Using carbon...confused?

kikireef · 05/18/2009, 09:40 AM

I have read all about the pros and cons of carbon and i DO want to use it. Maybe not 24/7 but at least when needed. What is the best way to use it? I was thinking of placing it in a micron sock connected to the overflow from the main. Is this the best way?

kikireef · 05/18/2009, 09:41 AM

Oh i forgot. Im currently in my cycling process. Should i wait until i complete my cycle or could i start now?

Michael · 05/18/2009, 10:04 AM

i could talk for hours on it kiki, but id bore myself

, best to have a look at this by the capn http://www.reefcentral.com/wp/?p=375

and this is useful as well

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/2/aafeature1

drummereef · 05/18/2009, 10:45 AM

Probably the most efficient way of running carbon is in a reactor. Slow flow circulating the whole volume of carbon gives the best contact time. BRS has a nice carbon. Check out their ROX line.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Carbon...duct_info.html

spleify · 05/18/2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kikireef
i DO want to use it. Maybe not 24/7 but at least when needed.

I would think this would be difficult to determin when carbon was "needed". I personally run carbon 24/7. As Brett said, running it in a reactor is going to be your best bet. Just be sure to rinse it out real well before you put it into service in your tank.

Good luck and good choice IMO to run GAC.

mattypw · 05/18/2009, 11:35 AM

I run carbon in a small compartment of my skimmer. It came with a "sock". I'm not sure how effective it is, but I figure its better than nothing. I think the harm can come if you don't change the carbon.

tastingSalty · 05/18/2009, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by drummereef
Probably the most efficient way of running carbon is in a reactor. Slow flow circulating the whole volume of carbon gives the best contact time. BRS has a nice carbon. Check out their ROX line.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Carbon...duct_info.html

Quote:

Originally posted by spleify
I would think this would be difficult to determin when carbon was "needed". I personally run carbon 24/7. As Brett said, running it in a reactor is going to be your best bet. Just be sure to rinse it out real well before you put it into service in your tank.

Good luck and good choice IMO to run GAC.

+1 to each. I have a bag of ROX coming in the mail today!

Michael · 05/18/2009, 11:44 AM

personally imo its best used in a reactor on reverse flow, this way the water pressure forces the water through it and the carbon wont crumble as water is forced downwards and not upwards which can liquidise it if the flow is too high, ive never used bulk reef carbon, however it has good feedback, i like D&D rowa carbon myself, whatever you use imo its better than nothing, i also use it 24-7 and always have on all aquaria for 20 years +, i noticed in your opening statement you dont want to use it 24-7, ok fine a question.

(1) why?

kikireef · 05/18/2009, 12:26 PM

It's not that I don't want to use it 24/7. In actuality I would prefer to I just wasn't sure what the best recommendation is. I think it seems better to use it than not to use it at all I just wasn't sure if 24/7 was appropriate. It seems easier than adding and taking away constantly.

05/18/2009, 09:40 AM	#1
kikireef Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Chino at The Preserve Posts: 1,107	Using carbon...confused? I have read all about the pros and cons of carbon and i DO want to use it. Maybe not 24/7 but at least when needed. What is the best way to use it? I was thinking of placing it in a micron sock connected to the overflow from the main. Is this the best way?

05/18/2009, 09:41 AM	#2
kikireef Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Chino at The Preserve Posts: 1,107	Oh i forgot. Im currently in my cycling process. Should i wait until i complete my cycle or could i start now? __________________ Keith SCMAS Member Tank Info: 120 gallon 48"x30"x20" Leemar Rimless. 2 MP40w, 1 MP10w, SROsss Skimmer, ATI Sunpower 8x54w, Neptune Apex Controller with WXM module. 2 BRS dosing pumps. Check my homepage for the build...

05/18/2009, 10:04 AM	#3
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	i could talk for hours on it kiki, but id bore myself , best to have a look at this by the capn http://www.reefcentral.com/wp/?p=375 and this is useful as well http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/2/aafeature1 __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

05/18/2009, 10:45 AM	#4
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	Probably the most efficient way of running carbon is in a reactor. Slow flow circulating the whole volume of carbon gives the best contact time. BRS has a nice carbon. Check out their ROX line. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Carbon...duct_info.html __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system

05/18/2009, 11:44 AM	#8
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	personally imo its best used in a reactor on reverse flow, this way the water pressure forces the water through it and the carbon wont crumble as water is forced downwards and not upwards which can liquidise it if the flow is too high, ive never used bulk reef carbon, however it has good feedback, i like D&D rowa carbon myself, whatever you use imo its better than nothing, i also use it 24-7 and always have on all aquaria for 20 years +, i noticed in your opening statement you dont want to use it 24-7, ok fine a question. (1) why? __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

05/18/2009, 11:35 AM	#6
mattypw Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 184	I run carbon in a small compartment of my skimmer. It came with a "sock". I'm not sure how effective it is, but I figure its better than nothing. I think the harm can come if you don't change the carbon.

05/18/2009, 12:26 PM	#9
kikireef Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Chino at The Preserve Posts: 1,107	It's not that I don't want to use it 24/7. In actuality I would prefer to I just wasn't sure what the best recommendation is. I think it seems better to use it than not to use it at all I just wasn't sure if 24/7 was appropriate. It seems easier than adding and taking away constantly. __________________ Keith SCMAS Member Tank Info: 120 gallon 48"x30"x20" Leemar Rimless. 2 MP40w, 1 MP10w, SROsss Skimmer, ATI Sunpower 8x54w, Neptune Apex Controller with WXM module. 2 BRS dosing pumps. Check my homepage for the build...