Is Carbon meant to be a temporary fix or permanent part of the reef system?

[Sir Chris]

I run carbon (bought in bulk from BRS) 24/7/365 and have for over 30 years. It's great for removing some dissolved organics (yellow water) and will also take care of many toxins.

For those who run a "mixed" reef (soft and stony corals) removing the turpines released by the soft corals makes it's use, at least IMO, mandatory.

FWIW - chemipure is just fine carbon in a filter bag. Chemipure elite has some GFO added to help with phosphates. In the long run you will save a ton of money using bulk carbon and bulk GFO in reactors.

I agree with this for leathers that throw them out to keep others at bay. When I see a mixed with a large leather I get anxious seeing it

 

[hart24601]

I keep purigen in the tank at all times until it gets dark, but that takes a really long time.


It has always seemed better to use less activated carbon but replace it frequently. I have media bags and I use just a little bit in a media bag and put it in my filter sock. I then change the carbon when I change the socks about every 5 days or so. Being in the filter sock gives good flow without having to use a reactor, and the sock catches any dust I didn’t get when rinsing. Worked for me for years now.

 

[cracker]

Iv'e used it to clear cloudy water after some kind of bloom once . I have ran it all the time never could see or tell any difference .

 

[Loggerhead]

Permanent in mine, but I have a few leathers so it is used to combat coral warfare.