Does Active Carbon Need to be in the Filter?

[blue2fyre]

I treated my 55 gallon with some meds a couple weeks ago. Even though I have done water changes the tank water still is tinted. I got some Active Carbon to remove the rest of the meds.
The canister filters are not the easiest to get into and I always end up spilling water. Can I just put the carbon in a media bag in the tank? Or does it need to be in the filter?

 

[jbradt]

It should go into the filter for best effectiveness.

 

[Stargazer53]

It should go into the filter for best effectiveness.

:iagree:

It's more effective for the carbon to be in the filter because while the water is 'filtering' it will have to get through to the carbon before it filters out. I hope that makes sense? Long day here.:y220d:

 

[blue2fyre]

Thanks

I just wanted to see if there was an easier way before I cracked open the Canister.

 

[RodInCALIFORNIA]

just get a used HOB filter to keep on hand and drop your carbon in a media bag and run it thru that and when your done its easy to store away that filter until needed again. Its easier then having to open and do the canister just for carbon.