I've been reading from this forum for some time now and have just actually registered to participate. This is my first post....I see that this is the place to be....the threads are for the most part pretty good.
I am starting this thread to revive some discussion on the use of activated carbons on reef tanks. Mainly because I have a new 120gal reef I have started running and I am thinking of using a HOT Magnum on the sump w/o the sleeve and just running GAC in the cartridge.
I believe it is useful because we have closed systems (i.e. the glass box with fish and corals) and no way to continually dilute or remove organic toxins like what occurs in the open ocean (Skimmers don't catch everything). Remember the saying from Middle School Science "Dilution is the Solution to Pollution"....this simply isn't possible in our captive reefs, and is only attempted when we do partial water changes. Therefore I think it is our best interest to remove these compounds the best we can to keep the water as clean as possible for the long term. I think GAC is a big help in this dept.
GAC use is not an exact science in home aquaculture......what brand to use, what type to use, how to apply in the system, and what is the optimal duration of use.......I did however stumble upon this article which I find very informative and would like to share w/everyone. This is a e-commerce site but the article appears to be objective and compares many brands of available GAC's for the home reefer....
Enjoy:
http://www.pets-warehouse.com/carbon.htm
I am starting this thread to revive some discussion on the use of activated carbons on reef tanks. Mainly because I have a new 120gal reef I have started running and I am thinking of using a HOT Magnum on the sump w/o the sleeve and just running GAC in the cartridge.
I believe it is useful because we have closed systems (i.e. the glass box with fish and corals) and no way to continually dilute or remove organic toxins like what occurs in the open ocean (Skimmers don't catch everything). Remember the saying from Middle School Science "Dilution is the Solution to Pollution"....this simply isn't possible in our captive reefs, and is only attempted when we do partial water changes. Therefore I think it is our best interest to remove these compounds the best we can to keep the water as clean as possible for the long term. I think GAC is a big help in this dept.
GAC use is not an exact science in home aquaculture......what brand to use, what type to use, how to apply in the system, and what is the optimal duration of use.......I did however stumble upon this article which I find very informative and would like to share w/everyone. This is a e-commerce site but the article appears to be objective and compares many brands of available GAC's for the home reefer....
Enjoy:
http://www.pets-warehouse.com/carbon.htm
