Carbon?

[dtree]

Hey all,
I have a ten gallon tank that I am attempting to lower the pH to (blackwater tetra tank). I have both a piece of driftwood soaking in a bucket (to become water logged) and have also picked up some blackwater extract. I'm also researching peat moss. I am being careful not to change the pH drastically and am testing whenever I make a change. I would also be interested in making the tank a tea color...
My question is, do I need to remove the carbon in my filter in order for the tannins to show? Will the carbon affect the change in pH? Do I even need the carbon at all? Thank you!

[MonkeyPox]

You do not need carbon.

[mac]

No the carbon wont be a problem. The easiest way IMO to get the water the way you want, is a lot of wood. IT does the job fast and very well.

Good luck,
mac

[Sarkazmo]

The carbon'll eventually take the tannins out of the water. Remember that carbon takes out stuff like the fishy smell and discoloration of the water. It'd take a while for it to remove the tea look but yeah, eventually, all gone.

Sark

[dtree]

In order to remove the carbon, I will have to tear into the filter cartridge. No biggie. Should I SLOWLY remove the carbon or just toss it right away? Does it house any of my helpful bacteria?

[jaysee]

Just dump it all out. No need to worry. I don't think there is, but even if there was the rest of the colony in your filter will quickly pick up the slack.

[Jaster]

Don't worry about the carbon... I wouldn't bother going and ripping the media apart since it's a part of it. But when you go to replace the media just get some filter pad or floss and don't bother with the pre-made filter media. It will save you some money in the long run too without having to buy those.