carbon isnt needed and isnt really used by professionals as all it does is cover up mistakes. its fine to have some on hand when needed but is not needed in the tank itself
Do I need carbon?
Hi, I have a 10g tank with 4 black neon tetras in it, hopefully 6 tonight and some shrimp (hoping to get them this afternoon.) I have an Aqua Clear 150/30 filter, my tank has been going for a month now. I don't know my PH or anything, if its needed. But is the carbon needed? I was told no, it wasn't, but I want to make sure my fish stay healthy. Thanks!
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well most fish tank filter pads come with activated carbon inside them. ive always used carbon and all my fish are healthy and growing but i expect you could do without it but id use it unless you absoloutely cant.
You don´t need the carbon.
As mentioned before, it is good to have it near if you need it, for example after treating the tank and fish for an illness. But don´t forget if you use carbon to replace it after a few days or take it completely out of the water.
As mentioned before, it is good to have it near if you need it, for example after treating the tank and fish for an illness. But don´t forget if you use carbon to replace it after a few days or take it completely out of the water.
After medications, But Make sure it is takin out if you are treating anything.....Sleepy said:You don´t need the carbon.
As mentioned before, it is good to have it near if you need it, for example after treating the tank and fish for an illness. But don´t forget if you use carbon to replace it after a few days or take it completely out of the water.
(someone feel free to make a correction if i am Wrong.)
yes thank you for adding that matt, take out when treating the tank with medication.
There are some rumors of activated carbons mis-use, One of them is the theory of Carbon Dust. It is said that Carbon Dust can cause HITH disease. I dont know if this has been proven yet though
There are some rumors of activated carbons mis-use, One of them is the theory of Carbon Dust. It is said that Carbon Dust can cause HITH disease. I dont know if this has been proven yet though
Thank you very much for the information 
Thankfully I have not had to worry about illnesses yet, but I have some carbon handy if I need it!
Thankfully I have not had to worry about illnesses yet, but I have some carbon handy if I need it!If carbon caused hole in the head disease all of my fish would have it by now. I've always used carbon in my tanks and rarely have any sort of problems.
Where did you get that 'rumor', Ryan?:squint: I have not heard of this. Neither do I believe carbon would ever be one of the causes.:sarcastic: HITH is caused by poor water quality, vitamin deficiency and internal parasites. But there could be other causes. Carbon, however, is out of the line.musho3210 said:There are some rumors of activated carbons mis-use, One of them is the theory of Carbon Dust. It is said that Carbon Dust can cause HITH disease. I dont know if this has been proven yet though
If you don't have a planted tank there is noting wrong with using it. The carbon works to remove odors and any chemicals that might be in the water that don't belong there. The problem with carbon is that it is only effective for 1-4 weeks and needs to be replaced. If the cost is not a factor then use it, it can help to keep your tank clean and clear. If you don't want to hastle with it then don't, it really isn't needed.
As stated before, the only time you "need" to use it after you have finished a medication dosing. Even then it isn't "needed" as I have treated with Coppersafe for Ich before and I have never used Carbon to remove it, I simply did 3 50% water changes the week that I finished with the meds and never had a problem.
Is all a matter of preference and convenience really, not much more. Like some poeple will use 10 different filter media in a canister where some use 2 and they both have tanks that can look exactly the same.
As for the HITH rumors, old carbon that has started to break down has been found to cause it so leaving it in the tank for really long periods of time is not a good idea. Once the carbon reaches a capacity point and starts to break down it actually releases the dangerous things it removed back into the water and causes all kinds of potential headaches.
As stated before, the only time you "need" to use it after you have finished a medication dosing. Even then it isn't "needed" as I have treated with Coppersafe for Ich before and I have never used Carbon to remove it, I simply did 3 50% water changes the week that I finished with the meds and never had a problem.
Is all a matter of preference and convenience really, not much more. Like some poeple will use 10 different filter media in a canister where some use 2 and they both have tanks that can look exactly the same.
As for the HITH rumors, old carbon that has started to break down has been found to cause it so leaving it in the tank for really long periods of time is not a good idea. Once the carbon reaches a capacity point and starts to break down it actually releases the dangerous things it removed back into the water and causes all kinds of potential headaches.
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