Do you use activated carbon at all times, intermittently or never?

[TWYOUNG]

Do most reefers consider the use of activated carbon mandatory? I'm evaluating whether to use it continuously, intermittently or never? I'm also confused as some say it's only effective for a matter of days, while others claim it lasts months. Does it remove "good" stuff from my water?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I used it 24/7, but intermittent is also likely fine.

 

[Miami Reef]

I use it 24/7.

 

[ryanjohn1]

Intermittent

 

[beesnreefs]

24/7, passive (bag in high flow area of sump), replaced monthly

PROS: keeps water clear, removes DOM, removed various environmental toxins.

CONS: may remove some trace elements, carbon dust can be an irritant to livestock

 

[vitaliyphoto]

24/7. I think it’s one of those methods that “resets water clarity” initially and then reduces it’s fouling over the next few weeks. You’ll likely achieve similar result by just running it 24 hours and taking it out but why not allow it to fully saturate with bacteria and become ineffective. Just feels more efficient this way.

 

[Seansea]

2 weeks a month.

 

[dieselkeeper]

I'd like to use it 24/7 in a reactor. But I worry about HLLE. Any opinions on this.

 

[vitaliyphoto]

I'd like to use it 24/7 in a reactor. But I worry about HLLE. Any opinions on this.

Use acid washed carbon and don’t worry. I’d be more worried about SPS corals and others with increased water clarity

 

[Sophie"s mom]

24/7. I change it ab every 2 weeks.

 

[t5Nitro]

Always. I don’t change it often enough though so maybe mine is then considered intermittent, lol.

 

[sfin52]

24/7

 

[19Mateo83]

24/7

 

[rtparty]

Never. The only carbon I use is on top of my skimmer cup to help with the smell

 

[TWYOUNG]

I used it 24/7, but intermittent is also likely fine.

How often do you believe it needs to be changed? I'm using about a cup at a time of 0.8 ROX per 130 gals in a reactor.

 

[TurboTang]

24/7

 

[TurboTang]

3-4 weeks change, using ROX 0.8

 

[Evil1]

CP Blue 24/7

 

[Miami Reef]

Never. The only carbon I use is on top of my skimmer cup to help with the smell

Why not?

 

[00W]

I don't use any at all and haven't for over 4 years.