Active Carbon Questions...

[boomer2000ctr]

Marineland sells this white carbon called White Diamond and one called Black Diamond. The white carbon is suppose to remove ammonia and nitrItes and the common active black carbon that is in most of the filter cartridges in power filters is suppose to remove toxins and is suppose to clean up the water right? If I’m wrong tell me please. Also, how long does the black/white carbon last? I’ve heard that if u don’t replace the active carbon it will release all the toxins and stuff back into the water. Is that true? Would it be good to use that white diamond carbon after I’m done cycling? Cus my penguin 330 power filter has this neat basket that I could fill with anything. Well, any suggestions will be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Have a good one! Bye!

 

[freddyk]

he white carbon is suppose to remove ammonia and nitrItes

These products need to be replenished pretty often since it loses the capabilities. It's a waste of money because the removal of ammonia and nitrites is exactly the job of your bio-filter. Plus, removing the ammonia before it has a chance to convert can starve the bacteria and interrupt the biological filtration in your tank.

I’ve heard that if u don’t replace the active carbon it will release all the toxins and stuff back into the water. Is that true?

So say some people. I haven't seen anything solid supporting this theory, but I've never seen anything solid disregarded either. You'll find that a very substantial portion of aquarists have eliminated carbon from the equation altogether. I'd judge it based on the quality of your tap water.

 

[boomer2000ctr]

oh i c, that makes sense, so no white dimond then, but maybe i could put some more carbon in those lil baskets. how can i determine if i really do need carbon? is it better to not have carbon? the cartridges on the pingine power filter already comes with carbon, but i can take it out and put it in the basket, then i can replace the carbon with out having to replace thoe whole filter with the foam thats full of sweet bacteria. Well any advice would be great! thanks, have a good one!