Is it ok to leave carbon in the system?

dmbnpj · 04/29/2006, 07:40 AM

I have a few bags of carbon sitting in my sump. I performed interceptor treatment last weekend. Should I take the carbon out or leave it in?

nait002 · 04/29/2006, 07:54 AM

I would replace. Cheap and easy.

Sk8r · 04/29/2006, 08:10 AM

The reason you put carbon in is to take something out, so you have to remove it and toss it in order to complete the job of removal from the system. If you leave it in beyond the instructions (usually 3 days), as I understand it, you risk it overloading and either becoming a culture spot for nitrate, or ultimately releasing what it contains.

Also, just an FYI, carbon can remove trace elements your corals and fish need: these will be replaced at the next partial water change, but it's worth noting.

dmbnpj · 04/29/2006, 08:51 AM

ok, thanks

04/29/2006, 07:40 AM	#1
dmbnpj Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: north carolina Posts: 1,914	Is it ok to leave carbon in the system? I have a few bags of carbon sitting in my sump. I performed interceptor treatment last weekend. Should I take the carbon out or leave it in?

04/29/2006, 08:10 AM	#3
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	The reason you put carbon in is to take something out, so you have to remove it and toss it in order to complete the job of removal from the system. If you leave it in beyond the instructions (usually 3 days), as I understand it, you risk it overloading and either becoming a culture spot for nitrate, or ultimately releasing what it contains. Also, just an FYI, carbon can remove trace elements your corals and fish need: these will be replaced at the next partial water change, but it's worth noting. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

04/29/2006, 07:54 AM	#2
nait002 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: milwaukee Posts: 663	I would replace. Cheap and easy.

04/29/2006, 08:51 AM	#4
dmbnpj Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: north carolina Posts: 1,914	ok, thanks