What Is Wrong With Carbon?

[AlphaBetta]

There isn't any direct substitute for carbon other than frequent water changes. Water changes only dilute what's in the water it doesn't remove all organics and toxins competely like carbon can. That's why people use carbon to remove medicatiions since water changes can't do it completely.

 

[JackoUK]

I only use my carbon pad to remove medication after a treatment schedule. I have found it to be very good for this.

 

[raptorrex]

There isn't any direct substitute for carbon other than frequent water changes. Water changes only dilute what's in the water it doesn't remove all organics and toxins competely.

again ish! carbon does not remove, nitrates or ammonia, as said already in this thread. so carbon tends to be used a a polisher. it does have a massive surface area, something like 400m2 per gram. but it does not absorb, that would be mechanical, what it does is aDsorbe, this is a chemical action that makes things stick to the surface of the carbon, so it can be replaced by a mechanical filter medium.

 

[AlphaBetta]

There isn't any direct substitute for carbon other than frequent water changes. Water changes only dilute what's in the water it doesn't remove all organics and toxins competely.

again ish! carbon does not remove, nitrates or ammonia, as said already in this thread. so carbon tends to be used a a polisher. it does have a massive surface area, something like 400m2 per gram. but it does not absorb, that would be mechanical, what it does is aDsorbe, this is a chemical action that makes things stick to the surface of the carbon, so it can be replaced by a mechanical filter medium.

Of course it doesn't remove ammonia, why would you want it to? That's what the bacteria is for. You bring up irrelevent issues that nobody even cares about. Carbon doesn't remove ammonia, nitrite, nitrate..so? And? People don't use carbon to remove those so it's moot.

It can be replaced by a mechanical filter? What mechanical media removes what carbon does but doesn't remove what it doesn't???

 

[andywg]

Of course it doesn't remove ammonia, why would you want it to? That's what the bacteria is for. You bring up irrelevent issues that nobody even cares about. Carbon doesn't remove ammonia, nitrite, nitrate..so? And? People don't use carbon to remove those so it's moot.

It can be replaced by a mechanical filter? What mechanical media removes what carbon does but doesn't remove what it doesn't???

Quick question, how does carbon "remove" anything? Until you take the carbon out it is still in the system, just tied up in the carbon. Once you remove the carbon it will take out whatever is tied up on/in it. However, carbon will only adsorb things that it will adsorb. There will be other things it will not touch.

A water change is indiscriminate. If you do a 50% water change then (provided there are no pollutants in the new water) you know you have removed 50% of the pollutants in the water. Water changes are the BEST form of waste disposal. I woul feel far heppier setting up a system that has a huge amnount of water changed a day (barring the consciene on using upsuch a huge amount of water in a day) than any filter as it gets rid of all pollutants.

 

[nukeonekitty]

I do water changes like once a week (about 20-25% I would guess) so I would have to be safe in that department. Oddly enough with two bio zorb pouches and an active carbon pouches in the my canister and a carbon in my hob my tank smells today. Does that mean my carbon has taken all it can out of the water and needs to be gotten rid of?

 

[Piltdownpaul]

If you clean your tank regulary,changing some of the water,your fish will benefit more-be less suceptible to disease-need less medication and therefore less carbon to reduce any medication you might add. I have never used it and dont intend to unless for medication removal. 8)

 

[raptorrex]

There isn't any direct substitute for carbon other than frequent water changes. Water changes only dilute what's in the water it doesn't remove all organics and toxins competely.

again ish! carbon does not remove, nitrates or ammonia, as said already in this thread. so carbon tends to be used a a polisher. it does have a massive surface area, something like 400m2 per gram. but it does not absorb, that would be mechanical, what it does is aDsorbe, this is a chemical action that makes things stick to the surface of the carbon, so it can be replaced by a mechanical filter medium.

Of course it doesn't remove ammonia, why would you want it to? That's what the bacteria is for. You bring up irrelevent issues that nobody even cares about. Carbon doesn't remove ammonia, nitrite, nitrate..so? And? People don't use carbon to remove those so it's moot.

It can be replaced by a mechanical filter? What mechanical media removes what carbon does but doesn't remove what it doesn't???

What else can you need to remove from the water that water changes cant do, without the dangers? The only claims proponents of carbon filtration ever make is the clarity of their water, i have never heard of any other beneficial claims. this is indeed true, but the same effect can be achieved, with a combination of over filtration, and regular water changes. given the potential dangers, with carbon, being safe is better than having to relate the death of some fish, on the forum. as for recharging the carbon it takes an oven that reaches 700c to clean carbon. not something that you find so much. if you feel you must use it, you will have to ignore the cost and pay up, changing the carbon on a daily basis, and hang the cost. lol putting it like that!!! why would you put yourself through it? it has its uses, but in IMO never for more than one day, and never on a permanent basis.

 

[Underwurlde]

... it takes an oven that reaches 700c to clean carbon...

Crikey! Household ovens usually max out at Gas Mark 9 i.e. 240°C or 475°F Only a factor of 3 out then!!!

Andy

 

[WILDER]

Juwel carbon is expensive when you have three tanks, will only use it to remove meds and thats all.

 

[xoedusk]

Thought I'd jump on the carbon-thread bandwagon, as I'm all about following others blindly:

Some other benefits of carbon, as AlphaBetta mentioned, are to remove pollutants from the tank that made their way in there via the air, like smoke and paint fumes(?) and what not.

Personally, I would recommend, as many others here have, to keep some carbon on stand-by for when you need it, like meds, intense smoke, fragrances someone stupidly sprayed over your tank, etc.

 

[nukeonekitty]

Just curious, do you think lighting insence in my room would hurt my tank? You know you gotta set the mood! Fish tank AND insence is basically taking the girls clothes off for you hahaha

 

[Underwurlde]

You use incense & fish tanks to take girls clothes off

Crikey.

I'm getting old.

 

[nukeonekitty]

hahaha seductive huh?

 

[SuperColey1]

As for Carbon, mines will never be in until my tank stops being a disaster, then it will be in for a few days to clear the meds then out again.

As for Alpha Betta, you've been a member 1 day and already using a tone with people that suggests they don't know what they are talking about. Be a little more pleasant. Everybody has different opinions on everything in the world so just put your point across without belittling someone elses beliefs unless they are actually giving instructions that are DEFINATELY wrong

I have had a lot of help from this forum and would've had an even more disaster of a tank if not for their help.

Respect and manners never cost me anything anyway