I'm just wondering what the pros and cons are with using or not using carbon in your filtration.

have a look at this i think it might answer your questions

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Thanks!

as long as it helps

Yeah, I read on another forum a while ago that some people don't use carbon in their filters, so I wasn't sure what was best for my tank. After reading that article, I've decided to keep using carbon, especially since I don't have any live plants.

well glad it helped you make your mind up just remember though if you are using any medications in your tank remove the carbon

Well, I'm still reading the article, due to numerous time constraints.

But I tend to use Carbon only as it comes with the Filter, but after a few months it comes out, and I don't replace it.

I honestly don't remember what I read, but many years ago I come to the conclusion I didn't really need it. For better or worse.

Kana, I can't remember, are your tanks planted? Myself, I don't change the carbon out very much. Maybe every 2 to 3 months. Before the neon tetra disease, I had very few deaths.

Heavily planted. With CO2 (that hasn't been on for a month or two).

I'm also only part-way through the article.

However, since I started keeping the discus, I've been carbon-free. I was told (and read) from several sources that carbon was detrimental to their slime coats.

The other interesting factoid I've heard from more than one source is that carbon uses up all its "filtering power" in a few days anyway. So unless you're always replacing it, it's really not doing much chemically after that period of time.

Whether that is true or not, I can tell you that since my tanks are carbonless, my water quality has not suffered one bit...and I've had no sickness (knock on wood) since I've removed it.

I consider the fact that many people use nothing but sponge filters (two of my tanks are that way) evidence that carbon is a preference but not necessarily a necessity.

GREAT TOPIC, PRIZ!

i personaly dont use carbon in any of my tanks
i think the using of carbon is basically down to personal choice but i would suggest you fully read the above link

This is getting even more interesting after reading from those of you who don't use carbon! If anything, now I know not to panic if I don't change the carbon as often as I used to think I should, as long as I keep up with the regular water changes. And with the amount of fish I have now (about 10 small ones in a 55-gallon), it's not like they're going to poop up the water anytime soon.

I was under the impression that after some time, the carbon filter can degrade, and dump the toxins back into the water. That's why they are replaced, and not just rinsed out.

kana if you dont have time to read all the artical scroll down to characteristics-what to buy-what to care about
but as mizpriz said this is getting interesting

Ok Ok, I'll go and finish it now...

But I'll be back !