carbon grade

[thor]

I would like other hobbyist opinion on carbon quality. Are there any differences in regular grade, premium grade, and commercial grade? Is this just a marketing tool from manufactures to make buyers think they have a best quality?

[rrocket2002]

Re: carbon grade

Don't forget activated and non-activated...

[Hanson77]

Re: carbon grade

I was pretty much under the impression that carbon was carbon.  Some is a little dustier than others when filling media bags and whatnot but other than that I have seen no real differences.

[rrocket2002]

Re: carbon grade

We talking Charcoal?

[Hanson77]

Re: carbon grade

I was assuming that we were talking about the stuff you run in your canister filters and whatnot....am I way off base here???

[thor]

Re: carbon grade

yes, my question is the carbon we put in the canister...I also thought carbon is carbon like Hanson stated.

[Hanson77]

Re: carbon grade

Some just makes your hands dirtier for longer when rinsing from what I have seen....LOL!!!  I'm no expert though....LOL!!!!

[CichlidFan]

Re: carbon grade

I have heard that carbon is only effective in one dose or application, meaning that once a body of water has passed over it, the water is then "cleansed" and the carbon is then rendered ineffective on each addtional pass by that body of water.

I don't know how much of that comment is fact, but it does sound possible.

To me, carbon and charcoal are the same thing...???

I like to use those chem pure packs.....instead of regular charcoal.

CF

[rrocket2002]

Re: carbon grade

Megan's sells non-activated charcoal/carbon.  Not sure of the difference, but it sounds like Rice krispies cereal when water runs through it.

[Hanson77]

Re: carbon grade

I was under the impression that it had some sort of lifespan of effectiveness.  How much is the chem pure vs. regular carbon CF??

[CichlidFan]

Re: carbon grade

As you pointed out, I too, am no expert, but it is my understanding that the chem pure pacs are a two punch media componet, using charcoal and another natural compound that increases the effectiness or the overall filtration process.

I change my Eheim's Chem Pure Pac once a quarter, or 4 times a year.

I don't use much charcoal anymore, I have switched to ammocarb from Petsmart in the milk carton package. It's a mix of carbon and ammomia remover chips....

CF

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: carbon grade

I use Chempure and MArineland Black Diamond.

It is all about pore size.

I personally really like Chempure, and I can see a difference and smell versus no carbon.

Carbon in my experience should be changed everymonth, Chempure is a carbon and resin mixture that says to be changed every 3 months.

Chempure is a lot more expensive than Black Diamond.

I am switching the Black Diamond to pelletized carbon in bulk from Jehmco.  It is supposed to last longer and have more surface area than small fine carbon.

Geoff

[eklikewhoa]

Re: carbon grade

THere is a difference in grades.....read a break down of it on one of the Reef forums but can't remember exactly what it was.....I don't use carbon so I didn't really care for the article.

Try googling through Reefkeeping articles.

[wesleydnunder]

Re: carbon grade

Thor, I don't use carbon either. IMO, a healthy aquarium doesn't need it. However, if you're interested, here's a good explanation about carbon usage in filtration:

http://www.seachem.com/support/Articles/AqrmFltrtnPrmr02.html

Mark

[CichlidFan]

Re: carbon grade

Now see, why can't we (GHAC) get this guy (Leo G. Morin, Ph.D.) to one of our meetings and go over all this for us? It's so hard for me to comprehend and asimulate all those formulas and tech talk....I need to go take after trying to read all that.... :)

CF