Activated carbon

Description

Aquarium activated carbon is an adsorbent used to remove selected dissolved organic contaminants, odors and discoloration. It serves a different purpose from foam that catches debris and media that support biological filtration. Select it for a defined chemical-filtration need rather than as a replacement for the rest of the filter. Products are available as loose granules, pellets or beads, as well as filter-specific carbon inserts. Choose a format that fits the filter compartment and permits water to contact the carbon. Contain loose material in the specified media bag, rinse away handling dust before use, and follow the filter’s placement instructions. Carbon capacity is limited, and useful service time depends on the product and the water it treats. Replace exhausted material according to its instructions and the problem being addressed. A manufacturer’s replacement schedule or treatment rating is specific to that carbon; it is not a fixed service life for every aquarium. During medication, check the medicine and filter-media directions because carbon can remove treatments from the water. Fluval instructs users to remove its carbon while medication is being administered. Also consider the selected carbon’s guidance when dosing plant supplements.

Sources

• fluvalaquatics.com — https://fluvalaquatics.com/manuals/Fluval_Filter-Media_Manual.pdf
• seachem.com — https://www.seachem.com/download.php?f=articles%2FBasics-of-Filtration.pdf
• seachem.com — https://www.seachem.com/matrixcarbon.php
• fluvalaquatics.com — https://fluvalaquatics.com/manuals/Fluval_A410-A412_G-Filter_Manual.pdf

Further reading on identification and aquarium care.