how much carbon to run?

lewismw · 01/20/2008, 12:09 PM

I just built a trickle chamber to run carbon through. I used about 15oz or 1/2 of a 900mL container of BlackDiamond GAC.
I have a 125 display with a 20 gal sump.
How much carbon do you guys use? do you prefer a slow trickle or a steady stream over the carbon?

lewismw · 01/20/2008, 04:42 PM

?

frags75 · 01/20/2008, 10:44 PM

I dont use any carbon at all. I really dont see the need for it although many will argue this.

kdblove_99 · 01/21/2008, 12:53 AM

I run my carbon in a TLF reactor inline woth GFO

zachtos · 01/21/2008, 01:04 PM

general carbon Link to bulk carbon, 55lbs for around $90 shipped US.

I use about 1.5 cups/ 500gallons every 2 weeks. It depletes very quickly, so I use small amounts and frequent changes. Life is good if you buy in bulk, a several year supply for me cost $90. It is exactly the same as any coal based carbon you will buy online, low phosphate, neutral ph.

lewismw · 01/22/2008, 01:41 PM

SO there is no difference is brands of GAC? Some claim to have "cleaner" GAC than others. interesting...

zachtos · 01/22/2008, 02:34 PM

granuale size is really the only difference in any bituminous based coal. some of the other brands will make carbon products based from cocunut shell or wood. there are many types available, but bituminous coal is the highest quality. this is what they use for water treatment. I've been using this in my 500G volume system for about 8 months w/ no ill effect. No phosphates detected in my system, no negative ph.

bhdmc · 01/22/2008, 03:19 PM

I use ESV carbon and their direction and use 1 1/2 cup for my 125 gallons with a protien skimmer. I run in carbon in the Phosban reactor.

Dave VG · 01/22/2008, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kdblove_99
I run my carbon in a TLF reactor inline woth GFO

I also run it this way. Works great

01/20/2008, 12:09 PM	#1
lewismw Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Birmingham Posts: 275	how much carbon to run? I just built a trickle chamber to run carbon through. I used about 15oz or 1/2 of a 900mL container of BlackDiamond GAC. I have a 125 display with a 20 gal sump. How much carbon do you guys use? do you prefer a slow trickle or a steady stream over the carbon?

01/21/2008, 01:04 PM	#5
zachtos Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,161	general carbon Link to bulk carbon, 55lbs for around $90 shipped US. I use about 1.5 cups/ 500gallons every 2 weeks. It depletes very quickly, so I use small amounts and frequent changes. Life is good if you buy in bulk, a several year supply for me cost $90. It is exactly the same as any coal based carbon you will buy online, low phosphate, neutral ph. __________________ 300G SPS reef build in progress Current Tank Info: 300G reef under construction

01/22/2008, 02:34 PM	#7
zachtos Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,161	granuale size is really the only difference in any bituminous based coal. some of the other brands will make carbon products based from cocunut shell or wood. there are many types available, but bituminous coal is the highest quality. this is what they use for water treatment. I've been using this in my 500G volume system for about 8 months w/ no ill effect. No phosphates detected in my system, no negative ph. __________________ 300G SPS reef build in progress Current Tank Info: 300G reef under construction

01/20/2008, 04:42 PM	#2
lewismw Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Birmingham Posts: 275	?

01/20/2008, 10:44 PM	#3
frags75 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Suburbia Posts: 275	I dont use any carbon at all. I really dont see the need for it although many will argue this.

01/21/2008, 12:53 AM	#4
kdblove_99 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Frederick,CO Posts: 8,683	I run my carbon in a TLF reactor inline woth GFO

01/22/2008, 01:41 PM	#6
lewismw Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Birmingham Posts: 275	SO there is no difference is brands of GAC? Some claim to have "cleaner" GAC than others. interesting...

01/22/2008, 03:19 PM	#8
bhdmc Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York Posts: 956	I use ESV carbon and their direction and use 1 1/2 cup for my 125 gallons with a protien skimmer. I run in carbon in the Phosban reactor.