Does running lots of carbon affect skimmer performance?

sjm817 · 12/15/2006, 06:37 PM

This is related to my post on using a Fluval 404 canister for carbon
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...hreadid=983553

I'm running an entire 3.65L container of Black Diamond carbon in a Fluval 404. The setup is a 180G, 75G sump, 30G fuge. The Fluval is plumbed to the sump.

Would running a lot of carbon negatively affect skimmer performance? Would it make it more difficult to build/maintain a foam head?

Thnx

Boomer · 12/15/2006, 07:53 PM

Yes it can, as the GAC removes organics, thus less organics for the skimmer has to pick up.

WOW !! That is allot of GAC. I thought I was bad at 1 cup /25 gals.

That is 1 cup / 20 gals. If your subtract for volume displacement it would be like 1 cup / 15 gal. It won't hurt anything. Make sure you clean by tumble rinsing under running water 1 /wk or at lesat 1 / 2wks. And replace it 1 / m or every 2/ m if you do not want it going biological.

sjm817 · 12/15/2006, 08:09 PM

Thanks for the reply. The intent wasn't to use a ton of it. I set up the new system and had the Fluval kicking around not being used, so I figured I might as well. I filled it up all the trays and was surprised that I used the whole container.

I'm not so sure i like the setup. I think I'd rather have the skimmer doing the work. Emptying the collection cup is easier than rinsing carbon.

How effective is just putting a bag of carbon in the sump with decent flow?

Randy Holmes-Farley · 12/16/2006, 07:03 AM

If little particulates of carbon get loose in the water, that may collapse the foam temporarily, but in the long run, running carbon and skimming together is a good plan as they do not always remove the same exact compounds.

FWIW, I use both.

Forcing the water through the carbon is usually more effective than hanging a bag. I use a Magnum cannister filter, but with only 2-4 cups of carbon for my 350 gallon or so total system.

12/15/2006, 06:37 PM	#1
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Does running lots of carbon affect skimmer performance? This is related to my post on using a Fluval 404 canister for carbon http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...hreadid=983553 I'm running an entire 3.65L container of Black Diamond carbon in a Fluval 404. The setup is a 180G, 75G sump, 30G fuge. The Fluval is plumbed to the sump. Would running a lot of carbon negatively affect skimmer performance? Would it make it more difficult to build/maintain a foam head? Thnx __________________ - Scott

12/15/2006, 08:09 PM	#3
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Thanks for the reply. The intent wasn't to use a ton of it. I set up the new system and had the Fluval kicking around not being used, so I figured I might as well. I filled it up all the trays and was surprised that I used the whole container. I'm not so sure i like the setup. I think I'd rather have the skimmer doing the work. Emptying the collection cup is easier than rinsing carbon. How effective is just putting a bag of carbon in the sump with decent flow? __________________ - Scott

12/16/2006, 07:03 AM	#4
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	If little particulates of carbon get loose in the water, that may collapse the foam temporarily, but in the long run, running carbon and skimming together is a good plan as they do not always remove the same exact compounds. FWIW, I use both. Forcing the water through the carbon is usually more effective than hanging a bag. I use a Magnum cannister filter, but with only 2-4 cups of carbon for my 350 gallon or so total system. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

12/15/2006, 07:53 PM	#2
Boomer Bomb Technician (EOD) Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Duluth, Minnesota Posts: 11,842	Yes it can, as the GAC removes organics, thus less organics for the skimmer has to pick up. WOW !! That is allot of GAC. I thought I was bad at 1 cup /25 gals. That is 1 cup / 20 gals. If your subtract for volume displacement it would be like 1 cup / 15 gal. It won't hurt anything. Make sure you clean by tumble rinsing under running water 1 /wk or at lesat 1 / 2wks. And replace it 1 / m or every 2/ m if you do not want it going biological.