Opinion on activated carbon

W

Wat2Go

AC Members
Feb 23, 2007
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I was in my LFS yesterday and I noticed a lot of people walking out of there with their arms full of new activated carbon cartridges.

I am trying to find some more info on activated carbon. We have a couple of tanks and most have filters with a biowheel, so changing the cartridge with activated carbon in it wouldn't mean we throw away all healthy bacteria. One filter has a sponge and a cartridge, so here again, no throwing away healthy bacteria. But one filter (for a ten gallon) only has a cartridge that has the sponge on the cartridge so changing the cartridge would mean throwing away the healthy bacteria in the filter medium.

I know there are also a lot of healthy bacteria in the gravel and on the decorations and all but so far I haven't changed any of the cartridges because:

I felt it was maybe a way of the filter makers to make more money?
I wasn't sure activated carbon does have any other function other than taking medication out of water?

Please correct me if I am wrong. I don't mind changes the cartridges every three weeks or so if there is a big benefit to our fish friends. I do do water changes every week, and our tanks really look clean, and the fish are all happy.

So, how often do you change the cartridge? As often as the label says (every two to 4 weeks)? Never? Why? Why not?

I am hoping all your opinions/information will benefit us newbies!

L.
 
I love carbon. It does more than remove meds. The majority at this forum have come to the conclusion it doesn't do any good, that a water change could do for you.

I disagree. The big issue is that most forms of carbon readily available is of poor quality and insufficeint quantity.

You can maintain a tank without any issues, without carbon. But for me, you will never maintain the clarity and quality I see, without it.
 
This is what we use. :thm: Crystal clear......

IMG_0707.jpg
 
im not for it, but not againts it. I think it is just another thing thrown into the hobby.

Pro's: Can remove impurities, get rid of some meds that have been in the tank, absorbs tannins that can leak out of driftwood and stuff which overall makes the tank look clearer

Con's: Cost money to replace, cant tell good from bad (some people like the tannins in the water)

Theorys: Some theorys about carbon which have never been proven that you may hear about: Carbon dust theory: The dust from carbon may cause hole-in-the head disease, Leak theory: If carbon isnt changed frequently, it may leak the stuff it absorbed.

I dont believe either theorys since there is no proof.

I dont use carbon since i dont think the expense is worth it as well as me liking tannins in the water.
 
Well, scientifically, it won't release to you heat it to abour 2000 degrees.

Got a link to the HITH disease?
 
Wish they had listed the references with the claims...oh boy, bunch or reading to do...lol
 
there are a few more articles saying to prevent HITH disease you should remove carbon. Refering to the carbon theory.
 
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