How do I pick carbon?

captmicha

Le tired.
Dec 6, 2006
2,052
0
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Maryland, USA
What qualities should I look for in carbon so I pick a good kind? I know the shape, size and all that matters. Also, I want to buy it in bulk. Where's a good place to do that for a good price? Ebay seems okay but s&h is high.
 
I know that if you look outside of fish related places, you can get large amounts of carbon for way cheaper than an LFS would sell it for.

The problem, which may not really be an issue, is that most of that carbon is sold for air quality purposes, and although it should still absorb stuff in water, it may not do it as effeciently as the carbon designed for water.

if you wondering the difference, its mostly in how it is activated (steam, fire, high pressure hot air, etc) which determines weather it will better absorb stuff in air, or water.

sorry i sort of went slightly off topic, or got too into it, but your talking bulk, and im thinking 50lb bags which i know are cheaper when purchased places outside of an LFS.
 
I have always heard the best carbon is the Marineland Black Diamond carbon. Something about the way it is made is supposed to make it more effective.
 
This is the best stuff iv found off the shelf....:)

IMG_0707.jpg
 
Black Diamond all the way.

Ensure whatever you get, wasn't a phosphate washed carbon.
 
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