Carbon Filter

[DogFish212463]

Hi there! I've got a HOB filter that uses carbon inserts and upon doing some research I've found that it may not be the best thing to use for my tank. What are your opinions on carbon filters and other types?

 

[Ninjouzata]

Carbon is mainly used for removing medications. If not using it for that then it's best to remove it and save it for later (it is used up after 2 weeks so if you've been using it longer than that then you'll want a new one)
You can replace it with filter floss, sponge, or ceramic media. These should only be rinsed in tank water periodically and should never be thrown away until basically falling apart, and even then you want to replace only a little at a time.

 

[DogFish212463]

Are some of these options made to fit in various types of filters (as the one I have now), or would I need to purchase another? As a college student, I need to conserve my resources as best I can

 

[Ninjouzata]

You can buy something like THIS and just cut it to the size you want. It doesn't look like much in the pic but there is a good bit there!

 

[Chad]

I'm okay with carbon in some tanks. It helps clarify the water and remove impurities. However, in some tanks we don't really want the water all that clean. For example some tanks are intentionally dark watered and in planted tanks the plants can deal with the waste better. 
 
I run carbon in my reef tank but not my planted tank. In the reef tank there are several useful reasons for it that don't exist in most FW tanks. Palytoxin being the main one as well as the need to keep the water clear for improved light penetration. 
 
So basically my perspective is this...if you need carbon, use it, if you don't need it then it's a waste of money and many tanks don't need it. 

 

[the_lock_man]

The main reason pur forward by the manufacturers for using carbon is that it removes any heavy metals (copper, etc.) in the water and this is why it is recommended for removing medications - most are based around low doses of metal elements.
 
However, most decent dechlorinator products also remove heavy metals, thus making the need to permanently use a carbon filter superfluous.

 

[DogFish212463]

Ok, I'm headed to my LFS in a bit, I'll take a look at what they have and talk to their people (trustworthy and know their stuff, been going to them for years).

 

[DogFish212463]

I was able to get the bonded filter pad and my LFS recommended I add some ceramic filter rings as well. My filter would end up being a pad, the white spongey thing (sorry, don't know what to call it, it's coarse, white material for larger particles I'm guessing), and the ceramic rings. In the proper order it would run from rings-->filter pad-->white pad-->tank. Is that a good filter set up?

 

[Chad]

Pads remove particles and rings are for bacterial colonization. So for me I would always put my pads first in line so those particles don't end up getting stuck in the rings.

 

[DogFish212463]

Good note, thanks! Anything else I should be aware of?

 

[Fishmanic]

my setup for my aquaclear 50 HOB has it in this order---sponge, 2 pads, ceramic media then the water flows into the tank---I only use a carbon bag occasionally to help clear cloudy water or after medicating.   When used, I install carbon bag just under the ceramic media. I highly recommend the aquaclear filter line if desiring a HOB filter as it allows for customizing the media used much like a cannister filter would allow.    What brand filter are you using?

 

[DogFish212463]

Aqua - Tech, it came with the Tetra 10 gallon starter kit tank... Not a whole lot of space in it.

 

[Chad]

Can you post a picture of it? 

 

[DogFish212463]

Here are a few images, I've got some white build up from hard water, I clean it about once a month... I'm a few weeks late on this last cleaning