Carbon media in a planted tank

[SpyderSpy6]

Will a carbon media stage strip my water of nutrients that are good for my plants??? More specifically, seachem products, discus essentials, and fertilizers.

[Algenco]

I've heard that it will, have you tried Seachem's Purigen? Suppose to be better for a planted tank, I use it in an Angel grow out tank and really like it.

[SpyderSpy6]

do you still use carbon in your media? I have not heard of purigen

[doug z]

In a word, yes..

It is an equal opportunity absorber.. Good stuff (micronutrients) / bad stuff (odours).. Soaks it all up and asks questions later..

Don't use it unless you have to (clearing up medicine treatments from the tank)..

[A340]

One of the biggest ongoing debates in the aquarium world. For every study saying you shouldn't use carbon in a planted tank because all the nutrients/ferts will be adsorbed you'll find another study claiming that the molecules are too small to be adsorbed.

Personally, I'm undecided. I've run my planted tank with and without carbon and have seen absolutely no difference.

[Incredulous_Ed]

I dont use it. It can cause health prolems with fish later in life.