Rust in carbon

[Texas Reefer]

So last month I decided to give the cheaper Wally World brand of carbon pellets a try (I like to keep some in my filter sock). Three days later when I changed the sock I noticed the carbon was rusting! I threw out the cheap stuff and went back to Kent. But the cheap stuff left rust stains on my sock. Should I throw out the sock too, or is rust not really a big deal?

 

[Texas Reefer]

 

[Auqa84]

Well thats no good. Maybe try bleach and a toothbrush? Then out it through the washer maybe, i would just buy more myself and throw it away. Not worth the risk

 

[lucky7]

I wouldn't run carbon in your filter sock, the flow can grind and break down the carbon sending particles out . A filter bag placed in the sump would be better if you don't want to run a reactor

 

[NanaReefer]

Here's how I run my carbon. Cut the sheet to fit in my bubble trap :) Sheets are 24x24

 

[Chompers]

Rust is nothing to worry about. It is iron oxide. From this point, it isn't going to do anything else. It is already oxidized, so molecularly, it is at a stable state.

 

[Chompers]

Bleach won't do anything. It is Sodium Hypochloride and Sodium Hydroxide. Both are oxidizers. Rust is an oxide (iron oxide). Bleach won't do anything because rust is already oxidized.

Hydrochloric acid (muriatic) or acetic acid (vinegar) will dissolve the rust. However, some acids can melt/soften some plastic type fibers such as Rayon.

 

[Texas Reefer]

Thanks for the help! I guess I won't worry about it.