Washing Carbon Filter

[Thedoctor]

I have just bought a new aqarium and with it I got the parts for the filter.

Im currently washing everything, including the bag of carbon. I have had this under a shower and tap for 25-30mins at least and it is still running black and a build up of pure black poweder is building asif im just washing it all away.

What do I do? Is this normal? When will it stop running black? Is it ok to put into the tank as is?

Very quick replies needed please.

 

[Noahs ark6]

Is there a whole in the bag or something because it should be black for that long
you can wash carbon 2 or 3 times but after that u will need to get some new carbon.

 

[FishTankCrazy]

I have just bought a new aqarium and with it I got the parts for the filter.

Im currently washing everything, including the bag of carbon. I have had this under a shower and tap for 25-30mins at least and it is still running black and a build up of pure black poweder is building asif im just washing it all away.

What do I do? Is this normal? When will it stop running black? Is it ok to put into the tank as is?

Very quick replies needed please.

I'd bin that mate mines never done anything like that??? Sounds like coal lol....

 

[Thedoctor]

It looks like Coal lol.

Ok, will my tank be okay without it?

 

[mattlee]

run the carbon under the tap and rough it up a bit with your fingers this will help remove the dust particles that have been trapped inside the bag. this is perfectly normal so dont worry about it. it doesnt have to run perfectly clear as your floss will trap any other bits
carbon is used mainly to remove chemicals and medications from the water and isnt needed in a tank constantly. it will also remove any smells fromt the tank apparently and some people use it in planted tanks. it wont do any harm in youtr tank but it will keep the water clearer until its absorbed enough that it cant absorb anymore. some people say it will leach whatever it has absorbed back into the tank if left in too long, the length of time depends on who you listen too...... replacing it say every month can get quite expensive so people just dont bother with it unless its for 1 of the reasond above. also if left in the tank for too long then bacteria will start to colonise on it so regular replacements saves the loss of this.

 

[ArnieStinger]

did you buy it from ebay?


I bought some eheim carbon and I only had to wash it for about 3 minutes ontil it was clean, I even left it in its mesh bag.

 

[mattlee]

did you buy it from ebay?


I bought some eheim carbon and I only had to wash it for about 3 minutes ontil it was clean, I even left it in its mesh bag.

if it comes in a mesh bag then its best to keep it inside it for easy removal.