How long does activated carbon last?

[ThrillYa]

Can I put it in my tank for a bit, remove it and use the same carbon at a later time? Or, is it done after it's been in the tank for a while? Also, how long is a while? lol

 

[condiman]

If I do put it into my aquarium I usually only leave it in for two weeks. But the carbon depending on brands can last up to one month.

 

[ThrillYa]

How about if I treated my tank with Flatworm Exit and put in some carbon to remove any toxins released by the dead worms? How long should I keep the carbon in and is it ok to use the same carbon again at a later time?

 

[kgross]

I will say that carbon is cheap enough you should not be reusing it. But for specific things you can, only problem there is really know way of knowing how much more it can remove from the water.

Length of time leaving carbon in, really depends, in the case of flat worm exit, I would only leave the first batch of carbon in for about 6 hours, then replace with a second batch for 24.

For normal carbon usage, I normally put it in the system for about 1 week once a month, or if I put it into a canister filter, I put it in for about 2 days once a month.

Kim

 

[Anonymous]

What kgross said , especially the part about it not really being worthwhile to reuse it. AC is relatively cheap, and well worth changing out regularly. How long it is 'good' for is very hard to guage, but I go by what my tank is looking like. In my current nano I change it out weekly, due to the smaller water volume and the chemical warfare the mix of corals I have in the tank create.

If you're into knowing the chemical "whys", there is a great article here:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/1/ ... =activated carbon

 

[ThrillYa]

I must confess that I've had my reef tank for about 6 years and have never used activated carbon. I'm not saying I didn't need to (I don't really know), I'm just saying I haven't and obviously don't know the in-and-outs.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Unarce]

Just to be safe...use half the recommended amount the first time.

 

[Anonymous]

Just to be safe...use half the recommended amount the first time.

I am guessing you mean the Flatworm Exit, not the carbon...


Right?

 

[ThrillYa]

I already treated with Flatworm Exit and put in loads of carbon but now see a few small flatworms again and am wondering if some eggs hatched and if I should treat again. Which, lead me to the question of can I use the same carbon I used last time.

 

[Unarce]

Just to be safe...use half the recommended amount the first time.

I am guessing you mean the Flatworm Exit, not the carbon...


Right?

Shoot! I was referring to carbon for general use, if it's for the first time. With FWE, I'd follow the directions to a tee.

 

[ThrillYa]

Slightly off topic now but... Is it common to have to treat twice with Flatworm Exit? My local fish store (lfs) told me I may need to treat a second time after the eggs hatch that where left behind after the first massacre. And, I am seeing a few, very small, flatworms again.

Mike

 

[Unarce]

Definitely! Especially, if you go by the directions. To avoid this, some use 1.5-2x the recommended dosage, but it still doesn't guarantee you'll get them all.

A 2nd treatment should be done 1-2 weeks after the first.

 

[ThrillYa]

Great, thanks for clearing that up. I'll treat again in the next day or two and use new activated carbon too.