For those not running sumps... Do you use activated carbon?

Question for you guys...

I don't run a sump, but rather I run an Aquaclear 70 H.O.B. without the carbon insert, and stuffed broken pieces of live rock in it's place. Super basic. On top of that I just run a surface skimmer and a 9 watt UV.

Is it a good idea to remove activated carbon from filters for a reef tank? I figure since nobody runs carbon in sumps, it's not required or even not recommended to run carbon?

Any experienced input is greatly appreciated.

 

I run carbon from time to time through a phosphate reactor.. While I dont exactly know what its doing, I like doing it.. I know its crazy, but I like it..

 

Where did you here that? I run carbon in all my tanks, 24/7. If you want to run rock rubble, run it instead of those ceramic rings. But keep the carbon in there.

 

I run carbon 24/7 and have in my reef for a decade. It's a very useful component and more should run it.

I have a sump and use a media reactor for it but before that it hung in my sump in a mesh bag. For small non sump tanks I run it in a bag via a HOT like you are doing.

 

BTW buy it in bulk and use a bag. The cartridges are pricey and contain a low quality carbon. Bulk Reef Supply(.com) has some cheap good carbon. Not all carbon is made the same way. Many types they use phosphoric acid to treat it which can leave a po4 (phosphate) residue which will leach out. the granule size and shape is also very important.

 

Thanks everyone for the input. I'll put my carbon back in.