Carbon?

[TD13]

Carbon all the time, none of the time, or just sometimes?! I have a SPS dominant reef with one colony of Zoas and a few Ricordeas, and a Branching Torch. Is there any NEED?! My water is pretty clear and it doesn't stink. Thoughts!?

 

[spspirate]

I run carbon (Lignite) twenty-four seven. I change it out ever so often. As long as your conscious about your water quality and where things need to be then you should be great. Using carbon helps to achieve that.

 

[kschweer]

I also run carbon 24/7. BRS rox in a reactor changed pretty much every month, sometimes longer.

 

[acesfull44]

I run mine 24/7 as well. Change it out monthly.

 

[gmastr85]

Same here... 24/7 BRS Rox.. Change it out approx. once a month or when I notice junk building up on the glass more than usual.

 

[Humblefish]

Same here... 24/7 BRS Rox.. Change it out approx. once a month or when I notice junk building up on the glass more than usual.

+1 Running carbon is a great insurance policy in case you get a toxin or something in your tank. Just make sure you use the "good stuff" like Rox. Cheap carbon creates more problems than it solves.

 

[Waters]

I run it 24X7 as well. During your next water change, look at the water you removed in a white 5 gallon bucket if possible. You will easily be able to see if there is any yellowing in the water (especially compared to freshly mixed saltwater in the same white bucket). You might be surprised on how yellow your water actually is. In addition to that, carbon is a good safely net, removing any toxins that may get into your tank.

 

[constantflow]

You will easily be able to see if there is any yellowing in the water (especially compared to freshly mixed saltwater in the same white bucket). You might be surprised on how yellow your water actually is.

+1

I find carbon doesn't last very long.

 

[Watevadog5]

I use a filter pad that has carbon in it, I cut it to fit into my bubble trap chamber of my sump. the water clarity of my 90 over my 46 in quite noticeable.

 

[klesel]

24/7 chemi blue pre bagged and all in one still run puragin as well .

 

[GnarleyMarley]

I also run an sps tank, and I stopped using carbon about 5 years ago. I still use it if there is a need (chemical aarfare, dead fish, after a intercetpor treatment, ect) and I don't miss it. I stay on top of params, and try not to use it unless I need it. I have had a couple of problems with things mysteriously stn'ing after putting carbon on line, but I think it was because it made the water clear enough to cause my lights to penetrate the water too well. The problem with carbon is staying on top of changing it out, because it can very quickly go from beneficial to detrimental, but that's pretty much the case for everything in this hobby.

 

[reefwiser]

If you use Rox carbon it doesn't take much is a SPS system. If you use a fluidized reactor you can cut the amount in half that the package suggests.
What does your water look like in a white cup. Is there yellowing? If so you might want to add some.