I have used carbon for many years without any Issues. I use the zeovit carbon. My understanding some carbons are stronger than others which could create Issues.
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I feel the life of carbon is two weeks... but of course it depends on the quality of the water when you start using it... if tank is super dirty you may need to change it out every week until you get the water clarity you are looking for then switch to every two weeks... not sure how chem clean elite can last for 6 months? I run 2 cups with a maxi jet pump... Foster and smith pellets, just make sure it does not tumble too much and break down as that will cause some of the issue stated previously... Carbon dust will kill some corals and harm fish.
Carbon Dust Kills Stuff. Interesting.
Does GFO Dust Kill Coral too?
On the topic of HLLE and tangs, I can tell you from experience that running carbon is not the issue, its when the carbon gets into the water that is the issue. If you buy low grade carbon, allow it to tumble (if running in a reactor), or not rinse it properly the carbon gets into the water and can cause HLLE in tangs. My blue hippo tang started to develop HLLE, and I too found the articles blaming carbon. But what I found when I pulled my reactor was the whole section of my sump was covered in carbon dust. I was running cheap carbon and allowing it to tumble. If you do research on some of the top shelf carbon "ROX", you will find it is harder so it resists breaking down. Also if you use a reactor and you read the direction (like I did not), you will find they recommend you use a foam pad to keep the carbon from tumbling.