Should you use activated carbon in your aquarium?

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In this video, I will help you understand the multiple uses of activated carbon in the aquarium hobby.
Activated carbon is a great tool for us hobbyists, but, as with every tool, we have to know how and when to use it.
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[@dennisruedel]

Hi Richelle, I thought this video was very well done and interesting. I really believe that your channel is one of the best out there. It’s quite evident that you put in a lot of work to put together these quality videos. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing 👍.

[@Floodedaquatics]

All carbon releases some level of phosphates, no exceptions. I like seagel because it also removes phosphate and lasts for 3 months before needing to be changed out. Very good info, never thought about smokers or someone throwing something into the tank thats not supposed to be there. Id say it also helps with the byproducts of over feeding as well. Wish you were local and id support you! Youre the best!

[@nomorewishlists]

What about planted mini ponds? I have fishes to take care of algae etc. ...but i still feel the need to find solution of smelly pond (the anaerobic bacteria in mud)

[@rolfs9879]

I jumped back into the fish hobby myself. Love your presentations. Happy to subscribe! Looking forward to new videos while I go through your others! 🤘🐠👍

[@PalJoey-on1yi]

I substantially agree with your presentation with one exception: activated carbon absolutely DOES provide a home in it's millions of micro-pores for the beneficial bacteria that work in the nitrogen cycle. It's the reason it was first introduced as a filter medium. It actually would work in all three spheres (mechanical, biological, chemical) of filtration if we only loaded the filter boxes with it, however that would be a waste We want to use it in the mode it will operate most efficiently and productively in, which is on dissolved organic substances. I use a thick layer of polyester filter fiber ahead of the carbon in the filter chain to catch solids and I change it regularly, or as needed, allowing the carbon to both adhere dissolved organic chemicals to itself AND allow it to be populated by the bacterial colony that will do the organic filtering in the carbon bed. Carbon is most usefully used when the existing tap water in the home is different than what is needed for the fish. For example, I live in New York with soft acid water, but I keep African Cichlids which need it hard and alkaline. It would be destabilizing to do twice weekly water changes and have to correct water for pH and hardness each time, so it benefits me to use lots of carbon in the filter to lengthen the time between water changes while maintaining water quality. Salt water aquariums or inability to do frequent water changes would benefit in the same way from carbon. Use the chart within this article to look up exactly which chemicals are and are not adsorbed by carbon. Note that while carbon does not adsorb ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates, it adsorbs the dissolved organic matter that precede those chemicals in the filtration chain - which amounts to the same thing in results. www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2009/10/activated-carbon.html#carbon_works

[@squirrelattackspidy]

Will activated carbon remove seachem potassium? I looked at your list and saw nothing either way. I also dose seachem flourish and trace. Your linked article says it won't remove the iron from flourish, but will it remove other compounds? What about compounds in flourish trace? Thanks!

[@TheBSideDJ]

i don't know if salt water tanks will always benefit using carbon, due to the added minerals and trace elements needed for corals, that will be absorbed by the activated carbon. Or am i wrong ?

[@PalJoey-on1yi]

@@TheBSideDJ ... ​ I keep referring folks to the technical parameters of activated carbon. It works on ORGANIC compounds. The myths in the hobby continue to circulate accusing carbon of absorbing mysterious mineral trace elements, when the failures in a system are usually due to other unknown factors. Go to this link and check the chart. www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2009/10/activated-carbon.html#carbon_works

[@TheBSideDJ]

@@PalJoey-on1yi : we use automatic backwash sand-filtration systems before activated carbon. Activated carbon indeed to remediate organics from polluted groundwater. The sandfilter is used as a pre-polisher preventing the activated carbon from clogging (iron, calcium, suspended solids...). So the adsorption of organics is the main goal of activated carbon, but it does take (oxydated) minerals as well.

[@isaiahbertrand4340]

I use carbon in my salt tank so far it’s really clean crystal clear. Main reason is the filter I use fluval external cansisters too I also have a homemade sponge filter just connected to the air tub in a volcano piece to keep the water extra clean and aerated.

[@SongsByLouLaro]

I just wanted to say thank you for such a clear and helpful explanation of what activated carbon is, when, how, and why to use it, and also for telling us about Zeo-Carb. I loved how understandable you made it all sound. Great video.

[@QuebecCichlides]

Thank you :D

[@wannabe_D7000]

Will Activated Carbon remove the declorinator from the water ? How about the medication like mala green or methaline blue

[@cheesyvolcano5158]

In new aquarium, does it affect or delay during nitrogen cycle?

[@bernhardkawell68]

Hello...very good explained where the limitation is. It's not a wonder weapon ...thanks for your Video done a very good job👍💖

[@DealsOnWeels]

Good to know i had miss knowledge of it ,learned from my stef father ,his filtration was always cotton active Carbon and again cotton ,and he replaced it only every 6 months ,so i toke that over ,so i think i gone replace it with Bio home ultimate i think

[@jeffpoirier2818]

Merci, très instructif cette vidéo 😁

[@gabrielbennett5162]

I have goldfish, which are very dirty, so I run an activated carbon-zeolite mix in my filters to keep ammonia levels down.

[@paulcox4369]

Hi Richelle, l love the fact that your videos are a little more in depth than most & l always seem to learn something, this time it was about phosphates being released by carbon, it follows when you think about it, l just hadn't! Would be interesting to hear your views on tanins, l have read they are benificial to fish, l quite like the blackwater look. Maybe l shouldn't say this, l use another product to assist in organic wast control, mainly because it changes colour & it can be recharged.

