gac (carbon)

[saltykid85]

What are your thoughts of using carbon in a mixed reef.

Using skimmer and waterfall ats, my phosphates are down to .18, and nitrates zero.

At this point could it hurt. Or should I not use it..

Thanks

[SantaMonica]

Has a purpose, but not for reducing nutrients. Removes medication, and can make the water unnaturally clear (reefs are not clear)

[saltykid85]

OK so running it just because isn't the thing to do.

[SantaMonica]

Only if you like un-naturally clear water.

[saltykid85]

Yea no not me. I was under the impression it pulled out organics and what not.

[rleahaines]

What are your thoughts of using carbon in a mixed reef.

Using skimmer and waterfall ats, my phosphates are down to .18, and nitrates zero.

At this point could it hurt. Or should I not use it..

Thanks



Carbon is really only a temporary filtering situation. It quickly stops being effective in about a day or so. As was noted, it helps to make your water clearer - so use it if you want that.

I run it once in a while using a canister after I do a major cleaning of the tank to help clean up stuff I stir up.

[Devaji108]

So I am setting up a 40Br DT/sump going all ATS..
I was wondering how often i should run carbon? I dont wain yellow water but don"t supper clear water where the is no nutrients either...
it is just a visual point where you guys decide to use carbon? or it in on a schedule of some sort?

[SantaMonica]

Yellow is from waterfall scrubbers which have not been cleaned and thus the bottom layers die and and turn yellow. Upflow scrubbers generally don't have this problem because everything is under water and this keeps it alive.

Brown color is from food, usually pellets.

You don't have to use carbon, but if you do it's just by visual.