Carbon or no carbon?

mizpriz · Posted: Sat May 27, 2006 3:02 am Post subject:

Kana3 wrote:

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.

Oh yeah, forgot about that. That's scary. I need to do a filter change tomorrow!

_________________
~Kristin

Only registered users can see links on this forum!
Register or Login on forum!

It's back online, with baby pictures!

PepperedGary · Posted: Sat May 27, 2006 11:38 am Post subject:

As a caveat...

I will say that since I've gone carbonless, I do rinse out & replace my filter media more often "just in case."

Since carbon is "the norm" it still seems kind of weird not using it, so deep down I do pay more attention to the filter media now.

_________________
Like Fish Forums?

Kana3 · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 8:19 am Post subject:

PepperedGary wrote:

I've heard from more than one source is that carbon uses up all its "filtering power" in a few days anyway.

That may depend on how it comes.

The instructions on my first Filter, said to change it every two weeks. The carbon was impregnated into a fine mesh. In my mind, that doesn't really allow for any potential of long term absorbtion.

The Eheim's are the same. A circular disk of 4mm mesh.

The article above, certainly gives me the impression, the Authors are talking about granules, and by the bag full. When a mojor concern about replacing the Carbon, is the effect on your biological filter, that's no small amount.

Imagine if Funky used Activated Carbon, with the problems he's had in recent months. He's had the medications in there. If he also had to wip out the Carbon during treatment, where would he be more recently, if a pre-cursor had been him removing half of his biological filter?

The article hinted at this, but no 'in-depth' discussion. I gather I'm better off without it, due to my having heavy planting. As the Carbon would suck up some trace elements, that may be best served up to my plants instead.

Hopefully Fishy will have some thoughts on this.

_________________
Angels, Black Mollies, Bristlenose', Clown Loaches, Cory Aeneus, Gibby, Guppies, Hockey-stick Tetras, Keyhole Cichlids, Otocinclus.

mizpriz · Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 2:05 am Post subject:

Kana, I think this is the main reason I want to convert to live plants, as I'd think the more natural the filtration (or waste consumption), the better.

_________________
~Kristin

Only registered users can see links on this forum!
Register or Login on forum!

It's back online, with baby pictures!

clunkster · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 10:25 am Post subject:

personaly i think you dont realy need to use carbon but hey thats just my opinion, but having said that if i had to remove any unwanted meds then yes i would use carbon Wink

_________________
the only stupid questions are the ones you dont ask

JINKY 1944-2006 R.I.P
The greatest ever celt

Kana3 · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 3:32 am Post subject:

Why would meds be unwanted ? Except maybe overdosing.

You wouldn't just rely on the water change regime?

_________________
Angels, Black Mollies, Bristlenose', Clown Loaches, Cory Aeneus, Gibby, Guppies, Hockey-stick Tetras, Keyhole Cichlids, Otocinclus.

clunkster · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 5:11 am Post subject:

overdosing, or putting the wrong medications in Embarassed

would be the reason
i have a new avater Wink

_________________
the only stupid questions are the ones you dont ask

JINKY 1944-2006 R.I.P
The greatest ever celt