Using activated carbon

[aaron]

I was curious to find out how many people use carbon? how often - 24/7 or monthly or what? and how do you get the water through it? Reactor, canister filter, hang on filter or just throwing a few bags in the sump?

 

[Deanos]

Carbon

 

[Rborgia]

New tank,but I use a Phosban 150 Reactor filled with Activated Carbon. And I believe it definately helps clear up the water.

Rich

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

24/7 use here.

 

[aaron]

Thanks dean for the link. I'm thinking of converting an old seaclone into a hang on fluidised media reactor.

Id be interested to know what brand of carbon everyone is using. I have seachem reef matrix carbon

 

[Rborgia]

I'm using the Two Little Fishies Hydro Carbon. I get it at Reef Exotics.

Aaron, I hope you dont mind, but I would like to ask a question regarding active carbin (hijack not intended):

Question: Is there a "Shelf Life" to activated carbon? I can buy a big bucket, or little containers, obviously bulk is cheaper. Anyone know?

Thanks

Rich

 

[aaron]

I think as long as it is in a closed container so that it doesnt start absorbing things from its surroundings that it should be fine. Carbon is basicly full of microscopic holes and once the holes are filled with crap the carbon is exhausted. so if you store it in a sealed bucket nothing should be able to get to it.

 

[MPISCIOTTI]

have been running carbon (esv) 24/7 for 2 years. i keep it in a bag in my skimmer it has a carbon chamber built into it

 

[cali_reef]

I use about 2 liter of it 24/7 and replace every month in a media reactor.

Carbon will turn into dust if you try to fluidize it.

 

[aaron]

but you could pack it in tightly and force the water through it right?

 

[Po-Vegas Reefer]

mine runs 24/7 3 weeks on two weeks off

 

[masterswimmer]

I run it 24/7 in an MRC Fluidized Media Chamber. Change it out monthly. Only use a couple of cups at a time. Polishes the water great. ESV here. Seems to have the least amount of dust and the granule size seems just right.

I used to run it in a media bag in my sump, passively. Nowhere near as effective as in a chamber, actively.

Russ

 

[cali_reef]

but you could pack it in tightly and force the water through it right?

You can't pack carbon tightly without crushing it. Just run smaller amount of water thru the reactor and you'll be fine, you don't want the carbon to tumble around.