| General Reef Discussion In this forum we discuss issues related to keeping marine and reef aquariums in a friendly flame-free environment. |
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03-08-2006, 11:27 AM
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#1
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Shark
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Shawnee, KS
Posts: 1,629
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how to run carbon
Hey all, I have been reading some on running carbon, but I still can't tell what all the benefits are except to clear the water up. What are the benefits, and how should I run it? is there a carbon reactor or something?
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29 gallon, 150 watt DE PFO mini pedant, 2 x 24 watt HO t-5, 2 x tunze 6025's, mag 7 run thru SCWD 40lbs rock
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03-08-2006, 11:59 AM
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#2
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Shark
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Yuma, Arizona
Posts: 1,472
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I had a HOB power filter where I put a bag of carbon, since I don't have that filter anymore I just put the bag in the tank. If you have a sump you could put it there.
The porpuse of this is to clean your water of any quimicals or poisons you coral may release and or fish waste.
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55gal... BB of course! 
Love the 
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03-08-2006, 12:04 PM
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#3
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I've got the REEF rash!
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 24,008
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I agree with him.
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03-08-2006, 12:10 PM
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#4
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Nucular Hermit
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Takoma Pk, MD
Posts: 2,172
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The best way to run carbon, or any other chemical media, is to force water through it. You can do this with a canister filter or a fluidized bed filter (even better). You can also just drop a bag in the sump or in a HOB filter, but that is less efficient. it still works.
A lot of unwanted things (for lack of a more scientific word) get absorbed by the carbon. That said, a lot of GOOD things also get absorbed, so you have to be aware of that. EVentually, the carbon will "fill up" and start leaching the things back in the water. Higher grade (more expensive) carbon leaches less.
I hope this totally non-scientific answer helps a bit.
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Mike S.
65g acrylic tank with 520W PC
Basement Sump w/ EuroReef CS6-1
My TRT Blog
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03-08-2006, 12:29 PM
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#5
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Rockin-Roll Mod
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Coal Valley Illinois
Posts: 5,381
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I run Black Dimond brand, 2 weeks on 2 weeks off, i place it in the trickle part of my sump directly in the flow from the main tank, the main thing i use it for is to polish the water.
Brent.
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03-08-2006, 12:32 PM
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#6
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The Ninja MOD
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Planet P.....Why Me?
Posts: 12,117
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In a bag in the sump betweeen the baffles. Change every two weeks. Rinse well with RO/DI before using. I have always ran it 24/7.
R
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After 2 years I finally have water in it! (no, really)!
Where is Planet P?
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03-08-2006, 01:43 PM
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#7
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Milkshake Man
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SW Florida
Posts: 9,641
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I run carbon 24/7, i change it every two weeks also and i put it in my sump near where the water drains from my display tank.
Tim
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03-08-2006, 06:30 PM
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#8
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Shark
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Toledo OH
Posts: 4,889
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Isn't carbon a source of a little phosphate?
What brands do you prefer?
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Nano reef in the works
TIM MADE ME DO IT, Yet Robert made him do it, yet Casey made him do it!
Yet the voices in all their heads made them do it (skeety)
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03-08-2006, 06:39 PM
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#9
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Shark
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Shawnee, KS
Posts: 1,629
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how much do I need to throw in if I put in a bag of it?
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29 gallon, 150 watt DE PFO mini pedant, 2 x 24 watt HO t-5, 2 x tunze 6025's, mag 7 run thru SCWD 40lbs rock
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03-08-2006, 06:50 PM
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#10
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Shark
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Yuma, Arizona
Posts: 1,472
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I buy the Aquaclear carbon replacements for a 20gal bag, it saves the extra work of bagging it. For your 150gal see what size filter they recomend and just get that replacement. Once in a while I would get the ammonia bag as well.
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55gal... BB of course!
Love the
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03-08-2006, 06:57 PM
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#11
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Rockin-Roll Mod
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Coal Valley Illinois
Posts: 5,381
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by 110galreef
Isn't carbon a source of a little phosphate?
What brands do you prefer?
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Got to look for the right carbon, i use Black Dimond no phosphate,
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03-08-2006, 07:51 PM
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#12
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The Ninja MOD
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Planet P.....Why Me?
Posts: 12,117
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Yup, black diamond or any lab quality carbon. I think Tom said 1 1/2 tablespoons per 10 gallons, I think. I use way more than that though.
r
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After 2 years I finally have water in it! (no, really)!
Where is Planet P?
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03-08-2006, 08:14 PM
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#13
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Milkshake Man
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SW Florida
Posts: 9,641
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I use alot more than that on my tank also Robert.
Tim
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03-08-2006, 08:40 PM
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#14
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Shark
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Toledo OH
Posts: 4,889
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by motorslave
Yup, black diamond or any lab quality carbon. than that though.
r
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 Thanks...
__________________
Nano reef in the works
TIM MADE ME DO IT, Yet Robert made him do it, yet Casey made him do it!
Yet the voices in all their heads made them do it (skeety)
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03-08-2006, 08:48 PM
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#15
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Little Fishy
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 212
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For what its worth I have an old canister filter from my freshwater days that I use to run carbon every once and awhile. The more softies you keep carbon gets more valuable as it will help filter some of the chemical warfare.
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65 gallon reef. 120 gallon FOWLR.
12 gallon mantis tank. 120 gallon Freshwater.
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