yes, I agree with OG that the ammonia zeolite pack should go. Charcoal is a choice that some peopel like and some hate. Generally speaking it won't hurt anything but your wallet. I never use it in my tanks and only keep some on hand in case I use medications and want to remove them when the treatment is done.

 

[Swimfins]

This has been so helpful. I don't know if I can find the ceramic rings or the noodles (I haven't looked), but if I can't find ceramic or noodles, I 'll add a sponge pack, and leave the old one there for awhile longer.

I've been lucky so far and want to be cautious.

You guys are gr8!



2 hours after removing the 'zeolite' amonia pack, the water is as clear as glass
now. The things I don't know!

 

[TKOS]

You don't have to throw out the old sponge. I have been using mine for 2 years now. Just rinse them out evey so often and change them when they start to fall apart. Adding a second sponge is a good idea.

 

[happychem]

Montreal! My goodness man, for sure you can find some form of ceramic if you wanted! Any store that sells cannister filters will/should have them. They usually have a name something like "bio___".

I'd do away with the carbon as well, keep some fresh stuff on hand for emergencies (or vacations), but otherwise, it's a waste of money, JMHO.

"Activated" charcoal has tons of tiny little holes in each granule. These increase the surface area and provide adsorption sites for organics. Depending on the bio-load of your tank, the carbon would be expired (all the adsorption sites filled) after a couple weeks to a month, hence the advice to change it regularly.

But again, why spend the extra $$ every month when regular water changes do the same thing only better?

 

[Swimfins]

I thought that a carbon in a filter was a necessity. I did not know that once cycled a sponge (or two) is adequate filtration. (and water changed)
I suppose I can find ceramics or the noodles. I will have a look. I have acess to many LFS. My favorite has a display of fresh water rays, and another of Oscars, and saltwater setups, with all kinds of weird saltwater critters.

I entered this hobby, just wanting to have a couple fish in an aquarium.

Looks like I'm up to my neck in it now.

I'll remove the carbon and add another medium as per your advice.

Tonight amonia reads '0' Whoppee, I might be home safe. Thanks so much

 

[sdb]

Also, when you do rinse off your sponges, make sure you do it in old tank water. For example, each time you do a water change, take out your sponges and swish them about in the old tank water before dumping it. Then you just remove the gunk, not the bacteria that you want to stay.
I use two foams in each of my AquaClears. It helps immensly when I need to set up a hospital/QT tank. I just take out a sponge, put it in my spare AC Mini, and I'm set to go.