Carbon versus Carbon Pads

garvin90 · 04/25/2006, 02:53 PM

I have only used activated carbon itself and not the filter pads, can anyone share which they feel is better or they even do the same thing? To me it looks better than carbon as it has more surface area to be filtered through and can act as another are for bacteria to form.

Alaskan Reefer · 04/25/2006, 03:39 PM

Since you probably don't want carbon in a reef tank for more than a few days at a time, just pick whatever is more convenient.

trippyl · 04/25/2006, 04:23 PM

In a well established reef, some filter padding won't be a significant source of bio filtration. Further, the type of bacteria you are referring to would cause nitrates, which you wouldn't want in a reef environment.

I would suggest going with real carbon, as the pads are not 100% carbon, and who knows how effective they are. Best bet is to use good quality granulated carbon, and switch it out every 2 weeks with some new carbon. Don't run it for too long as it may leach back some of the crap it absorbed.

Many people use Chemi-pure instead of carbon for reef tanks. I've been doing this myself and my tank is crystal clear (although it was crystal clear before i added the chemi pure.)

04/25/2006, 02:53 PM	#1
garvin90 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: blair, Nebraska Posts: 485	Carbon versus Carbon Pads I have only used activated carbon itself and not the filter pads, can anyone share which they feel is better or they even do the same thing? To me it looks better than carbon as it has more surface area to be filtered through and can act as another are for bacteria to form. __________________ I do not scare easily however I will not be be back, nor with greater numbers. Current Tank Info: 50g salt, 5.5g fresh

04/25/2006, 03:39 PM	#2
Alaskan Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Eagle River, Alaska Posts: 2,360	Since you probably don't want carbon in a reef tank for more than a few days at a time, just pick whatever is more convenient. __________________ Unattended children will be given double shot espresso and a free puppy. Current Tank Info: 125g FOWLR -- Conversion Back To SPS In Progress

04/25/2006, 04:23 PM	#3
trippyl Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Here Posts: 1,106	In a well established reef, some filter padding won't be a significant source of bio filtration. Further, the type of bacteria you are referring to would cause nitrates, which you wouldn't want in a reef environment. I would suggest going with real carbon, as the pads are not 100% carbon, and who knows how effective they are. Best bet is to use good quality granulated carbon, and switch it out every 2 weeks with some new carbon. Don't run it for too long as it may leach back some of the crap it absorbed. Many people use Chemi-pure instead of carbon for reef tanks. I've been doing this myself and my tank is crystal clear (although it was crystal clear before i added the chemi pure.)