Using Carbon

[Joe Fish]

Is there a rule of thumb on how much carbon to use? I'm debating on running carbon in my sump, but not sure how much, and if I should use it 24/7. I guess I don't need it now since I only have 1 fish in the tank, but when I start stocking corals.

 

[epond83]

I don't know salt as well as fresh but my understanding is most people around here only use carbon to get rid of chemicals or medicens and only for short periods.

 

[TRe]

i use it every once in a while but definitly not 24/7.... it makes the water a little clearer but honestly i dont notice much of a differance

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Same. I actually notice a drop in SPS colors when using Carbon. No ill effects health wise though.

 

[Joe Fish]

Good idea to have it on hand?

 

[Cichlid-Man]

I'd say so yes. Never know when you need it. I like to put it in to polish the water every now and then but never keep it in.

 

[Lotus]

I run it most of the time in my mixed reef. I have quite a few leathers, and I have witnessed them bothering LPS that are near them. I use about a cup per 100 gallons. It's probably not enough, but I do change it most weeks.

I agree with C-Man. It's a really good idea to have it on hand. If you have any kind of disaster in the tank, you'll want to have some available to use.