How long do i run carbon for?

snaza · 12/24/2007, 06:28 AM

just curious as to how long i should run carbon in my sump. some say 24/7, others say 1 day and other day 2 months. i also read i can cause nitrates if i left in in the sump.

so please help me as i:m going to put some in my sump tomorrow

thanks

chris wright · 12/24/2007, 06:59 AM

It really depends on your tank. As you pointed out, there's many variations. I personally run carbon 24/7. I clean it by rinising it in the water from a water change, which I do weekly.

I believe in using a fair amount of carbon, some run it in their sumps, some in carbon reactors, but since my set up has no sump I run it in a canister filter. My tank is roughly 55-60 gallons, and i use 1ltr of carbon, don't know why it's measured in a fluid measurement. 1gallon = 3.38 US gallons. Visually this is a good handfull.

My tank is a mixed reef, softies, lps and sps. I've never had any problems with water clarity and chemical warfare, so to speak.

HTH

Cheers

Chris

demonsp · 12/24/2007, 07:12 AM

Any media left uncleaned in the system will collect nitrates, even that magnet glass cleaner. Though the glass cleaner cant do much harm by itself in combination with other media does take a toll. Its regular maint to clean pumps , media and any equipment in contact with the water. Carbon can be used as another toll for ammonia control and neutralizing meds. It must be replaced monthly or more depending on water conditions.

There is no 1 do it all cure. Your tank is about control.And the more you have the better things will go. We control by water changes , equipment , testing of the water , the water source ,and stocking and feeding , amount of LR and LS , water movement or flow and CUC. Its getting the balance thats wanted and if you cant get the basic control then things may always go wrong.

12/24/2007, 06:28 AM	#1
snaza Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Australia Posts: 1,393	How long do i run carbon for? just curious as to how long i should run carbon in my sump. some say 24/7, others say 1 day and other day 2 months. i also read i can cause nitrates if i left in in the sump. so please help me as i:m going to put some in my sump tomorrow thanks

12/24/2007, 06:59 AM	#2
chris wright Moved On Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Orange Australia Posts: 835	It really depends on your tank. As you pointed out, there's many variations. I personally run carbon 24/7. I clean it by rinising it in the water from a water change, which I do weekly. I believe in using a fair amount of carbon, some run it in their sumps, some in carbon reactors, but since my set up has no sump I run it in a canister filter. My tank is roughly 55-60 gallons, and i use 1ltr of carbon, don't know why it's measured in a fluid measurement. 1gallon = 3.38 US gallons. Visually this is a good handfull. My tank is a mixed reef, softies, lps and sps. I've never had any problems with water clarity and chemical warfare, so to speak. HTH Cheers Chris

12/24/2007, 07:12 AM	#3
demonsp Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: el paso tx Posts: 7,634	Any media left uncleaned in the system will collect nitrates, even that magnet glass cleaner. Though the glass cleaner cant do much harm by itself in combination with other media does take a toll. Its regular maint to clean pumps , media and any equipment in contact with the water. Carbon can be used as another toll for ammonia control and neutralizing meds. It must be replaced monthly or more depending on water conditions. There is no 1 do it all cure. Your tank is about control.And the more you have the better things will go. We control by water changes , equipment , testing of the water , the water source ,and stocking and feeding , amount of LR and LS , water movement or flow and CUC. Its getting the balance thats wanted and if you cant get the basic control then things may always go wrong.