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Hey guys,
I was just wondering how long you are supposed to leave the carbon out of the filter when you treat a tank? Also, is there too long to leave it out, will it harm the fish without carbon? Just wondering!!
Sam

I would leave it out until you are finished with your meds. The only ill effects of leaving it out too long are stinky water and a little cloudiness. I know of some people who say they've never used it in their tanks. Personally I always have, I feel it keeps the water crystal clear. And if you've ever smelled stinky aquarium water, you'd know why I always use it

I do not have carbon in the filters of any of my tanks and have crystal clear water and not a foul odor one. The actual usefulness of activated carbon is only about a week anyway. After that its pretty much"dead" carbon(no longer chemicaly filters the water). I don't know about you but I don't have that kind of money to restore carbon in everyone of my filters every week.

sxp8397

I can not remember when I last used Carbon I think it was at least 30 years ago

Never a problem with out it.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
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What do you use Keith?

It depends on the tank. In my planted ones, no carbon at all. Yes my water smells like drift wood.

But carbon in these tanks would be counter productive with the dosing of trace minerals and ferts for the plants. The carbon would suck it all up.

In my non planted tanks, I use it religiously. I figure it can't hurt, and it does do a nice job of polishing the water.

The tanks without the carbon are crystal clear, but they take a little longer to become that way.

Carbon overall is not worth the time.
It's good for removing medications or taking some inpurities out of the water, but for the most part you don't need it. As mentioned carbon is only really good for a few weeks and then it can actually be toxic if not changed.

Just like other water treatment chemicals on the market carbon is another piece of fiction.



My Scapes

I use the carbon that comes in the pre-fit filters for many of my HOB filters. Other than that, I rarely use it. It will clear your water in many cases, but you can have crystal clear water without it. It is not required at all to keep the fish.

As for how long not to use it, yes the answer is for as long as you are treating your tank. The carbon will remove all the medication you are using.

As for it becoming toxic, well in a way this is correct. It does not itself become toxic, but when it becomes loaded up with detritus, it becomes a heavy biological load, and thus can produce more ammonia with what it is collecting.

Time limits, the carbon is considered expired of its charge some where between 3-4 weeks. And after this is considered not working properly any more.

HTH...

_____________________________________________________________

There is always a bigger fish...

Iriscience

When I had the back drop Filter wool only, another tank a Eheim Canister Filter wool only. Today with the large Eheim as supplied noodles & soild balls plus heavy and two fine filter pads.

I use a plant food plus a few other bits and pieces and I would have to pull the filter down twice every week. Once to remove the carbon and the second time to replace it. Also the added cost would not be worth it in my tank.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW