DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACTIVATED CARBON AND SEACHEM PURIGEN

[@FrancisGarcia-y7n]

One of the best videos I ever seen in KZbin great 👍 job

[@PSKaqua]

Thank you so much, my friend!!! 😃🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@rahulgkhs]

I was an activated carbon person, but since I have started a planted tank I was looking into purigen. Thanks for the info.

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! I'm so glad the video was helpful. In fact, using activated carbon in a planted tank, in my opinion, is counterproductive, because it will remove many of the nutrients needed by the plants. Purigen is more selective and does not eliminate these trace elements. However, it also reduces nitrates, which are essential for plants, but doesn't eliminate them completely, so I think it can be used without any problems.

[@epostiljon]

Just what I was looking for while waiting for a shipment of Purigen :) Thanks a lot PSK

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! I'm glad I could help you. The intent of my videos is just that, to pass on knowledge that I'm gaining with experience, and that I wish I knew when I started.

[@epostiljon]

@@PSKaqua True that. What do you say about the use of both substanses then? (excuse my english)

[@PSKaqua]

@@epostiljon Use the two simultaneously for me does not make much sense. I prefer to have purigen as more permanent chemical filtration and regulate various parameters than the activated carbon that is less selective in what it eliminates. For example, I use activated carbon when I want to remove some medication and I don't do it for more than 48 hours. Activated carbon removes trace elements from the water which is beneficial to the fish, whereas purigen does not remove these elements. And if you have plants, using activated carbon is somewhat counterproductive because it will remove a lot of nutrients needed by the plants.

[@epostiljon]

@@PSKaqua I have the same thought, maybe it get "to clean" with both. And on the same time it takes care of doc as Hunter is saying. Tricky business this with fish. I just want my Frontosas to me happy and not itching on the substrate from time to time. So I will lift of the Carbof tomorrow when I get the Purigen and put in that instead. Thanks and stay safe over the fellow human :)

[@FlyingBystander]

I put my mom in my filter - she does a great job!

[@PSKaqua]

Hahahahaha, you've already won with this comment... What a laugh... 🤣🤣🤣

[@francisgarcia565]

Great video I like purigen over carbon myself

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend, thank you very much!!! I also prefer Purigen to carbon.

[@JTCT371]

I dont care about the differences...but let me encourage you to do a simple experiment. Purigen is one of those products that people blindly jump behind.... Try this experiment. Youre going to need to use an aquasoil. In my case it was Fluval Stratum for plants...now make sure there is a significant amount of wood added......soft, acidic PH, right? Now use a little crushed coral in a nylon bag, because jackin up your PH is what youre attempting to do....Let the tank circulate with these 3 elements for at least 24 hours....check your PH...it should be right around your target parameter......Now add a little Purigen, of course the amount depends upon water volume....In my case were talking about a small volume of water, around 6 to 6.5 gallons...I used very little...about 2 teaspoons.....now remember, youve successfully buffered your PH up close to neutral.....go and check that PH again within 2 hours of adding the Purigen....In my case, the Purigen removed all capacity to hold the PH, resulting in a complete and total crash in an extremely short amount of time....upon taking it out and adding activated carbon, the PH began to rise again. Do not blindly buy into a product until you have used it in many situations. Im sure there are times where Purigen is very good....but the very fact, that Seachem doesnt include a distinct warning about this on their packaging, is irresponsible in their part.

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! I understand what you're saying and thank you for your testimony. Actually, the video is about what to choose for each person's needs and to let them know what each one does. But your comment is very valuable, thank you for it.

[@JTCT371]

@@PSKaqua I love the hobby, and the people who are also invested in it...Most of all, I love the animals and just wanted to give this warning to those who are putting this into a tank full of fish. Always approach products youre unfamiliar with, using caution, and please do experiments before subjecting animals to it.... Purigen is highly praised by many.....but its flawed just like everything else. Thankyou for your response!

[@constantinedimopoulos1110]

Good video. Thanks for making it.

[@PSKaqua]

Thank you very much my friend!!! I’m glad you like it. 🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@xisotopex]

I add plant fertilizer and a betta blackwater supplement to the tank, will purigen remove these?

[@PSKaqua]

Hello, my friend! As for the fertiliser, I think purigen is designed not to eliminate it, but the colouring of the water, purigen will remove. In my opinion, to be on the safe side, if you want colour and fertiliser, I wouldn't use purigen.

