How much carbon?
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Reef Chemistry
Forum Description: A place to discuss reef chemistry.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=57651
Printed Date: December 15 2025 at 1:28am
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Topic: How much carbon?
Posted By: CrimsRayne
Subject: How much carbon?
Date Posted: July 07 2012 at 8:51pm
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The recent discussion about carbon lead me to wonder how much carbon to actually use. My carbon is from a bulk buy and is just in a bucket w/o directions for usage... I've read that it is best to use as little as you can with the general guidelines being 3 level tablespoons of carbon per 50 gallons of actual tank water. So how much do you use in what size tank and how and where do you "add it"? (reactor, filter sock, mesh bag, etc... first chamber, last chamber...) Does anyone have a preference in brand? ------------- "What we know from this hobby is too hard to share with the people who just want to look and not get wet." -Rioreefer "The Puffer Girl" Zoo freak :) West Jordan |
Replies:
Posted By: BillyC
Date Posted: July 07 2012 at 9:01pm
| Here's a link for you man. Use your estimated actual water volume and pick your type of carbon. |
Posted By: builderofdreams
Date Posted: July 08 2012 at 8:14am
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I previously had been using at least 1 pound of carbon in my 150. I was just putting it in my filter sock. In the last two months i have changed over to Clear FX Pro and love it. I run it in all my tanks. It is especially nice in my cube with only a HOB filter.No need to run multiple products. Carbon GFO ect. Personally i think it really depends on your Bio Load. IMO more the Merrier except on your pocket book that is.  ------------- It's Not a Hobby It's an Obsession 150&210 Gallons of Madness and. Sanity! 801-850-4915 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=65135&title=builderofdreams-feedback-post |
Posted By: Nails12
Date Posted: July 08 2012 at 12:43pm
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Hmmm, i put like 1/2 a cup in a mesh bag, in my filter sock... I wonder if that is too much for my 75 ------------- This is more than a hobby; its a lifestyle. |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: July 09 2012 at 7:16pm
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Placing the AC in the filter sock is not so good because the churning water may pulverize it. AC dust has been linked to LLE, a disease that once started is difficult to counteract. The better location is a loose bag draped over or placed next to the return pump intake screen. The amount definitely depends on the quantity of coral allelopathic toxins and the other animals in a tank. I've found that a cup or two of AC per every 100 gals run for 2 weeks every month does a great job. That much AC gets exhausted/used up within 2 weeks so leaving it in the system longer than that does little, if any, good. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: tfmreefs
Date Posted: July 23 2012 at 9:58pm
In my 55 gallon i have a canister filter,and a hob refuge, simmer, an other equipment, but my refugium obviously does what they so, and my caniter cleans out big floating stuff and it is more of a machanical cleaner rather than a chemical cleaner, but i have a huge empty spot in the back of it, and i acctualy use the plastic scentsy wax containers (which i clean out exteremly well) and fill it with my active carbon and zeolite rock stuff blend It holds a fair amount which seems enough and in is easy acsess when time to change:)------------- "The early bird might get the worm, but only the second mouse gets the cheese." |
Posted By: Fatman
Date Posted: July 23 2012 at 11:11pm
| We're running a FOWLR tank with AC in a reactor. I put in a half cup and change it every couple of weeks or or once a month. I originally bought the WalMart cheapo stuff, but have changed over to BRS. |
Posted By: tfmreefs
Date Posted: July 24 2012 at 1:06am
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Yep, i am running a FOWLR tank too ------------- "The early bird might get the worm, but only the second mouse gets the cheese." |
Posted By: Nails12
Date Posted: July 24 2012 at 11:37am
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Dually noted. Thanks Mark! ------------- This is more than a hobby; its a lifestyle. |