Sps after using carbon

Guttersnipe · Jan 16, 2018

Hi reefers! I started noticing some of my sps frags are not looking so good after using GAC. Have any of you guys experienced this? I removed the carbon today and hope things will get better.

Fudsey · Jan 16, 2018

What kind of GAC were you using? ROX can strip the water from what I have been reading

Guttersnipe · Jan 16, 2018

I ordered some carbon from amazon. Kolar labs is the brand. I’m thinking it stripped my water of all the elements.

hybridazn · Jan 16, 2018

How much did you use? Did you rinse it well? How much total water volume?

Fudsey · Jan 16, 2018

It may have. I know when I use ROX I use only 1/2 cup with same GFO and I have it on very low in a 90G

Guttersnipe · Jan 16, 2018

I did rinse it well. I used about a cup or a little over a cup.
Total water volume is 120 gallons.

Gareth elliott · Jan 16, 2018

Another possibility is the carbon removed the yellow pigments in the water increasing par they were getting quite drastically.

jda · Jan 16, 2018

I never notice any difference when using GAC. My water is fairly clean to begin with - no extra organics or yellow color. I also rinse it well. I only use it to really polish the water when taking a few photos.

It could have removed quite a bit of DOC. It could have made the water more clear, as suggested above. It also could be a total coincidence.

Guttersnipe · Jan 16, 2018

The water did look a lot clearer after using the carbon.
I will be doing a small water change hoping it will replenish some elements.

bif24701 · Jan 16, 2018

I use small amounts of ROX regularly, my acros and SPS never reacted negatively.

It could be that using the carbon for the first time in awhile cleaned it up good and they are getting more light. Just give them a few days and should be ok. Use less more often is always better IMO. 1/2 recommended changed every 2-3 weeks.