[@militaryhunter8079]

First of all, if you preparing active carbon to be used, you need it to wash in very hot water wait for the the porous to release gas and phosphate ( beceuse almoust all active carbon on the market is made by using to activation orthophosphoric acid ) then wash it in cold water, It shoud be placed last in the filter, biggest adventage is that it absorbs DOC in water ( dissolved organic carbon ) and DOC is one of the main reason ppl have algae. Not many aquarium hobbist test it ( they have perfect parameters of water and have algae but they dont test DOC ) that is the main reason active carbon should be placed in a filter with purigen combained together, Active carbon dont absorbs mico !!, it absorbs some of Fe but during a rapid utilization of Fe after dosing ( 20 - 30m ) it is not a problem if shortcomings of Fe appear yous dose a little bit more. It is great to absorbs smells and tannins. It is very weak in absorbing NO3 !!!. It realease more PO4 in the water than it absorbs. It is very weak in absorbing copper. It is very good in absorbing heavy metals. Check your active carbon iodine number it is the parameter that say how much iodine it absorbe. Max time in my experiance is 3 weeks in a filter and it should be used always non stop to lower DOC you will be surprised how it will affect algae. Example of DOC test >>> Test Rataj ANTIALGAE

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! Thank you very much for the comment. You added a lot of information. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@epostiljon]

Thanks for wery good information.

[@juniorcruz4054]

Wait so it’s a good idea to use both?

[@sqrley]

Didn't know about the HOT rinse for carbon. Ty vmuch

[@Maherdalal]

Do we also place the Purigen at the bottom of the filter same as the carbon !?

[@PSKaqua]

Hi Maher!!! I recommend putting the chemical filtration always after the mideas. Since many of them are for removing ammonia, nitrites and nitrates, if you put them in before, you are taking some of the nourishment away from the bacteria.

[@gonzalocabrera4212]

I never heard of this product until watching KZbin videos on this product. Can I use carbon and purigen in the same filter to use in the aquarium. I havent seen anything if you can use them both in the same time. Thanks. Great video.

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend, thanks for the comment.... You can use both in the same filter, however, I don't think it makes much sense. As I say in the video, activated carbon removes everything in the water while purigen is more selective and can be regenerated. I personally prefer purigen and only use activated carbon to remove medication from the aquarium and only for 3 or 4 days.

[@gonzalocabrera4212]

@@PSKaqua ok thanks. I bought the carbon before hearing about this product so I was just wondering if I can since I spent money on it already. So it can help with nitrates it a little high I already did a water change buy still a little high

[@PSKaqua]

It may help with the nitrates, although if you have high ones, you should realise why.... Could it be that you have too much organic matter that is producing the nitrates? When you do water changes, do you clean the sand and dead spots where there may be organic matter?

[@Achi2567]

Can the product from Seachem Seagel kill bacteria in the water column when I add bacteria weekly?

[@simonzinc-trumpetharris852]

No.

[@PSKaqua]

Hello, my friend! I don't know Seachem Seagel. If you're talking about purigen, it doesn't kill bacteria. 👍🏻

[@Azm1919]

I have 2 filters can i use both but in each filter?

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! Yes, you can, no problem. They are not incompatible. However, I don't recommend using activated carbon for more than 4 or 5 days. Stay tuned... there will be a video on this very subject tomorrow.

[@mradams5455]

Does this apply to reef tanks as well? Thanks 55 gallon tank

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend... Yes, these products can be used in fresh or salt water.

[@JackBenimble-oh7zl]

These two substances don’t carry out the same function. So why would you compare them?

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! They're not as different as you say. These two products belong to the chemical function of filtration. They both filter water chemically, clarify water and act on organic compounds, among other small similarities. The video aims to show the similarities and differences.

[@ellavarkumnamaskaram]

U wash purigen in distilled water? Is'nt this the same water we use for batteries? are they safe?

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! The use of distilled water is not necessary at all. I do it because since purigen is very absorbent, at least in its initial stage it is going clean of some component that it can absorb before it enters the aquarium. But those are "my quirks". Using distilled water is completely safe to use in an aquarium. It is just pure water.

[@terrilynn1771]

I was told you can not use Purigen with seachem stress guard because it will toxic the water…. Is this true .. also you can use Prime with purigen ….

[@alant7516]

It’s not true I just checked on my bottle of stress guard and it say it won’t interfere

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! Sorry for the huge delay in responding. I've been a bit away from social media and the PSK aqua project, but I'm slowly making a comeback. Responding to your comment, there is no problem using both products. They are even made by the same company.

[@-8_8-]

Do you think using "too much" makes the purigen last longer?

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! Sorry for the huge delay in responding. I've been a bit away from social media and the PSK aqua project, but I'm slowly making a comeback. Responding to your comment, which I really appreciate, of course the more you use the longer it will saturate. But there is no need to use much more.

[@IIISHARKIIICRU]

can you use both in a filter? thx for the vid

[@PSKaqua]

Hello!!! They have different functions, but in certain points they are similar. But what is the purpose for wanting to use both at the same time? You can use both at the same time. Be aware that the activated carbon will remove all that is bad, but also all that is good.

