Fertiliser And Carbon In Fluval U3

[KAISER]

Hi,

My tank has been running for two weeks with plants and one week with fish. After a water change today I added Plant Gro by Hagen, a liquid fert which I'm sure you already know. But then it occured to me that the carbon in the Fluval U3 filter might remove the fertiliser, is this the case?

 

[Assaye]

I would imagine it would, yes. Carbon has a very short lifespan and IMO, it's not worth running in your tank all the time. I only use it if something gets into the tank (like a spilt drink or air freshener) or if I need to clear medications out after treatment.

I would take the carbon out or you'll be wasting your money on the ferts.

 

[KAISER]

Thanks Assaye, but am I right in saying carbon only lasts for about a month before it stops being effective? I only ask because my filter wool is attached to the carbon.

 

[Assaye]

Yes, carbon is very short lived. We don't really know for sure but a month is a rather hopeful estimate.

The problem with leaving expired carbon around is that there are worries about it leaking stuff back into the tank. Your filter should have the carbon pads, sponges and ceramics, right? If so, you should be safe to remove the carbon/filter wool combo. You can always get a box or roll of filter wool to replace it with.

 

[KAISER]

Ok, thanks

 

[RadaR]

Just to clear things up.
Carbon only soaks up a tiny amount of ferts that the result is negligible. Just dose a bit more to compensate if it makes you feel better.
Carbon also does not leak contaminants back into the water. The little pours get filled up and the compounds stay inside the pours.
I will always have carbon in my tank because it can adsorb organic waste such as proteins, hormones etc. It can also make the water clear.

 

[KAISER]

So do you regularly replace the carbon in your tank Radar? I wasn't planning on changing mine unless I had too, ie if I ever have to use meds.

 

[RadaR]

I dont use the carbon pads. I use carbon in the form of granules and things like that.
E.g. Fluval carbon.

I use Zeo-carb. I product that combines carbon and zeolite together.

Can't remember the rough time for carbon needing to be replaced but when it does, I shall change it.

 

[Assaye]

Just to clear things up.
Carbon only soaks up a tiny amount of ferts that the result is negligible. Just dose a bit more to compensate if it makes you feel better.
Carbon also does not leak contaminants back into the water. The little pours get filled up and the compounds stay inside the pours.
I will always have carbon in my tank because it can adsorb organic waste such as proteins, hormones etc. It can also make the water clear.

OK, that's interesting. Seems I'm too cautious about carbon, then. Why is it so ineffective at removing ferts?

 

[RadaR]

Just to clear things up.
Carbon only soaks up a tiny amount of ferts that the result is negligible. Just dose a bit more to compensate if it makes you feel better.
Carbon also does not leak contaminants back into the water. The little pours get filled up and the compounds stay inside the pours.
I will always have carbon in my tank because it can adsorb organic waste such as proteins, hormones etc. It can also make the water clear.

OK, that's interesting. Seems I'm too cautious about carbon, then. Why is it so ineffective at removing ferts?

Not sure. We've all been led to believe that carbon isn't as good as it really is.