running carbon

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g0rFz

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is it better to use the larger micro or smaller (800 or 300) for the media bag? also, is there much of a difference in any carbon brands? i got a big container from a freshwater tank would that be fine?
 
You just want to hold the carbon so a course bag will allow more flow. Yes there is a difference in carbons. Some sold in the hobby are not even made for water and others are excellent. Black diamond is a good dirty carbon available at most LFS and Rox is a real good clean carbon. IMO rox is well worth the money spent.

Don
 
I use the black diamond but as Don mentioned & I think that is what he means, you have to rinse it extra well compared to the ROX. BD is very filthy in that aspect but still a good product, ROX is way easier to use.
 
I use the black diamond but as Don mentioned & I think that is what he means, you have to rinse it extra well compared to the ROX. BD is very filthy in that aspect but still a good product, ROX is way easier to use.


Yes that is what I meant. The BD also doesnt seem as hard or the small edges and corners just break off easier. For me any carbon fines will shut down my skimmer for week so Rox has been a easy cure.

Don
 
Thanks for the explanation. I use the Black Diamond stuff on occasion too, and yeah... it's pretty dusty. When it gunks up your skimmer, is it just that the fines coat everything and you either have to clean it constantly to regain its efficiency, or is it something else?
 
I decided to switch to Rox when I set up my new tank. The tunze skimmer is so finiky and is sort of a pain. I like carbon alot but also want my skimmer to skim.:)

Don

Now you tell me, after I bought your suggested pallet load;)
Well perhaps I exagerate a little. Bought a few pounds and it's doing a good job. Don thanks again for all your excellent contributions here. You rock!
(and nobody should know as much about carbon and testing as Boomer:eek:)
 
Thanks for the explanation. I use the Black Diamond stuff on occasion too, and yeah... it's pretty dusty. When it gunks up your skimmer, is it just that the fines coat everything and you either have to clean it constantly to regain its efficiency, or is it something else?

The carbon fines shut it down almost completely until I clean it out. Its a tunze and is sort an odd little skimmer not the best but when it works I like it.:)

Don
 
how much do i put in? is there a gallon to tbsp ratio or what? i put in about 3 capfuls/tablespoons in 75 gal...it doesnt seem like much but i dont want to overdo it..

thanks don for all the info thus far!
 
how much do i put in? is there a gallon to tbsp ratio or what? i put in about 3 capfuls/tablespoons in 75 gal...it doesnt seem like much but i dont want to overdo it..

thanks don for all the info thus far!

I'd start with 1 cup and work my way up to about 3 maybe 4 cups. You dont want to do a bunch all at once, might give the tank to much of a light boost to quick.

Don
 
You talking about granulated carbon? What are you putting it in?

For a 75, and depending on the load, you will need to run a lot more than that to accomplish anything. Either in a filter sock, flow thru reactor, filter canister, etc. I would use a pint by volume and keep it changed regularly based on water clarity.

edit (Don posted at same time I was writing, go with his recommendation, he is much more the pro.)
 
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You talking about granulated carbon? What are you putting it in?

For a 75, and depending on the load, you will need to run a lot more than that to accomplish anything. Either in a filter sock, flow thru reactor, filter canister, etc. I would use a pint by volume and keep it changed regularly based on water clarity.

edit (Don posted at same time I was writing, go with his recommendation, he is much more the pro.)


Na! we just dont want to sunburn anything when getting started.:) After the water is clear you can pretty much have your way with it. I run two quarts in about 70g total water. You may have to play around a little if your using bags. Sometime a few small bags are better than on big one.

Don
 
well i went and bought a pull string media bag and im using some stuff liek black diamond i rinsed it for about 10 minutes to get all the dust out and im putting it in my skimmer media tray ... ill gradually add more over the next few weeks. what exactly does this do...? i know i read a lot of DO's and DONT's but i figure it cant hurt...

the media bag i got is 4 x 12 inches and only about 2 inches full ...
 
Don

I run two quarts in about 70g total water.

And I thought I was excessive :lol: I Q in ~ 40 gals

gOrfz

what exactly does this do...?

You mean the carbon ?

It purifies the water and removes harmful contaminates and organics to make the water more clear.
 

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