Can I remove carbon if using chaeto? What does carbon remove that chaeto doesn't?

[Dave Clark]

Hello. I've been using BRS Rox 0.8 carbon in my nano tank since I set it up. Recently I've added chaeto to control pH, and have noticed that my nitrates and phosphate levels now regularly measure at zero.

I've attempted to do online research, but the chemistry is confusing to me. Does carbon bind any undesirable substances that are not removed by chaeto? I'm wondering if I should remove the carbon.

Thanks in advance.

 

[TehBrainz]

Carbon is good for polishing the water and absorbing other compounds in your water

 

[TehBrainz]

Typically, carbon is not run 24/7.

I run carbon whenever I run GFO (in the same reactor) which at the moment is ~2-3 weeks a month so I'm almost at full time though. I have some really large leather corals though that can release toxins in the water so I figure I'm mitigating any effects from those corals.

 

[Dave Clark]

Carbon is good for polishing the water and absorbing other compounds in your water

What does it remove that chaeto doesn’t?

 

[Dave Clark]

Typically, carbon is not run 24/7.

I run carbon whenever I run GFO (in the same reactor) which at the moment is ~2-3 weeks a month so I'm almost at full time though. I have some really large leather corals though that can release toxins in the water so I figure I'm mitigating any effects from those corals.

I believe that Randy Holmes Farley runs Rox carbon 24/7 in his tanks. Anyway, I’m curious as to whether chaeto can replace carbon.

 

[Jmp998]

Chaeto is primarily to remove nutrients phosphate and nitrate etc. Activated carbon (for our purposes) removes larger organic molecules-toxins, pigments, etc and some other pollutants. There is little functional overlap.

Are you confusing activated carbon (Rox) with carbon dosing (vinegar etc)? Those are completely different.

 

[twentyleagues]

What @Jmp998 said. (easier then finishing what I was typing lol)

 

[Dave Clark]

Chaeto is primarily to remove nutrients phosphate and nitrate etc. Activated carbon (for our purposes) removes larger organic molecules-toxins, pigments, etc and some other pollutants. There is little functional overlap.

Are you confusing activated carbon (Rox) with carbon dosing (vinegar etc)? Those are completely different.

No, I was referring to chemical filtration via activated carbon.

Thank you for answering my question.