Activated Carbon Causes HLLE?

[CJO]

Did anyone see the bomb that Coral Magazine just dropped on activated carbon? In a series of tests, they came to the conclusion that lignite activated carbon, especially unwashed, is a likely cause of HLLE. Pelletized carbon seems to be better, but still results in microscopic lesions. They have not yet run tests on the other types:

Activated Carbon: HLLE Smoking Gun Found | Coral Magazine

Their recommendation is to look at other means of cleaning your water. If you use activated carbon, they recommend rinsing it thoroughly before using and to be sure that the water flow through the carbon is not enough to break up the carbon granules.

CJ

 

[nixer]

they are not the first. its been posted a few times about it. im really happy to see all these actual studies of late.

 

[benny z]

very interesting, indeed.

i searched the article, but did not find a result on the word "micron". anyone know what micron size the carbon dust is that causes the problem? for instance, if we run our carbon reactor outputs through a 100 micron filter sock, does it catch dust size causing the issue? what about 50 micron? 25?

just thinking out loud...

 

[Netta Fish]

i am not sure the micron size but i would think 100 would be suffice. as for the carbon itself i am told that it is the dust that causes things such as lateral line disease. 25 micron is super small i dont think anything would get through that. i for one do not use carbon, some brands are strong enough to remove all trace elements within a matter of days.

 

[benny z]

i've used carbon for many years, but have always run the outputs of my reactors through 100 micron filter socks or smaller. the majority of my socks are 100 micron, but i have a few 50 and 25 for extra fine polishing rotated in. i have always noted black/rust colored buildup in my filter socks after replacing the media with fresh for the first few days...makes sense.

i may start diligently switching in the 25 micron socks when i replace media just to be extra safe.

i should also note that i've never had a fish with HLLE.

 

[nixer]

i think its more than just the dust especially if you read the article.
i run carbon, but not nowhere near what some calculators say to run.