Carbon; ammount/frequency, etc

I'm running a 100 gallon tank, mostly leathers and softies. I read plenty of stuff here and elsewhere saying that carbon is good for clearer water and for removing toxins the various softies can produce.
I've also read not to run it continuously, but I don't remember why.
I've placed some in a nylon stocking inside the filter sock my skimmer dumps into. (The filter sock is there just to trap bubbles that would end up in the display.)
So here's the question(s).

How much carbon (one cup? two cups?) for 100 gallons?
How often should it be changed out?
How much 'down time' between treatments?
Is carbon re-usable?

I appreciate the help.

 

I don't think you can really OD on Carbon.

I change mine evry time i clean the filter (about once a month).

No down time, run it constantly.

I reuse mine every once in a while, but it's said that once it's done it's done, so I guess the answer to this one is NO

 

I change mine out once a month and run about 3 to 4 cups in a reverse flow substrate reactor 24/7 365 days a year.

Don't reuse it!

 

Don't know if we are going to get a general consensus about use of carbon...

Here is how I use it...

About 1 cup in filter bag on one of the returns.

Use 24/7

Rinse out carbon bag every water change.

Change to new carbon when wife starts to complain of living room smelling like a tide flat....

Kind of carbon another big factor....Have used different kinds. Right now Kent Marine.

In a softie dominated tank, carbon is a must...


Good luck.

 

I run mine in my canister filter, and i rinse or replace every month.
never had the smell yet, but I've been using Kent as well and it's been working good.

 

I replace mine once a month, whether I think it needs it or not. Better safe than sorry. I use about 1/2 a cup for my 38 gallon.

 

I also change mine about once a month, I fill up a third of my reactor and leave it running 24/7. Like most things it is more cost effective to buy in bulk. Great stuff, wouldn't leave home without it!

 

You can't be serious!
I lived a good portion of my life around tidal flats. As objectionable as some people might find it, for me it is the smell of home.

But you were joking, right?:-/