[@JimGuz56]

Thanks for passing along your knowledge. I have read that Purigen should not be used while cycling a tank. Do you agree? I am currently cycling my tank and I plan on using it to remove the tannins being released by my Driftwood but I’m waiting till after the tank cycles.

[@Rama-Vana]

Hello Friend, according to me Purigen can be used during cycling of tank, it will not have any impact on the colony build up of beneficial bacterias in canister filter, Purigen will only eliminate the odour smell & oserbs Tannins in aquarium without harming bacteria & supplements you add in water !!!

[@Zhai_Belgium]

You can use it during the cycling, no worries. I use it all the time. I only have matrix, purigen and foam in my filters and works great, even during cycling

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend! Sorry for the late reply... That is a very interesting question... The purigen controls ammonia, nitrites and nitrates by removing the nitrogenous organic wastes that would otherwise release harmful components. It controls, not removes, so there is ammonia, nitrite and nitrate for the nitrogen cycle in the cycling phase to occur without a problem. On the other hand, if it removes organic compounds in the cycling phase, it decreases the amount of ammonia and nitrite in the water, which is the food for bacteria, which may delay the growth of beneficial bacteria. If I were you, to play it safe, I wouldn't put it in.

[@deepugopinath1130]

Which 180 micron bag did you use? Any link?

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! Sorry for the huge delay in responding. I've been a bit away from social media and the PSK aqua project, but I'm slowly making a comeback. Replying to your comment, you can find them on amazon, that's where I ordered them from.

[@marios.discus]

Hands down purigen, it’s a game changer 😊

[@PSKaqua]

Hi Marios!!! No doubt about it... it is an excellent product and a must have in our aquariums.

[@reinaldogarcia115]

@@PSKaqua hola alguna experiencia con discos que dan vueltas en circulos?

[@PSKaqua]

Lo siento... no sé qué puede ser. 😕

[@meurlock]

La video explique très bien ce que fait le charbon actif et pas du tout ce que fait le purigen... c’est très dommage...

[@PSKaqua]

Bonjour mon ami !!! Quels sont les doutes que vous aviez sur purigen ? Merci beaucoup. 🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@11thgenerationcorolla57]

Quick question is chemi pure blue same as purigen or nah?

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! I have never used chemi pure. But from what I have heard, I think they have the same function.

[@11thgenerationcorolla57]

Just ordered purigen I heard about activated carbon could cause a hith.

[@isaiahbertrand4340]

So you prefer this over carbon? I feel like still running carbon is great when you can buy it in bulk considering using the media like with the other but I’m not saying the other isn’t better can you mix the two and if so how in the bag and then when the carbon is of no use then it would be hard to take it out of the mix unless it’s in its own pouch

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! The two despite having some similarities, are different in acting. Activated carbon eliminates everything you put in the water, whether beneficial or bad. The purigen only retains harmful substances. I don't recommend mixing the two, because the carbon in 2 or 3 months, depending on the organic load there is, saturates and after being saturated starts releasing what it has been. With the naked eye, you can't tell if it's saturated or not. If it is mixed with purigen, you will waste purigen. The purigen, besides being able to tell when it is saturated by turning brown, can be regenerated with a mixture of water and bleach.

[@meurlock]

Alors je ne sais pas ce qui s’est passé dans la vidéo mais j’ai eu les commentaires pour la partie charbon actif et je ne les avais pas pour la partie purigen. Là ça a marché. Je vais tester ce produit quand mo aquarium aura quelques mois. Je viens de le refaire donc l’eau est parfaitement claire pour l’instant. Je voudrais savoir les proportions que vous proposez: je crois que c’est 100 ml de purigen pour 400 litres d’eau mais d’autres recommandations donnent 100ml de purigen pour 100 litres d’eau. Quelle est votre expérience ?

[@PSKaqua]

OK... ;) Je trouvais ça bizarre, je pense que c'est explicite dans la vidéo. Je suis content que tout se soit arrangé. Un sachet de 100mg de purigen est suffisant pour 400 litres sans problème, mais si vous en rajoutez, à mon avis ce ne sera pas un problème.

[@meurlock]

J’ai beaucoup aimé les vidéos doubles (side bye side) , ça donne envie d’essayer ce produit. Quand mon "Clearmec" sera épuisé je verrai ça

[@JangLilBitofErrthang]

im using both simutaneously

[@JangLilBitofErrthang]

and i forgot to rinse them off i was too excited

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! They should be rinsed, but that's not what will make them not work. 😅 As for using both, I don't recommend using activated carbon for more than 4/5 days. It absorbs impurities but when it saturates, it has the opposite effect, that is, it starts to release them. I would only use purigen.

[@99Canecas]

Would it be safe to use during dosing ich meds (kordon ich plus ) ? Thanks

[@PSKaqua]

Hello!!! Use what? The activated carbon or the purigen? Activated carbon is sure to eliminate the action of the medication, so you can't use it during a treatment. Purigen is said to only remove organic matter, however, I don't risk it and when I have to medicate the tank, I remove it.

