Do I Need New Carbon?

[chardonnay1000]

Hi,

I have recently been treating my tank for whitespot and now am sure it has gone. When i took at the carbon out, i cant remember if i can just put that bit back in or i need a new bit. I did keep it wet with tank water cos im sure i read its no good after it hads dryed out. Help anyone?

 

[SuperColey1]

There are conflicting ideas about carbon pads.

The manufacturers suggest that they will work for weeks.
The scientists say that after 48 hours they are useless.

I have a pack of 4 as they come and when medication is over with I put it in the tank for 2 days and then bin it.

I don't often use Carbon to remove medications because I tend to use Pimafix and Melafix and they are natural anyway, so I just let them reduce with water changes.

 

[chardonnay1000]

So do i need a new bit then or can i put the old bit back in? then bin it after 48 hrs?

 

[chardonnay1000]

anyone?

 

[DAVEGWYNN]

As no-one else is talking...

People seem to suggest that carbon is useless after it has dried. Personally I don't understand why, and I am a scientist! Albeit a biologist not a chemist... I would imagine that the carbon gets 'full' and stops adsorbtion of unwanted chemicals after a while, but to be honest I haven't seen any real info on it. I just bought a big tub of carbon, and stick small amounts in a bag in the filter every month or so, although I do renew it after med treatment.
I would just stick it in - I guess the worst that happens is that it doesn't pull too much of the meds out of your water.
*shrugs*

 

[Rhiannon]

I asked this exact same question this morning.

I got mixed answers of yes and no, so noone really helped me.

To be on the safe side I am going to go buy new ones.

 

[andywg]

Carbon isn't really necessary in the filter, so leaving it out copmletely will do no harm. It does reach a maximum adsorbtion rate (which has been suggested from as litte time as 2 days to as much as 2 weeks).

I would be surprised if drying the carbon has any negative effects on the carbon, though one should perhaps question why they have the carbon in the tank in the first place when water changes will remove the same contaminants that carbon will, as well as many it will not.