Advice on running carbon

ThatNewFishGuy

ThatNewFishGuy

AC Members
May 4, 2010
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What are your guys' opinions on running carbon? I have a 92 gallon corner tank running for several months now. I think I used carbon bag for a month or so but threw it out after that and never bothered to buy any more. The tank isn't heavily stocked with corals or fish. I read carbon reactors are the best way to run carbon in your system. What's a decently priced reactor for a tank like mine? Also, is it something you run 24/7 or only for a certain period of time. Ive heard varying opinions. How often do you need to change out the carbon? Im worried that it could get pricey
 
Seachem Purigen is the way to go.
 
Any particular reason for wanting to run carbon? If its water polishing then Slappy's got it right purigen is much better. I run a bag of chemipure elite in my HOB which has some carbon in it but I use it for the GFO and plan to get a couple GFO reactors soon. Might try Two Little Fishes reactor and one of the BRS ones.
 
I never use anything. Just good ole maintenance.
 
Two Little Fishes or Bulk Reef Supply's reactors would be plenty for your tank if you wanted to go with a reactor. Theory behind a reactor is the slow tumbling of the material which exposes more of the carbon's surface area to the water as it passes through.

I have always just run filter bags in my sump as I have no desire to add anymore equipment to my tank. If I upgrade to a larger tank (or if I decide to stop doing weekly water changes) then I will consider a reactor or two but I have been running carbon in a bag pretty much 24/7 since the beginning without issue. Some say running it 24/7 increases the chances of lateral line disease and hole in the head. There are several articles on line regarding that. I would read up and make your own decsion on whether to run it and how often you choose to do so.
 
I run carbon 24/7, myself. With the organics added and created, I can't imagine not running something for it. Sure, water changes reduce them, but not the the extent that carbon (or Purigen) does, nor for the same amount of time. I highly recommend using one of these adsorptive media.FWIW, I also just float it in a bag in my sump. Reactors are more efficient, but I strive for less equipment--not to mention the reactor clogging regularly for me.
 
If you do get a reactor go with the Two LIttle Fishes... it's better than the BRS. I have both on my tank and like the TLF much better.
 
Benson said:
If you do get a reactor go with the Two LIttle Fishes... it's better than the BRS. I have both on my tank and like the TLF much better.
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What size tank, and which TLF and BRS do you have? I was leaning toward the deluxe or dual BRS but may change my mind now. Running carbon and or gfo?
 
Maybe I will check out using some bagged carbon for a little bit. If I dont have to drop 80 bucks on a reactor plus add another piece of equipment to my sump, thats a good day for me!

How often should I be changing it out though, when I used the bag of chemipure, it said it's good for 6 months which seems way too good to be true
 
Carbon is generally used up by 4 weeks or less depending on your water conditions. Never used regular CP just the Elite which also contains Ferric Oxide, the FO lasts longer then the carbon which is why I guess they have the longer replacement window, I usually replace it after 4 months.
 
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