Should carbon media in filters be avoided...

[Clankeye]

In a planted tank? I am using it, and had never questioned it until a couple of comments I read which made it sound like it was almost a given that you don't do it. I am guessing the thought would be it removes elements the plants need?

Anybody here use it? Not use it?

 

[12 Volt Man]

I have used it for years and have had no problem.


I suspect the reason is that a lot of the compounds found in our fertilizers are high molecular weight compounds (eg seachem flourish excel), which are molecules that are literally too big to fit into the micropores on the carbon surface.

this is probably why we can often use carbon in planted tanks with no ill effects.

-12 volt man

 

[redswi]

I, like alot of folks, only run carbon when I want to remove medication from the water

 

[Rbishop]

I know the real plant gurus will chime in, but for my limited knowledge, the carbon hasn't affected anything. Though I have nothing that could be considered heavily planted.

 

[dixienut]

i have very heavily planted tanks of low light plants and use carbon and don't have a problem with the plants can't keep up on trimmings..

 

[Clankeye]

dixienut--do you use co2? I'm always curious whether tanks with low light plants thrive with out using it.

 

[phanmc]

While I don't use activated carbon regularly, I've used it to remove tannins and meds in heavily planted, high light tanks that require regular fertilization without any problems. Activated carbon isn't needed in most cases, but you don't have to go out of your way to avoid it or not use it in the few cases that it does prove useful.

Low light tank setups don't require CO2 like in higher light setups and will thrive without it. However, CO2 will benefit any planted tank and the improved growth is noticeable.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

i agree with phanmc. its not that its harmful or anything just not needed it most cases. i dont use carbon in any of my tanks planted or not. i use it like i use salt. i only put it in when i am trying to do something with it like remove meds.

 

[dixienut]

no never use co2,.... they do just fine without, it all depends on the plants.. or if its a new tank.. in an active tank thats been up and running, there should be enough stuff in there for the plants to get what they need.. but that also depends on what your water is like i have well water and i live in the country so its pretty good for the plants here...