carbon...yes or no

bjmd22 · 08-09-2005, 12:03 AM

I just made my self a huge carbon filter. I used 3inch pvc and reduced the ends to 1 inch hose with one end of the 3 inch pipe that screws off for changing media. I stuffed both ends with filter foam and filled the center witha butt load of carbon. This is hooked to a pump that runs 3500gph! How often should I run this thing. I just put the flow back into the sump because I dont need anymore in the tank. the contraption is about 2.5 feet long....**** thats alot of carbon.

autochek · 08-09-2005, 06:09 AM

That is alot of carbon. I have a similar thing I use for pollishing my water and it works great. I don't run that much flow thru it though. I do about 700 gph in mine.

tims · 08-09-2005, 07:07 AM

that is a pretty big canaiter filter you made!
if you take out the floss i would say run it all the time.

VWD · 08-09-2005, 07:28 AM

alot of carbon, I don't run carbon very often, Have not in a long time.

skeety · 08-09-2005, 08:14 AM

I say yes....sometimes! hehehe

Some run 24/7, some not at all.

I shoot for the middle. I run carbon for 3 days every 2 weeks.

or after I've added any corals.

bjmd22 · 08-09-2005, 01:55 PM

Well, I have found my answer. I really hurt my xenia with the carbon running only 2 days. I here this is a normal thing, they like dirty water. Will they thrive again? I'm trynto improve water quality to start getting some SPS in the tank. Will Ihave to sacrifice my Xenia?

skeety · 08-09-2005, 02:12 PM

Hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong...but I'm pretty sure xenia and SPS's can't be kept in the same tank. They have completely opposite nutrient requirements.

Unless of course, you kept the xenia in a refugium, then they might compliment each other.

"you have very bright colors today"
"Why thank you, and you're pulsing quite nicely yourself!"

DSB · 08-09-2005, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjmd22

Well, I have found my answer. I really hurt my xenia with the carbon running only 2 days. I here this is a normal thing, they like dirty water. Will they thrive again? I'm trynto improve water quality to start getting some SPS in the tank. Will Ihave to sacrifice my Xenia?

I just went through the same thing! I think I didn't rinse the carbon enough, (at all) I used about 2lb of carbon and I think they went in to shock, but I just let it run and 1-1/2 days later they were fine. However I won't try that again. I think i'll replace it half at a time and wash it GOOD first.

wharyat · 08-09-2005, 05:06 PM

Make sure to replace the carbon in a week, at the most, 2 weeks.

Phosphate and pH problems to come if it is left for too long, not to mention it will release the nutrients it has collected over its life in the water.

Overall, yes on running it, I run mine 24/7.

Loverotties · 08-09-2005, 09:52 PM

Yes, but not all the time.