Do you use activated carbon at all times, intermittently or never?

[TokenReefer]

24/7 in a filter cup

 

[rtparty]

Why not?

I’m not convinced does anything beneficial that I need. Water clarity? Ozone and Coral Snow. Odors? Ozone. Toxins? Ozone.

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

24/7

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

I’m not convinced does anything beneficial that I need. Water clarity? Ozone and Coral Snow. Odors? Ozone. Toxins? Ozone.

But ozone produces its own byproducts that need to be removed with carbon.

 

[gbroadbridge]

24/7
I also run UV and ozone.

 

[Midrats]

Never. The only carbon I use is on top of my skimmer cup to help with the smell

I love the smell! Just kidding. I just took the doors off of my stand and now it smells like tide pool in here. I might have to run some on the skimmer alongside my usual 24/7 passive sack.

 

[Spare time]

24/7

I don't want the fish to constantly be exposed to hormones they may release

 

[rtparty]

But ozone produces its own byproducts that need to be removed with carbon.

Like?

Haven’t run carbon in nearly 2 years of running ozone. Tank is humming along just fine

 

[Miami Reef]

Like?

Haven’t run carbon in nearly 2 years of running ozone. Tank is humming along just fine

Do you track ORP? How much does it increase when you use ozone?

I use ozone once a week.

 

[rtparty]

Do you track ORP? How much does it increase when you use ozone?

I use ozone once a week.

My ORP stays between 220-250 if my probe is accurate. It doesn’t spike with ozone usage which runs for 6 hours every night

 

[air_run]

I’m not convinced does anything beneficial that I need. Water clarity? Ozone and Coral Snow. Odors? Ozone. Toxins? Ozone.

Do you run Ozone 24/7, or only when needed? I'm looking into experimenting with Ozone and I'm currently gathering information. Thanks!

 

[Vjames]

Do most reefers consider the use of activated carbon mandatory? I'm evaluating whether to use it continuously, intermittently or never? I'm also confused as some say it's only effective for a matter of days, while others claim it lasts months. Does it remove "good" stuff from my water?

I have it in the sump always but heard it can remove some dosing stuff. Whatever you are putting in your tank, read the instructions. If it mentions you to remove carbon before adding it to your tank, then do it. You should be able to rinse the carbon in RODI and reuse but again READ THE INSTRUCTIONS.

 

[Miami Reef]

Do you run Ozone 24/7, or only when needed? I'm looking into experimenting with Ozone and I'm currently gathering information. Thanks!

He said he uses it for 6 hours every night.

 

[air_run]

He said he uses it for 6 hours every night.

Yeah, I caught that after I replied. Should have read the entire post first. Thank you!

 

[DIYreefer]

I run carbon in a reactor for one of my systems 24/7, and not at all in the other system.

IMO, every tank truly is different and as such, have different requirements. I utilize UV in both tanks and will in my newest system as well once I start stocking it. I've never noticed any sort of downside to running UV.

Fwiw, the main reason I run carbon in my display tank is because a biofilm will build up on the surface of the water (quickly) if I don't.

 

[kevgib67]

24/7 and change out every 3 weeks .

 

[Miami Reef]

Like?

Haven’t run carbon in nearly 2 years of running ozone. Tank is humming along just fine

If you are genuinely curious about the ozone byproducts @Js.Aqua.Project mentioned, Randy has an article about it.

https://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-03/rhf/index.php#15

I understand you said your tank is doing fine without the carbon. I’m not implying you need to start adding carbon. I am a believer in doing things that work for you.

In my tank, the ORP rises much higher, so I personally use carbon.

 

[SpyC]

I was running in a reactor 24/7, moved to passively in a bag, and now do not run it at all. I have noticed zero change in my water quality.

 

[Fish Styx]

24/7

 

[Toob]

I was running in a reactor 24/7, moved to passively in a bag, and now do not run it at all. I have noticed zero change in my water quality.

This is pretty much my experience also. I have always been curious about carbon though - I wonder if the folks that run it 24/7 do so for a specific reason? What happens if you stop running it or forget to change it out?