i made a suface skimmer filter. i have filter floss and a regular foam type media. and active carbon in between. because the gunk would clog up the filter floss too fast so the foam is on top.
after about an hour the filter floss is really gray and dirty....and the foam thats on top is really nasty too.
not sure about the carbon. should i just use a thin layer of foam to sandwich the carbon so it doesnt get sucked up by the pump or float away from the top?
i heard it should last about 2 days under heavy bio load.
Full Version: How long does carbon last?
Everything I know of carbon is that it is generally a few days. Like you said though it's going to depend on what's all in the water to be pulled out.
From my readings i believe carbon is meant to last 3-6 weeks as long as your not using it like the floss. The floss and other media should extract gunk/bioload and the carbon should have the ease of the water flowing through it. I believe this would be the best way to use carbon and increase it's usage.
Many other factors would be key like how many gallons in tank? Reef only, some fish, other filter media, etc....
Many other factors would be key like how many gallons in tank? Reef only, some fish, other filter media, etc....
QUOTE (pyrocreep @ Feb 13 2010, 02:37 AM) 
Everything I know of carbon is that it is generally a few days. Like you said though it's going to depend on what's all in the water to be pulled out.
Right...a few days to a max of couple of weeks...depending..........
long long ago when i was starting out. read on wwm that its good for about 24 hours in most setups. if left in the tank for to long(couple weeks) will start to reless stuff back into the water.
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