Is running Carbon all the time good?

[Malibu361]

I am running a carbon reactor and aphosphate reaxtor and have heard mixed feelind towards running carbon 24/7 and opinons on this?I have lps sps and softies..? Thanks Sal

 

[Bob 1000]

Why not,, keeps the water clear and really has no ill affects as long as you feeding regularly..

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Why not,, keeps the water clear and really has no ill affects as long as you feeding regularly..

I agree, I run it 24/7 change every 2 weeks No problems.

 

[Malibu361]

Every 2 weeks huh ?I have read every month ...I know this is off topic but how often should Rowapshos be changed out also ?? Thanks

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Sorry I should have been more specific. I do water changes every 2 weeks and since my tank crashed I have changed my chemipure elite every 2 weeks as well. Next month I will go back to every 2nd water change or 4 weeks.

 

[prattreef]

Rowaphos or Phosban should be changed when your PO4 levels begin to rise.

 

[MatthewScars]

I change the Carbon every 3 weeks. After that its just a nitrate factory (ever smell it after 3 weeks?)

I do 15g (90g/30g sump)water changes every week.

You really dont need to run Phos unless you have an issue. I run chaeto and have not had any algae issues since I set it up. I fill both of my reactors with carbon and run one at a time, this way i dont have to bother refilling them for 6 weeks.

 

[prattreef]

I think the take away here is that you need to figure out what works for your system. Bio load and husbandry practices matter and make it hard to give a definitive answer that fits everyone's needs. If you don't want to fuss over this stuff, I think changing out the carbon and Phosphate media once a month is a pretty safe way to go.

 

[frank arriaga]

Randy is right it depends on your system but once a month is what I do.

 

[Malibu361]

Thanks guys that is what I figured about once a month and I will just watch my PO4 in the meantime and if it goes up I guess I will know its time to change ...Only reason I was curios about carbon is I hear that its robs alot of nutrients from the system if ran 24/7 ....My new tank looks GREAT thanks to all of your help and this amazing forum and all of the graet deals at the swap!!

 

[sanjay]

Once a month is what I used to do. But now having seen some of the TOC data and Feldman's talk, I think its a better strategy for me is to use 1/2 the carbon I used to use and change it 2X more often.