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#1
06/01/2006, 02:54 PM
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Carbon? What is the best way to implement it?
I have a question on the best way to utilize carbon. I realize that it is a bit controversial, but with the assumption that there is a place for it in a system, I was wondering what the best choice is.
I currently use it in mesh bags at about 1oz per gallon of system water. I place these mesh bags in filter socks that drain from my main tank into my sump. I change the filter socks out every week (also controversial but that is what I do) and rinse the carbon mesh bags each change and then change out the carbon every 4th sock change (ie. about every month). I have always wondered if I should be doing it differently. I guess the real question is, is this the right way to be using carbon? Would using it in a fluidized bed filter be better? How do you really know if your carbon has been depleted and needs to be changed? If anyone knows a source where I could find some science behind the issues here I would greatly appreciate it. Also, if someone has a thought on where I should post this if this is not the right place that would be helpful as well. Thanks! Aquadog |
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#2
06/01/2006, 03:03 PM
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I use marineland Black Diamond in a Magnum cannister filter, mixed with a little GFO (phosphate binder).
I think it is very hard to know for sure when your carbon is "depleted", and I suggest that folks just routinely replace it (say, every 3-4 weeks). That assumes you are skimming too. If not, it may get depleted a lot faster, and you might also be able to use bubbles on the water surface to know when it is definitely time to replace it.
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Randy Holmes-Farley |
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#3
06/01/2006, 03:44 PM
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I use ESV Carbon as described above. I skim relatively heavily IMO so I guess the 3 to 4 week interval that I am using is probably ok. Does it matter re. mesh bag in a high flow area vs fluidized bed vs cannister? How about pre or post filter sock?
Thanks for the help. Just trying to put this to rest in my mind... |
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#6
06/01/2006, 07:40 PM
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i have always heard carbon is the result of my blue hippos lateral line issue... (its not too bad) im hoping to figure out a cause for that and a definite solution ( if you know of any) buti have a carbon filter cartridge for my 30 gal tank and im not sure if i believe carbons "efects" (sorry if this is off topic) but if carbon is good to use then im not sure what its helpin or hurtin u know?!lol thanx
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#7
06/01/2006, 09:17 PM
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Randy,
Pardon a dumb question but how does observing the bubbles on top of the water surface give you information on when to change your carbon? |
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#8
06/02/2006, 06:28 AM
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When organic surfactants build up, they will act like soaps, and bubbles will stay floating on the water surface rather than pop. I do not know that I would let it go that far, however. But if it is happening, you need more carbon or skimming.
i have always heard carbon is the result of my blue hippos lateral line issue... (its not too bad I do not believe that using activated carbon causes lateral line disease. Is mixing carbon and GFO is safe? If so, what brand of GFO is good? No reason not to, IMO. I do not have a recommended GFO brand. I'm doing comparative testing on them now.
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Randy Holmes-Farley |
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