matrix carbon??

[KIM]

may i noe how long can the seachem matrix carbon last??

[KIM]

can some one help me??

[boxfish]

so far I leave it in the sump for about 3 months...

[pospeh]

I would use about 0.5 cup of the stuff and leave it in the tank for 2 weeks before replacing it.

[Hondace]

Should be able to last 3mths depending on ur bio load.

Best is to test the water quality. If it ammonia & nitrite starts to build up, it is time to change. However, if ur tank is mature & running well, even if the carbon is used up, NH3 & NO2 should be undetectable as well.

So u should take it out after 3 mths.

[IanJ]

I donnot think carbon is used or its effectivness is measured by ammonia or nitrite levels.

It is mainly used to remove compounds that tends to make the water yellow. It is better to use little and often, if you leave it too long there is some chance that it may leach compounds back into the water. Other than looking and testing the "yellowness" of the water, there is no chemical test as such to tell if it should be replaced. Keep to a routine.

[sinner]

cabons are used to remove colourings in water and metal in tap water... they also help to reduce the smell from the tank. it must be replaced often about 3-4mths other wise you'll start to leach the once absorbed stuff back into the tank hope this helps

[terryansimon]

IanJ...

I always thought Salifert had an activated carbon test kit to test for the parameters? or is it for something else?

[IanJ]

I dont know anything about a Salifert test kit for activated carbon.

When i used to buy Dupla carbon, it came with a test strip, yellow and white(i think), which you dip in the water and view how yellow the water looks. This is the only indication i know of.

Maybe Salifert have something, but i cannot think what parameters they would look for.

There are certain studies on the use of activated charcoal in aquaria, these suggest that the pores become blocked by bateria with in a very short period of time. The carbon can be regenerated within a microwave.

[charlie]

I dont know anything about a Salifert test kit for activated carbon.

When i used to buy Dupla carbon, it came with a test strip, yellow and white(i think), which you dip in the water and view how yellow the water looks. This is the only indication i know of.

Maybe Salifert have something, but i cannot think what parameters they would look for.

There are certain studies on the use of activated charcoal in aquaria, these suggest that the pores become blocked by bateria with in a very short period of time. The carbon can be regenerated within a microwave.

Hi,

Just to check with u, where did u buy the Dupla carbon from? How much does it cost? Thanks

[Cedric]

Hi,

there is actually a simple test to see if your carbon needs replacing. Get a white piece of plastic, get a yellow marker and draw a line on the plastic. Insert the plastic into the water. You should be able to see the yellow line. If you cannot see the yellow line, its means your water has yellowed quite alot and its time for you to replace your carbon.

Cheers!

[IanJ]

Charlie

I used to buy it from Aquatechnic, i last bought some early 03, i think it was about $45 a packet, but not sure what the quantity was

[zero.cool]

from what i heard from one of the suppliers..'seachem' matrix carbon can last up to six mths but actually its true no matter how long carbon can last it's better to change it every 3-4mths...

[boxfish]

from what i heard from one of the suppliers..'seachem' matrix carbon can last up to six mths but actually its true no matter how long carbon can last it's better to change it every 3-4mths...

agree... must play safe

if you can afford... y not monthly

[Matt06]

Guys, it actually depends on your bio load, so if you think your water is getting "yellow", it means that your carbon is no longer active, there is no standard time for leaving it in the tank, it is just an estimated guide.

[KIM]

thanks everyone..