Cheap bulk carbon?

[tommyp]

Does anyone know of a source for this? I was thinking that it must be cheaper outside of the aquarium trade but an not finding much.

tom

 

[Woodstock]

Whatever type you get, soak it in ro/di before using it

 

[BoomerD]

Here ya go Tommy. Lots of local reef clubs buy this and share it among themselves:
http://www.activatedcarbon.com/SmallQOrder.html

The prices shown are for a 55 lb. bag, delivered.

 

[gussy]

How good is it though?

 

[BoomerD]

I wouldn't recommend it if it were garbage Gussy. Supposedly as phosphate free as carbon can be...(is there any TRUELY phosphate free carbon?) So far, I haven't heard any complaints, and I'm sure, if there were ANY problems with it, there would be dozens if not hundreds of complaints on RC or the other forums.

 

[gussy]

Well, I'm going to get a bag then! Thanks!

 

[BoomerD]

If you're concerned that it may not be great carbon, try a smaller size before buying the bulk.
http://www.activatedcarbon.com/AquariumCarbon.html
As with any carbon, soak/rinse well with RO/DI water before putting it in your system.

 

[tommyp]

I am zone 8

Thanks for the link I looked at that site before but couldn't figure out where the products were. The web designer should be taken out back.

Tom

 

[dwall174]

I am zone 8
I looked at that site before but couldn't figure out where the products were. The web designer should be taken out back.

Click on the "Back Link" at the bottom of the page!

United Manufacturing International
5820 Stoneridge Mall Road #100
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Tel: 510 886-1823
Fax: 888 298-6139
umi@activatedcarbon.com

 

[tommyp]

http://www.carbonactivatedcorp.com/

This was the page I got stuck on when I was searching for carbon before I posted this thread. I couldn't figure out what was going on from that page.

 

[fishcrazy]

That link says that it is pelletized. Pelletized Carbon is almost always Vapor Phase Carbon and not Liquid Phase Carbon. Will it work? Somewhat. However, just not very effectively.

Acid-washed GAC contains very little P because the acid removes the ash content. It also stops the pH problems that GAC had in the past. They don't say if it is acid-washed or not.

Regardless, it is always good practice to rinse well for particulates and soak in RO/DI water either way.