Activated Carbon Brand? Which is best?

rtc_reefer · #1 01/11/2005, 07:58 AM

Hello all!

I guess that I need activated carbon in my filters for a keeping reef/fish tank healthy and clear... sooo...

Which brands are best and where should I order it from (best price)? Where do you get yours?

I am currently cycling a 46 bowfront in the nitrite spike stage. (11 days). Getting some brown algea too. (light) Should I be concerned?

Equipment:
Emperor 400 (Wheels removed - here is where I can put the carbon)
1 - 1140 Powerhead
40# live rock
30# live sand
Crushed coral base (seeded with sand)
total 3" thick substrate
coralife 36" lunar (196 watts)

Thank you,
Rick

1package · #2 01/11/2005, 08:03 AM

I like the Black Diamond by Marineland. It is the cleanest that I have used. Does not require 20 minutes of rinsing. I think you can order it about anywhere.

Orchids · #3 01/11/2005, 09:47 AM

Black Diamond by far is the best. I have tried every brand I can find for my FW tanks and this is the best. It is also bone dry so you are paying for only the weight of the carbon and not water.

rtc_reefer · #4 01/11/2005, 09:56 AM

Two votes on Black Diamond so far! where do you get it for the best price?

1package · #5 01/11/2005, 10:05 AM

I hate to speak up on price issues, everytime I do 10 people jump in with cheaper locations, so I normally end up switching suppliers. I usually get most of my dry goods from That Fish Place. Although they seem to often have things on back order.

http://www.thatpetplace.com/MainPro/shopay00.aspx

RamPuppy · #6 01/11/2005, 10:12 AM

I'll third black diamond, I used some cheap brand from petsmart once, hair algae started up. not sure but thinking the carbon might not have been the cleanest, probably had phosphate in it.

turbo2oh · #7 01/11/2005, 10:16 AM

I have black diamond, I'm pretty sure I purchased it at petsmart.

zanemoseley · #8 01/11/2005, 10:28 AM

Two Little Fishes is a good brand, also there's a brand Chemgon I think it is that is very good. I'm not sure I'd call Marineland's products the best but they seem OK.

RamPuppy · #9 01/11/2005, 10:32 AM

no matter how good a carbon is, if it isn't easily available, it won't go into my system... I try to support the really good LFS's in my area, so I rarely buy online except for equipment they absolutely can not beat price on.

ToddG. · #10 01/11/2005, 10:36 AM

I would recomend ESV http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_...on.asp?CartId=

Texas Dolly · #11 01/11/2005, 10:41 AM

Matrix is IMO the best carbon.

Now IF I were to use Black Diamond, I would buy the walmart brand. On the side it says it is made my marineland, so IMO it is the same stuff.

SaltyNewb · #12 01/11/2005, 11:42 AM

i have the marineland black diamon, but when i put it in the media cartridge in my emperor 280, some of the pieces always flow through the slits in it. I always rinse it well so I don't know if they are too small or what.

rtc_reefer · #13 01/11/2005, 11:53 AM

Interesting...

One thing that I am worried about is a source of Phoshate.. and that seems to be a non-issue with "EVS" "Two Little Fishes" or "MarineLand"... at least none has been stated as of yet. Has anybody had experience with Aquarium Pharmacuticals? I have some "Freshwater Ammo-Carb" left over and wonder if I should use it? It states "Phosphate Free".

Ninja Homie · #14 01/11/2005, 03:20 PM

IMO, Seachem's Matrix carbon is the best, but I always end up getting Marineland's Black Diamond carbon because of the price. You can get 3.6 liters of black diamond at bigalsonline.com for about 14 dollars. Matrix carbon will run you about 40 dollars for the about the same amount

wmam · #15 01/11/2005, 03:38 PM

Can't speak on carbon cause I use purigen. Which is better?

Gawain1974 · #16 01/11/2005, 04:12 PM

I'm also a big fan of Black Diamond carbon...it's the best that I've ever used.

kusanagiz · #17 01/11/2005, 05:03 PM

how do you tell it's the best you've used? is the water clearer relative to other brands?

kevensquint · #18 01/11/2005, 06:19 PM

Sorry to barge in on the add for black diamond,but a few months ago I switched from black diamond to Kent reef carbon,my water is definiatly clearer and my hair algae has all but dissapeared.Coincidence..maybe, but I'm not switching back.

rtc_reefer · #19 01/11/2005, 06:36 PM

Well.. seems there are a lot of opinions... I'll try them all!

Thanks!

Saltz Creep · #20 01/11/2005, 06:42 PM

Since you'll probably be using it for the life of your tank, you're better off buying it in bulk versus the 1 pound size. I get the 64 ounce size of Black Diamond which saves me 9 dollars.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...+113068+113565

cuongvynguyen · #21 01/12/2005, 12:56 AM

Labgrade in bulk.

Ti · #22 01/15/2005, 05:38 PM

My vote goes balck diamond.
Bought some mattrix carbon on a friends recommendation, but I have yet to finish my black diamond so I can;t compare till I finish my black diamond.

Kevin McG · #23 01/15/2005, 05:41 PM

Black Diamond by Marineland here also

rtc_reefer · #24 01/15/2005, 06:45 PM

Wow! Lots of Black Diamond Proponants!
I tried to put some BD into my "media holders" in my Emperor 400 and the chips seem to get through the slits. I could bag it .. then put it in the holder I guess. However, those bags may restrict flow.... I'll give it a whirl!

rbaker · #25 01/15/2005, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 1package
I like the Black Diamond by Marineland. It is the cleanest that I have used. Does not require 20 minutes of rinsing. I think you can order it about anywhere.

Ditto... I've been using it for a while and am very happy with it.

Ryan