Carbon
- Thread starter jcampbell
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I used to buy API, tried Kent then switched to a bulk 50 lb bag no name from Creation Reef. I never noticed any difference between the three of them. My opinion is they all work basically the same but all need to be changed out semi frequently since they lose their effectiveness.
skriz
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All carbon is NOT the same. This is fact, not an assumption or opinion. There are different methods of making carbon, which will have a dramatic effect on the media. There are also different materials that carbon is made out of that will make a huge difference.
Now, having said that, many brands DO use the exact same carbon for their media. So, 2 or 3 brands can be the exact same carbon.
Matrix carbon is the best I've ever used (most expensive too!).
Now, having said that, many brands DO use the exact same carbon for their media. So, 2 or 3 brands can be the exact same carbon.
Matrix carbon is the best I've ever used (most expensive too!).
I forgot that part about the media and yes your correct, it does have an impact. That was so long ago I forgot my history 
. As for what I use now, it's never let me down and does exactly what I need it to do. I wouldn't change for another no matter what since I'm very satisfied.
. As for what I use now, it's never let me down and does exactly what I need it to do. I wouldn't change for another no matter what since I'm very satisfied.
skriz
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coolsurf;602309 wrote: I forgot that part about the media and yes your correct, it does have an impact. That was so long ago I forgot my history
I may have to check out this bulk carbon of yours!
Yep. Best stuff I've ever used, and I've used almost everything on the market..unfortunately!
Seachem Matrix Carbon is spherical.
Here's a link to more info: http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/MatrixCarbon.html">Seachem Matrix Carbon</a>
And no, not all carbon is created equal. The stuff that's made for air filters, can leach a lot of phosphate. Some brands labeled for aquarium use are actually carbon that was originally created for use in air filters.
Jenn
Here's a link to more info: http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/MatrixCarbon.html">Seachem Matrix Carbon</a>
And no, not all carbon is created equal. The stuff that's made for air filters, can leach a lot of phosphate. Some brands labeled for aquarium use are actually carbon that was originally created for use in air filters.
Jenn
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Most all Gac will release some phosphates into the system some more than others. Most of the test showed super low levels at best. If you would like to check yours here is a simple way to test. This was taken from another site.
A simple approach is to just take a glass of RO/DI water and add a 1/4 teaspoon or so to the glass of GAC. Swirl the sample then add some of the PO4 indicator. If there is PO4 present the sample will turn blue. The bluer the sample is the more PO4 there is. Then repeat this process, only pre-rinse the GAC in RO/DI water, as rinsing removes most of the PO4. All GAC has PO4, it is to the degree as to how much and if you rinse it or not. Acid washed pre-rinsed GAC has about nil. Usually GAC with higher ash contents have a higher PO4 leaching ability.
The shape of the carbon does not seem to have a tremendous impact on the carbons effectiveness. So far as one Carbon's ability to remove more DOC than another no test to my knowledge has been done(in a reef tank) . If someone knows of one please post I would love to read it. Test have been done using dyes to perhaps aid in which carbon is better but none seem to be significantly better than another. Rinsing your carbon extremely well in RODI water removes most of the phosphates as well.
A simple approach is to just take a glass of RO/DI water and add a 1/4 teaspoon or so to the glass of GAC. Swirl the sample then add some of the PO4 indicator. If there is PO4 present the sample will turn blue. The bluer the sample is the more PO4 there is. Then repeat this process, only pre-rinse the GAC in RO/DI water, as rinsing removes most of the PO4. All GAC has PO4, it is to the degree as to how much and if you rinse it or not. Acid washed pre-rinsed GAC has about nil. Usually GAC with higher ash contents have a higher PO4 leaching ability.
The shape of the carbon does not seem to have a tremendous impact on the carbons effectiveness. So far as one Carbon's ability to remove more DOC than another no test to my knowledge has been done(in a reef tank) . If someone knows of one please post I would love to read it. Test have been done using dyes to perhaps aid in which carbon is better but none seem to be significantly better than another. Rinsing your carbon extremely well in RODI water removes most of the phosphates as well.
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Yes.
