Carbon Poll

[Pomme]

How long do you use carbon for if ever?

[Poseidon]

Actually mine is in the overflow before it gets to the sump. I use it mostly for its Odor removing properties, and change the bag once a month when I do a water change.

[Pomme]

do any of you guys use polyfilters as well?

[RadioPlay]

I thought it was bad to run carbon 24/7 because it will pull useful bacteria out of your tank. Any thoughts?
Ryan

[scubadude]

do any of you guys use polyfilters as well?

Yeah but only cuz i didnt have room for a micron sock on my return into my sump....I guess a micron sock could be considered a polyfilter too though. I dont think that they are always needed but if things are gonna get stirred around I think its always a good idea. Another thing I would like to say about polyfilters and micron socks is that its very important to rinse them very good before putting them on your system as they will make your skimmer go nuts sumtimes.

[irishjabba]

I thought it was bad to run carbon 24/7 because it will pull useful bacteria out of your tank. Any thoughts?
Ryan

Nope, it doesn't remove bacteria...in fact the surface of the carbon will actually accumulate nitrifying bacteria over time. Some people don't like to use carbon because some brands can leach phosphate into the water, which can cause micro algae growth.
I use it 24x7, as it removes a lot of organic material from the tank.

[golfish]

I run it once a month for a few days if needed. I might not run it for months and then I'll run it for a few weeks. I guess what I'm saying is I only run it when I feel I need to. Maybe a macro when nuts or the tanks looking yellow.

[Leddy]

i use it when the tank is cloudy, or to take out some of the odor. i'd say for a week once a month. put it in my 330, and sometimes in the HOT mag. canister.

leddy

[philip711]

I been running carbon since day one, my reef is 10 old, all types of corals with no problem.

[Samper]

I voted bag in sump but really it's more like in panty hose tacked to the wall floating in the display and in a small cartridge filter 24/7.