carbon

[Chris]

This has probably appeared on here loads of times, but how long should i keep carbon in the tank for. At the moment i only keep it in the tank for about two days. I like to use it about once a month just in case any nasties have found their way into the water without me knowing, and then topping up with minerals and vitamins after. Is this a complete waste of time and am i throwing away carbon that is still useable or not done its job.
Cheers
Chris

 

[Sye]

I think its about 2 weeks after that it starts releasing toxins/what evers trapped in it back into the water....

 

[smb]

Most carbon is good for 3-4 days. If you buy top of the line carbon like Black Diamond, it is usually good for 1.5-2 weeks.

 

[ste2k3]

if you have plants, you want to use it for 2-3 days a month. if you just have fish, it can be left in for a couple of weeks.

 

[Curtiss]

I alternate every 2 weeks myself. 2 weeks with carbon, 2 weeks without. My filter and the amount of carbon it holds is fairly large for my tank so I don't think I have a problem with the carbon leeching anything back into the water. I like using the carbon because I do have exceptionally clear water and it does help to keep ordors from the tank under control.

It really depends on your tank how often you should change or use carbon. Since I have a larger filter on a smaller tank, a medium stocked tank and a only a few plants I can get away with what I do. Other's who have heavily stocked tanks, heavily planted tanks or filtration that is just adequate for their tank can't.

Its kinda like that 1 inch of fish per gallon rule...it really isn't that simple.

-Curtiss