[@99Canecas]

Dam it i missed the important word . Purigen i love my purigen but using ich med at the moment and wondered if i should remove it from my canister during dosing meds. Thank you so much for answering my question.

[@PSKaqua]

@@99Canecas You're welcome...I appreciate you watching my video and interacting with me. That's my purpose on KZbin... it's to share my experience and show what I do in my aquariums, not to be a KZbinr. 😅 As for the purigen, I would remove it. Even if they say they don't remove medication, I play it safe and remove it anyway. That way, I always rest assured that the medication didn't have anything in there that could nullify it.

[@sameerghadge7025]

Prefer Seachem Purigen

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! Yes I also prefer purigen... 🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@martymcfly9342]

Can't use both?

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! Yes, you can use both. However, I don't think activated charcoal should be used for a long time since it removes many beneficial components from the water.

[@quintano20]

Why not use both? :)

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! You can be use both, but… In my opinion, using Purigen and activated carbon simultaneously in the aquarium is not recommended. Both are filtering materials that help remove impurities from the water, but they do so in different ways. Purigen is a synthetic resin that removes organic compounds and nitrogen from the water, while activated carbon adsorbs chemicals, toxins, and impurities. Using both at the same time can lead to ineffective results, as they may become saturated more quickly, reducing their filtering capacity. Additionally, the activated carbon may adsorb some of the chemicals that Purigen removes, making the combined use less effective. For optimal results, it's recommended to alternate between using Purigen and activated carbon, rather than using them simultaneously.

[@quintano20]

Thank you for explaining it to me! @@PSKaqua

[@fuse911]

Can you use both

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! Yes, you can, but I think it's redundant. I would advise you to only use purigen, unless you want to remove medication from the aquarium, in which case you would use activated carbon.

[@fuse911]

Look at my newest short i posted brotha im dealing with this issue today plus i still have a big log i need to remove tannis out of without boiling it

[@fuse911]

@@PSKaqua im about to go get me two packs for my two filters right now. Can i leave the log in there and purge the tannnis out with the packs in the filter? Its a huge 3 foot log weighs like 30 pounds i cant boil it its too big

[@PSKaqua]

@@fuse911 The tannins released by the logs are beneficial for fish. I'm sure there are many people who don't like to see their aquarium with tea, but they are very good for the fish. If you add activated carbon, it will help to remove some of the tea color, but the log will continue to release it.

[@PSKaqua]

@@fuse911 Did two fish die after you put the log in?

[@bhaveshsoni-zp3kp]

I think, purigen it’s best

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! I also prefer purigen, no doubt about it.

[@bernardl.195]

I use both however purigen seems to cloud up my water in a 65 gallon

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! Does the purigen make your aquarium water cloudy? That is very strange.

[@aaron34stewart]

I’m having the same problem in every aquarium that I’m using purigen in

[@MyDogRunner]

YOu do need to rinse it before use. Purigen results in absolutely clear water in my tank.

[@Mikebmc]

First time I used Purigen in my tank I thoughtlessly just through it in the filter right out of the package and boy you should have seen the cloud of dust the came pouring into my perfectly crystal clear water. I panicked and quickly pulled all of my fish out and put them in a bucket of treated water. I wasn't sure if it would harm them. I later found out that it wouldn't have but anyway I did a 95% water change after that. Once I got everything back together and put the fish back in the tank I discovered that some how the bag containing the Purigen had a small hole ripped into it. My local Petco was kind enough to replace it for me and so with the new bag in hand I new by then that I needed to rinse it thoroughly first, duh... So I did so and I've had no problem with it since. I works great in my tank. I combine Purigen with polyfil floss and the water is crystal clear.

[@DOGMAN-ex4is]

Purigen

[@josephtavares8178]

Polyfilter beats them both

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! Sorry for the huge delay in responding. I've been a bit away from social media and the PSK aqua project, but I'm slowly making a comeback. Responding to your comment, which I really appreciate, if you are talking about some similar resin, I don't know of that product, but I will look into it. Thanks. But if you talk about filter wool, I have to disagree, because they have nothing to do with each other. One does chemical filtration and the other is mechanical filtration. Happy new year to you and yours.

[@apdroidgeek1737]

​@PSKaqua its like activated carbon but in sponge form.. they claim to do what chemipure blue does

[@brianthiel1488]

Iron is great for everyone with a planted tank lol

[@PSKaqua]

Hello my friend!!! Go back to minute 1:44 and reread what I wanted to write... Activated carbon removes several components including iron, which is not good for anyone with a planted aquarium.... LOL...

[@skytrooper506]

Must be a mute.

[@PSKaqua]

?

[@Gutbomber]

🤷🏼‍♂️😅😅. Nice song though.