carbon in freshwater tank
- Thread starter Wayne23uk
- Start date
The media of choice in advanced FW systems is Seachem Purigen. It is rechargeable but very expensive.
Carbon will also work and is much less expensive, but it's a one time use.
Chemi-pure elite will work too, but it's lots more expensive than carbon, and in your application will not do a better job.
Before you start, consider how dark the bogwood is making your water. If it's like tea, no reasonable amount of chemical media will fix than, and you will need to make water changes to get the color a lot lighter first.
If the water just looks yellow, then chemical media will clean that right up. You may need to change it fairly often at first.
Any new media, but especially ones that contain carbon, should be rinsed clean before use.
Carbon will also work and is much less expensive, but it's a one time use.
Chemi-pure elite will work too, but it's lots more expensive than carbon, and in your application will not do a better job.
Before you start, consider how dark the bogwood is making your water. If it's like tea, no reasonable amount of chemical media will fix than, and you will need to make water changes to get the color a lot lighter first.
If the water just looks yellow, then chemical media will clean that right up. You may need to change it fairly often at first.
Any new media, but especially ones that contain carbon, should be rinsed clean before use.
Dracko
Well-Known Member
I think it could be a while before you see a difference. I have had it go for several months even with twice weekly water changes. Did you soak the wood for any length of time first? You should have, there can be some nasty stuff in there. If not, I suggest at least 25% water changes twice a week until it clears. Charcoal will help. Probably does a better job than Seachem, at least to start with. I started putting my wood chunks in the toilet reservoir for a while before introducing them to the tank. If you see any unhealthy signs in the tank get that out asap and clean everything good, basically start over. Bogwood can carry a lot of deadly secrets with it.
Yes, generally that's what you want to do. Since the water starts to yellow in three days, you may need to change the carbon sooner.
May be better to just invest into a diatom filter. It will clear the water quickly.
Dig the toilet bowl idea!
Diatom filters will clear up particulate matter quickly. They will not remove the yellowing from the water caused by tannins released by the wood. This is the same for any mechanical media commonly used in aquariums. You need to use one of the chemical media for this.
Yes it will I have used it for this reason.
But let me provide proof to better educate you on the matter. Copied from there manual:
"We are sure you will find the Diatom D-1 Filter to be very valuable and versatile tool once you
have mastered its operating principles. For instance: a small bag of water softening material placed inside
the jar will aid you in controlling water hardness; or to correct yellow water we suggest you use our
SUPER-CHAR, a highly activated carbon for use in your Diatom D-1 Filter."
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...Acip_MJBbbXJHegrQ&sig2=Tdf83XRiB5I5HGP7lEZ8Ig
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Yes, I have read Diatom's web site and have used them for about 40 years. Let's just say that on this topic the manual is a bit of hype on the part of the manufacturer.
Having tries such methods, I have found them marginal, mostly because it doesn't take too much to clog one, due to the fine filtration. Because you use a Diatom filter as an occasional filter, not all the time, it is limited in the amount of good any chemical media will have.
Your much better off placing such media in your sump or other filtration.
I was not going off of there manual but from personal experience. Just felt you may have need to see that.
I was a breeder of fresh water fish during the late 80s and 90s. Had planted tanks and such prior to getting involved in seawater keeping.
I still own the original glass diatom filter. (Motor needs rebuild)
I have also used just diatomaceaous earth to remove yellowing and saw good results.
Though I agree carbon is a much better way to clear the water.
Just don't think the idea should be dismissed so quickly because Dave knows better.
I suppose a carbon reactor also would be a good investment and will help the op too keep the water clear while the wood settles in. Also water changes are going to be key.
I was a breeder of fresh water fish during the late 80s and 90s. Had planted tanks and such prior to getting involved in seawater keeping.
I still own the original glass diatom filter. (Motor needs rebuild)
I have also used just diatomaceaous earth to remove yellowing and saw good results.
Though I agree carbon is a much better way to clear the water.
Just don't think the idea should be dismissed so quickly because Dave knows better.
I suppose a carbon reactor also would be a good investment and will help the op too keep the water clear while the wood settles in. Also water changes are going to be key.
Dracko
Well-Known Member
Sounds to me like this info is also somewhat outdated. You should be using at the least RO water in your tank. This negates the need to soften the water. I do both because we prefer soft water to Salina death water, but I think RO to be the better option.
StirCrayzy
Well-Known Member
,I started using the RODI for my FW tank about 20 yrs in, and noticed no noticeable benefit. However, since I had the better water, I couldn't justify NOT using it!
I will however run carbon on every FW tank because it's benefits are proven, especially in water clarification.
I've had driftwood leech for 6months, and carbon helped reduce water staining EVERY time. I can't speak for the Diatom filter performance in this scenario, because I've never tried it.
I will however run carbon on every FW tank because it's benefits are proven, especially in water clarification.
I've had driftwood leech for 6months, and carbon helped reduce water staining EVERY time. I can't speak for the Diatom filter performance in this scenario, because I've never tried it.