at the LFS, as you know the sell different types of carbon. my question is the boxes of carbon that say "For Freshwater" can the also be used in a saltwater tank?
they have a 48oz box of cabon that says that, and the 28oz box of carbon for both fresh and saltwater tanks. and the one thats for both is a lot more $$$.
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Actually there has been quite a bit of research on carbon and there are definitely different grades and qualities. Some leach po4, some have very limited absorption qualities and some contain impurities.
After reading several studies I switched to bulk reef supply carbon due to its cost.
I don't run carbon constantly but periodically, I go with MarineLand Black Diamond. It is the best I can get locally. If you are going to use a lot then BRS is the way to go. But yes, there is a huge difference in carbons. Generally a good carbon that binds easily will actually fill up faster than a poorer grade carbon IMO.
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Jeremy http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/f7...ef-119089.html
Did I ever tell you about the time Brasky went hunting? Well anyway, Brasky decides he's gonna hunt down all four members of the Banana Splits. He stalks and kills every one of them with a machete. They all beg for their lives, except Fleagul.
I don't run carbon constantly but periodically, I go with MarineLand Black Diamond. It is the best I can get locally. If you are going to use a lot then BRS is the way to go. But yes, there is a huge difference in carbons. Generally a good carbon that binds easily will actually fill up faster than a poorer grade carbon IMO.
Agreed... this is what i do... when I run carbon (not often)
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Acid washed carbon can leach PO4 into your system if it is not properly rinsed by the manufacturer. The acid they use to phosphoric acid. They have to rinse it with another chemical that reacts with the phosphorous and then they need to rinse that off.
Get carbon in small quantities and place it in a cup of water with Zero PO4 in it and let it set over night. The next day test the water for PO4. If it tests very low to zero then it is fine.
You also want to be sure that the carbon "sizzles" when it gets wet.
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Jason
My girlfriend says bigger is better, so I am going to build the biggest skimmer I can.
Acid washed carbon can leach PO4 into your system if it is not properly rinsed by the manufacturer. The acid they use to phosphoric acid. They have to rinse it with another chemical that reacts with the phosphorous and then they need to rinse that off.
That's a new one to me, the acid washes I know of are HCl. Do you have any sources for this?
All I have is a blackberry and that's the best do. I didn't read the article but it should clarify that for you. If that doesn't do it just do a google on "process, activated, carbon, phosphoric"
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Jason
My girlfriend says bigger is better, so I am going to build the biggest skimmer I can.
