carbon filter pad

[pcam86]

Hi, Can anyone tell me how long you're supposed to leave a carbon filter pad in your filter before you should remove it? I'm not talking about once it gets old and you need to buy another one.

 

[Torrean]

You should be more specific. Are you asking how long it takes for the carbon to remove meds from the water? or....

 

[morgan]

I have a Juwel internal filter and the leaflet says to change the carbon sponge every 4-6 weeks otherwise it will release back into the water what it has been taking out.

 

[Ferris]

Personally I don't use carbon unless its specifically to remove medication after treating a tank. I don't see the point in using it regularly as it removes some trace minerals that plants etc need.

If you are using it permanently, i would follow the Jewel instructions exactly as it does vary depending on the filter how long the carbon will last. It is correct that overused carbon will eventually contaminate the water if left.

 

[morgan]

I have the carbon sponge out at the moment as I am treating a fish for popeye and the instructions on the medication say to remove it while treating and then do a 30% water change then put the carbon back in.