carbon in filter: yay or nay?

**krisco** · 06-11-2008, 11:51 PM

I've read some posts and articles stating that carbon inserts in your filter can actually be more detrimental than beneficial. And i have also read the opposite. So my question is should i use one or not?

I have 2 of the ac filters on my 36gallon bow, and it is a planted tank. Didn't want the carbon removing all the necessary plant nutriennts.

**gm72** · 06-11-2008, 11:53 PM

Carbon is only necessary to remove excess medication from a tank. In a healthy tank carbon is completely unnecessary.

14 tanks. No carbon. Happy, healthy fish. Done.

**Red** · 06-11-2008, 11:55 PM

^
agreed....

**The Wedge** · 06-12-2008, 12:00 AM

I use chemi-pure in my HOB AC's as a beneficial substitute...plus it lasts several months. I also replace the biomax with different ceramic. The white ceramic phenotypically looks more colonized then the bio-max. That probably isn't necessary but chemi-pure in place of the carbon is a lot more beneficial.

**Evil Slimy** · 06-12-2008, 12:33 AM

I recently decided to run carbon inserts on my planted tanks for a few days every 4 months or so. Despite my 50% weekly water changes I think it helps get rid of some of the dissolved organics that can and will cause algae blooms in the long run. I would agree that it's otherwise not very useful.

**Lady Hobbs** · 06-12-2008, 12:37 AM

I think it depends on how good your filtration and stocking levels are. I use it when I cycle a tank and to remove meds. Other than that, I don't use it.

**Evil Slimy** · 06-12-2008, 12:42 AM

In my case it's mostly because of heavy use of fertilizers and the difficulty in keeping a planted tank really clean, but I'd agree though. In a non-planted tank with reasonable maintenance I wouldn't bother.

**Nick89** · 06-12-2008, 12:48 AM

Carbon in filters is completely fine.. I havent heard one bad case of what carbon does to a tank or fish.. I say use carbon, I use carbon in my filters and my fish are happy, healthy.