Nitrate and Phosphate Free Carbon

ken6217 · 11/05/2006, 09:49 AM

Hi all,
In my 90 gallon tank, I have about 125 lbs of live rock added 9 days ago. The ammonia level is zero and I have nitrites now. I also have not done a water change yet.

I have a question about carbon. Is it ok to run carbon to make the water crystal clear at this point? Also with all of the new pipe and gluing etc I thought maybe it would be a good idea. If so, do you know any brands that are absolutely phosphate and nitrate free? Do you know if E.S.V. granular activated carbon is? How much and for how long should I run the carbon, if I should be running it at all.

Thanks,
Ken

serpentman · 11/05/2006, 11:34 AM

I would let your cycle run its course and not run carbon at this time. You will undoubtedly experience an algae bloom or two which will actually benefit your tank in the long run by using up a lot of the free organics in your tank. Once your cycle is complete, I would then run the carbon.

I use ESV which claims to be phosphate free. They recommend 1/2 cup per 40gal if you are using a protein skimmer and 1 cup per 40gal without a skimmer.

LittlePuff · 11/05/2006, 09:05 PM

Seachem Matrix or Seagel.

skriz · 11/05/2006, 09:48 PM

definatley DO NOT use a brand that I see in lfs...HBH. It is terrible and will destroy your tank.

11/05/2006, 09:49 AM	#1
ken6217 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 2,179	Nitrate and Phosphate Free Carbon Hi all, In my 90 gallon tank, I have about 125 lbs of live rock added 9 days ago. The ammonia level is zero and I have nitrites now. I also have not done a water change yet. I have a question about carbon. Is it ok to run carbon to make the water crystal clear at this point? Also with all of the new pipe and gluing etc I thought maybe it would be a good idea. If so, do you know any brands that are absolutely phosphate and nitrate free? Do you know if E.S.V. granular activated carbon is? How much and for how long should I run the carbon, if I should be running it at all. Thanks, Ken

11/05/2006, 11:34 AM	#2
serpentman part time superhero Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Deep in the Heart of the Snowbelt (NE OHIO) Posts: 5,698	I would let your cycle run its course and not run carbon at this time. You will undoubtedly experience an algae bloom or two which will actually benefit your tank in the long run by using up a lot of the free organics in your tank. Once your cycle is complete, I would then run the carbon. I use ESV which claims to be phosphate free. They recommend 1/2 cup per 40gal if you are using a protein skimmer and 1 cup per 40gal without a skimmer. __________________ BS in Marine Bio ('96), First SW tank in 1992. Current Tank(s) 300g SPS with 90g frag tank and 40 anemone tank - decommissioned 46g LPS/Softy Cube 300g FOWLR under construction - decommissioned

11/05/2006, 09:05 PM	#3
LittlePuff Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Peoria,IL Posts: 685	Seachem Matrix or Seagel. __________________ 90gal FOWLR (planning) 55gal FOWLR

11/05/2006, 09:48 PM	#4
skriz Moved On Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 502	definatley DO NOT use a brand that I see in lfs...HBH. It is terrible and will destroy your tank.