Is filter floss better than charcoal?

[gustavo85]

Hi! I have an AC filter where the charcoal is separate from the rest of the filtration media and I've seen lots of threads where suggestions are made on not using charcoal in your filter unless you want to filter out any recent medicine from your tank. Is this really the deal? Would you replace filter floss for the charcoal? And if you forget to change your charcoal media does it really leak the substances adsorbed back to your tank?

Thanks ahead for your opinions!

 

[Hooked Newbie]

I'd say to go with the floss except for removing substances.

 

[247Plants]

Apparently it wont leech back into your system, but Im a skeptic when it comes to that and by no means a pro on the chemical properties.

And yes its true that carbon isnt necessary 100% of the time, only when you are removing something from the water. The two most common uses I know of for carbon are for removing meds and tannins.

 

[jbradt]

I'd say to go with the floss except for removing substances.

Agreed... my understanding is that most charcoal sold is the next best thing to worthless anyway. I've never used it in my tanks and they stay crystal clear with perfect params.

 

[247Plants]

Floss is second to micron or DE filters for removing very small particulate material in the water.

 

[Hooked Newbie]

Yep. As far as the "leeching" goes, I don't believe it. I'm not a chemical engineer either but I've left carbon bags in my filters for up to a year (basically until they were ready to disintegrate) because they basically become "bio-media" over time.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

floss and carbon is different. depending on what your doing will depend on what you want. carbon is good for removing meds and other junk in your water chemically. floss is good for polishing water. it just depends.

 

[Fordtrannyman]

Hi! I have an AC filter where the charcoal is separate from the rest of the filtration media and I've seen lots of threads where suggestions are made on not using charcoal in your filter unless you want to filter out any recent medicine from your tank. Is this really the deal?

Yes, In most cases

Would you replace filter floss for the charcoal?

No, I use a finer micron sponge on the very top.

And if you forget to change your charcoal media does it really leak the substances adsorbed back to your tank?

It can't if I have a responsible maintenance routine.

Thanks ahead for your opinions!

Your welcome

 

[gustavo85]

I ordered a 50 micron filter pad from Coralife (Pure Flo) because I have very small particulate in the tank, I hope this solves the deal.

 

[Rbishop]

It will not leach back.

I use it for making the water clearer.