Active Carbon ..

[robinreliant23]

Ok, what is everyone's thought on using active carbon in your filters? Do you or don't you use it? What are the benefits or using it - what does it actually do? What are the negatives about using it? I've read that the only time to really use active carbon is to remove meds out of your tanks so if that's the case why is it supplied with new filters??

I've not put it in my filter -- should I??

 

[StandbySetting]

There's just no need to use it unless you want to remove Medication, it becomes exhausted after a few days and can no long adsorb contaminants.

You do not need it.

 

[robinreliant23]

There's just no need to use it unless you want to remove Medication, it becomes exhausted after a few days and can no long adsorb contaminants.

You do not need it.

So pretty much as I read, just for removing meds.

I also read it's good for removing tannins from the water -- if so how long do you need to keep the carbon in to do that?

 

[StandbySetting]

A few days, after which it will become exhausted.

 

[robinreliant23]

A few days, after which it will become exhausted.

And let me guess the tannins will leak into the water again?

 

[StandbySetting]

From the carbon? A little yes, but a negligible amount.

 

[robinreliant23]

From the carbon? A little yes, but a negligible amount.

Oh sorry, no, I meant from driftwood. Doh, silly me.

 

[StandbySetting]

Tannins will keep diffusing in the water for many years, there will be a point where an equilibrium is reached and no more tannins will leach out, when you do a water change the concentration of tannins in the water will be reduced and the tannins will leach again.

 

[robinreliant23]

Tannins will keep diffusing in the water for many years, there will be a point where an equilibrium is reached and no more tannins will leach out, when you do a water change the concentration of tannins in the water will be reduced and the tannins will leach again.

For many years Hey ho, in that case the carbon can stay exactly where it is ... in the cupboard Glad I decided not to put it in! Thanks for your help

 

[StandbySetting]

Well the majority will come out within the first few months, then the rate in which tannins are leached will decrease, after a year or so it may be that the tannins leached are so insignificant that you don't notice the change in colour.