Can I use Carbon with a Planted Tank?

[Cecile1]

So I realized that my current filter set up dosent have carbon, will it hurt my plants? Thanks all.

[Cliff]

I can't see it being a problem

Is there a reason why you want to have carbon ?

[Cecile1]

Ive been looking at pros and cons, and getting some greif from some older styled aquarists to put some in. I have some extra lying around, even though it maynot be as effective as once thought, just to stop the constant banter on it as long as it's not harmful. Thanks Cliff!

[Cliff]

It's not harmfull, just not always needed (IMO).

[imma24]

When I first started my tank, I was advised to remove my carbon and add more biomedia or mechanical filtration like pillow stuffing/filter floss - I was told carbon is good for removing meds but isn't needed for long term use.

[Dacotah7]

It won't hurt anything, nor will it stop the bantering. You can please all of the people sometimes, and you can please some of the people all of the time, but yuou never will please all of the people all of the time. So why try. Whatever you do with and in your aquarium should have better reasons than appeasing opinions, especilly when there perhaps the majority of experienced aquarists do not run carbon.

Put it in, try it and see if it makes a difference. Personally I think it is a waste of time and money. I use Seachems' renew in place of it.

[Aeonflame]

In my opinion and experience there is no reason to run carbon in a tank unless you are trying to remove trace amounts of medication. Water changes are far more effective. On top of that its costly to keep replacing something that lasts only a couple weeks.

[KingFisher]

I agree, it is totally unnecessary and may remove certain things that plants need. It is good to keep on hand in case you need it to remove meds or tannins, but other than that it has no real benefits.

[Lady Hobbs]

Agree with everyone else here. Waste of money to use it when it's not needed. It may even remove ferts you want in the tank.