I have this tannin problem in my new tank due to corkbark and driftwood. I have to run activated carbon in my Fluval 305 to combat it. My question is - what are the "good" things in my water that carbon removes and how can I replenish them? It looks like I'll have to run carbon filtration for a long time until my water clears to a level I can live with. Thanks for replies :coffee:
Carbon Media and Water Quality
- Thread starter Elfinbrook
- Start date
Elfinbrook said:
it is my undersatnding that carbon does not take out any fo the "good" things in your water EXCEPT meds if you are useing any. I have used carbon in my tanks for the logest time. Some people say you should not use, others say only when removeing meds. I use it all the time. the trick is.....
CHANGE IT ALL THE TIME
i change my carbon every week. it is still good, but does not work effectily after about week.
Hope this helps, and if i am wrong feel free to correct me anyone
activated carbon removes some metals, including those necessary for live plants as nutrients. there is some talk about the "right" kind of carbon in the Water Chemistry Ins and Outs article, so i don't know if all carbons do this. anyway, i asked that question in Aquatic Plants and was advised to stop using carbon as it was negating my addition of fertilizers. However, carbon needs to be replaced rather frequently (at least every other week) or else it gets saturated and just becomes a place for your good bacteria to live on.
In addition to what Zave and plah have stated, the carbon works better in a high volume capacity. Thin little pads of carbon or those cartridges really are not that effectuve.
I am an avid believer in carbon for 30+ years, even with weekly water changes and overfiltration. All my tanks have a least one Mag 350 with floss and carbon on them.
I am an avid believer in carbon for 30+ years, even with weekly water changes and overfiltration. All my tanks have a least one Mag 350 with floss and carbon on them.
Thanks, all, for your input. Since I have ended up with an Amazon "acid pool" biotope, I'd better stock up on activated carbon. I just wish my python could hook up to a garden hose so I could at least recycle the water from all those frequent water changes! I am awaiting delivery of my first plants. Then will do a massive water change, plant the plants and get the bio-spira process going. Wish me luck....