Carbon?? How Much? How Often?

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by Crabby Jim, Apr 3, 2008.

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  1. Crabby Jim

    Crabby Jim Sea Dragon

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2008
    Messages:
    528
    Location:
    New Jersey
    Hi guys I have had my tank up for a while now ( it was born on 12/06) and I decided to try some carbon media just because I had heard good thing about it . I bought some carbon from the LFS and a media bag I filled it up halfway and rinsed it for what seemed like forever and I put it in the flow between baffels in my sump and WOW !!! I cant belive how much clearer my water looks after a few hours I mean why haven't I done this sooner . My question is how often should I treat the tank now that I started? How long should I leave it in ? It is a reef tank by the way. ;D
     
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  3. phoenixhieghts

    phoenixhieghts Panda Puffer

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2007
    Messages:
    2,121
    Location:
    Manchester UK
    I run carbon 24/7 and change it monthly :)
     
  4. BaxterS80

    BaxterS80 Pajama Cardinal

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2007
    Messages:
    1,426
    Location:
    Baltimore, MD
    I run it 24x7 as well but you do have to remember to change it because if you dont, overtime it will help to keep your nitrates up high...
     
  5. Crabby Jim

    Crabby Jim Sea Dragon

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2008
    Messages:
    528
    Location:
    New Jersey
    Thanks, I just can't belive I waited this long to figure this out .;D
     
  6. reef_guru

    reef_guru Humpback Whale

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2007
    Messages:
    2,753
    Location:
    joliet,il
    carbon and reef tanks go hand in hand. run it 24/7 and follow the manufactuers detail regarding changing it out. normally lasts 2-3 months. i use seachem gel which is the best of both worlds
     
  7. omard

    omard Gnarly Old Codfish

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2003
    Messages:
    4,745
    Location:
    Silverdale, Washington
    Also run continually.

    My wife has a super sensitive nose. I know it is time to change carbon when she says the living room is starting to smell like low tide.

    I change mine out monthly...and rarely get complaints. :-/