Carbon in Filters
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=34070
Printed Date: January 28 2026 at 9:28pm
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Topic: Carbon in Filters
Posted By: tropi_gal
Subject: Carbon in Filters
Date Posted: July 04 2009 at 11:57am
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My tank has finally hit perfection in water params. Zeros in Nitrates, Nitrites and Ammonia and 8.2 - 8.4 ph. Temps still flucuate 78-80 (maybe 82).
Last weekend I added a TON of LR and after the initial disturbance spike I have been at these Beautiful numbers for three days.
My tank is an 80 (is there such a thing lol) with a remoro pro HOB skimmer, aquaclear 70 hob filter and a fluval 304.
Now that the water is finally stabilizing. I have thought about modifying the aquaclear 70 into a HOB refugium for macros. Any thoughts about that? Has anyone done this? The other alternative is to plant a patch in the display - doesn't that get messy?
Also, I have carbon filters in both the aquaclear and fluval. Anyone have suggestions on what I should be running in those now? Did I really read somewhere that I don't need to use carbon or biomedia any longer? Both filters have biomedia, carbon, phosx, floss, and sponges.
Thanks in advance for your advice. Everyone in this club ROCKS!
 melody
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Replies:
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: July 04 2009 at 1:06pm
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You will always need to run Activated Carbon. It removes some toxins that build up faster than water changes can dilute and Skimmers don't touch.
Biomedia? The LS, LR and Algae are the major filtration in a reef aquarium. Coralline algae and the soft algae that grows on surfaces is excellent filtration. Macroalgae growing in the main display is great. It may need to be controlled by herbivores but a ball of Chaetomorpha is easily controllable and can survive the onslaught of hungry Tangs but not Rabbitfish.
Any kind of RDP refugium is better than no refugium. Use whatever works.
RDP means Reverse Daylight Photosynthesis. The explanation of this is in the Feb 2002 Sea Star Newsletter. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: tropi_gal
Date Posted: July 04 2009 at 1:38pm
| thanks Mark! |
Posted By: SharkByteShaz
Date Posted: July 04 2009 at 11:32pm
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You will find that opinions vary and I value Marks thoughts although continuous carbon is different for everyone, I for one run carbon on an irregular basis, as we speak I am running carbon. Here is a site that was recommended once.
http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/filtersfiltrationsetup/Filters_Filtration_Systems_Information.htm - http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/filtersfiltrationsetup/Filters_Filtration_Systems_Information.htm
All sorts of advice, this suggestion came from someone that has created masterpieces such as public aquariums. ------------- HOLD MY BEER, I WANT TO TRY SOMETHING... |
Posted By: tropi_gal
Date Posted: July 05 2009 at 10:05am
| Thanks Douglas! |
Posted By: Dion Richins
Date Posted: July 05 2009 at 5:17pm
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24/7 for me. changed every month. I would rather keep my water as much the same always, than run it irregular and have an issue with fluctuating waste in the water. ------------- http://www.customaquariumfurniture.com" rel="nofollow - Bad "censored" Cabinets Best quality in the valley! He is one sexy bald guy, even with out a finger!(MAC) |
Posted By: tropi_gal
Date Posted: July 05 2009 at 5:22pm
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I keep thinking... if it isn't broken don't mess with it. Multiple stories of someone wanting to move one little rock and ending up re-aquascaping their entire display!
Thanks for your opinions and thoughts everyone! :)
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