Poll - Do you Use Carbon.

[Somonas]

I have seen a lot of discussion on this topic lately, so lets have a little poll.

Please answer yes or no, in the poll, and in your reply post a quick explanation (2 or 3 lines).

 

[Somonas]

No. Waste of money. Haven't for 2 years.

 

[Antwan]

I'm trying to figure out how to use more, especially Ammo Carb

 

[madhippoz]

No. Used to when I started out with my Aquaclear on my 10gal. After a few months of reading and playing around I switched to putting 2 sponges in instead. As some people mentioned it might be beneficial if there's some medication or something else you want to help get out of your tank, but for a normal healthy tank, I don't think it does anything. Some say it reduces the smell, but again, on a properly maintained tank I've noticed no difference with removing it.

 

[FroggyFox]

I use it, like someone else said in a previous post, because my filter cartridges have carbon in them. I have no intention of using MORE carbon than is in those filter cartridges...but I figure it can't hurt

 

[denden]

its in a whisper so i have to use it don't i?

 

[FroggyFox]

Denden I think so...mine is a whisper also. Aside from making your own filter cartridges that don't contain carbon (which looks like it would be pretty easy) the cartridges have it inside.

 

[Torpedo]

Even though the carbon comes in the Eclipse cartrige, I would still use it...keeps the water a lot clearer. I can tell even with the Eclipse when the carbon stops working.

 

[BigCiX]

only because my filter cart come with it

 

[Avalon]

No. There is no significant benefit from using carbon in a properly maintained tank, especially a planted tank.

 

[Orion]

Nope. I have several marineland filters and eventho I use the factory cartridges, I still remove the carbon by cutting the top of the filter and shaking it out.

 

[toodles]

Yes, in both fresh and saltwater. In the freshwater tanks I use it mainly because there is driftwood in there and it helps to keep the water clear. In the saltwater tank I use it because of the corals, they use a chemical secretion to fight each other and carbon helps to remove it. I also have a cucumber in that tank too and if the animal "spills it's guts" the carbon will help to take out the toxins.

 

[Leopardess]

No, unless I'm trying to get rid of medication or driftwood tannins. (Although my filter cartridges have a minimal amount that quickly becomes ineffective).

 

[Antwan]

toodles, you got some nasty fish. I'm trying to figure out how to use more carbon, anybody have a suggestion?

 

[Fishman24]

Nope- Only for medication- If you feel that it makes a difference or that it makes the tank clearer, then something else is lacking in the maintenance. It is all preference but I feel that carbon strickly pushed on new comers for profit. Especially since it doesn't last much past a week, this is an added cost that can be avoided and is unecessary. The carbon for the AC500 is bout 7 dollars where I am. So 14 Dollars a month or 168 a year. That is some nice fish.

 

[lizwinz]

nope...i did at first until i realized its not needed

so now i just save the carbon that comes with whisper refill kits in case i ever need to remove meds...its cheaper than buying the already assembled cartridges and i can just save the carbon for when i need it


--liz

 

[dana307]

Yes, use it in both fluval 304's. Seems to help somewhat.

 

[N©KI]

Yes, but when I transfer my 33gallon my new 66 gallon and move my Fluval i'll be taking it out. I'll be planting pretty heavily.

 

[madhippoz]

Some people says it has some effect, but then on the other hand, everyone that has quit using it has experienced 0 problems or changes. I think this is significant. I don't use cycle, I use just a little dechlor, rince my filter media in siphoned out water rather than tap water, no carbon, and my tank has not changed, at all since when I first started, doing everything under the sun. Certain specific breeding situations or type of fish may require a specific water parameter, but most don't care. You can say it doesn't hurt, but as with cycle, I say carbon is the same. The one thing it does hurt is your wallet. Everyone should try not using it for a few months, see if you notice a difference. If not, then save yourself the cash. Once your tank is cycled, remember to keep it simple. Regular cleanings and water changes are what matter.

 

[shimpboat]

I only use carbon because it comes with my filter cartridges. I usually wash out my cartridge in my water taken out of the tank during a water change. I will change it if I notice water running out around my intake tube.