[@QuebecCichlides]

I have nothing against tanins but many aquarists despise the look. I haven't found any information regarding as to whether they're beneficial but they definitely aren't bad for them.

[@QuebecCichlides]

I have nothing against tanins but many aquarists despise the look. I haven't found any information regarding as to whether they're beneficial but they definitely aren't bad for them.

[@QuebecCichlides]

I have nothing against tanins but many aquarists despise the look. I haven't found any information regarding as to whether they're beneficial but they definitely aren't bad for them.

[@CoffeeTimeBrian11]

Well done! Your video covered most of the concerns I have had with using active carbon in my aquarium. I have also heard a.c. may remove macro and trace elements from the planted tank which may negatively affect the plant nutrition. What are your thoughts on this?

[@wilde4945]

I use it periodically. The fish love it.

[@catfishcave379]

As a predominately South American fish keeper... give me the tannins! I don't think I've used carbon in 30 years - I just don't need it; I do water changes instead. But that is just what works for me.

[@gregoryhoward1758]

Hi Richelle. I just subscribed and am back in the hobby after a 30 year break. I think that your video was informative and unbiased. I will be back watching because you know your stuff and because you are just so darn cute. What do you think about the Fluval Spec 16 gallon tank .

[@alwaysyouramanda]

I’m just trying to find out if I just ruined my tank. I wrung out this mat I had and it keeps rinsing black

[@ahmadcarem4700]

Very informative, thanks a lot.

[@derek927]

Can I use the carbon and ammonia media at the same time

[@deccma]

You have omitted a very important thing. When you use activated carbon in a planted tank it also removes the minerals in the tank that Plants need to grow. So if your tank is planted you should not be using activated carbon.

[@N191N.K]

Very informative video, thanks a lot for the video. With Love from India 🙏🙏🙏

[@erichpizer1]

informative vid, but if you have a very large carbon filter bank for a 300 L pond and not necessarily overstocked fish or colour changes, when do you know to change ? , since you cant go on a 30 day time frames, since the large amount of carbon, which is just a very very fine microscopic filter, is not fully depleted or spent or clogged. so you would be wasting the carbon and I buy carbon in bulk to save since its expensive in small batches or bags in my country.

[@JzbyAquatics08]

Hi @QuebecCichlids! Love the video! and showed some support to your channel. 😊

[@jordynchan5103]

I have a heavily planted tank and I use fertilizers and an iodine supplement for the shrimp every week. I've heard activated carbon would soak up the fertilizers, so I no longer use it. Is that true?

[@wolverineiscool7161]

yes kind of...it can help counteract any medications you use in the tank including fertilizers

[@a1a1a39]

Thanks

[@donnahall9874]

Hi was wondering can I use carbon for my discus fish tank

[@tadbarker7082]

Great video ! Thanks for this. Does Activated Carbon strip the BioFilm out of tanks ? I'm trying to set up a small Cherry Shrimp tank and really just want to use something like this to polish the water to make it clear..... without losing all the good stuff the shrimp like to eat. Someone suggested Purigen to me but, although it clears the water beautifully, that seems to destroy the bio-film. Any suggestions ?

[@QuebecCichlides]

Carbon would be your best bet. Purigen removes organics 😊

[@yasminseyron2119]

I have a leddy 60 tank by Aquael which is 54L what do you recommend for a carbon filter?

[@robertflink8017]

Great video very helpful

[@chanchan-me9ry]

It is okay to use charcoal instead of activated carbon?

[@KingLu-]

Lol no!

[@bradn1728]

how long do you need to wait to put fish in your tank after you cured your fish from ich.

[@deepaktheaquaaddict1453]

Very useful info..:) Thank you. I would like to know in what temperature is the activated carbon activated?

[@alanmainwaring1830]

900 deg Celcius crude way put in closed steel container with a small hole at top heat to 900 celcius pottery oven would do this. To be honest not really worth it on small scale.

[@Asaram00000007]

Hi richelle! Pls guide me on this! I am thinking to add activated carbon to a powerhead filter in a small amount in my 2 ft aquarium, but it has a sponge filter in that aquarium! So will the carbon affect the good bacteria in the sponge filter? Or should i add the carbon in the tubing part of the sponge filter? Or adding carbon to this tank is a bad idea?

[@prontiplarson1833]

In my case, it wasn't gummy bears. It was the 10 oz. bag of M & M's. My (now 30 YO) daughter wanted to share. Found it too late. 😭

[@QuebecCichlides]

Noooo 😭

[@jovelynbriones2466]

I just put activated carbon on my tank today, and after 30 minutes the water turned yellow :( do I have to remove the activated carbon?

[@katawaredoki9938]

should i put it before the ceramics or after the ceramics?

[@madhatterjones4781]

Would you recommend carbon in a 10gl tank

[@SockFullOfCatLitter]

Doesn't carbon suck away the water treament I add such as Safe or Prime making them useless?

[@QuebecCichlides]

It doesn’t do that with those products

[@SockFullOfCatLitter]

@@QuebecCichlides Ahh ok just for when I am done giving the fish their meds then right or for other things you stated?

[@SockFullOfCatLitter]

@@QuebecCichlides So also, don't have it in when you are medicating a fish?

[@YG-wu1dp]

can I leave activated carbon in my tank and use it as substrate?

[@zaxkd6632]

No. Why would u want to? Activated carbon removes a bunch of stuff from the tank, not the least of which is medication. If u ever need to medicate the tank, u will need to remove the substrate. After awhile, it will actually start to leach all that stuff back into the tank. Also it’s terribly crumbly and dusty when disturbed, so any bottom dwellers would cloud your tank. And lastly it’s expensive

[@wajahatkhan7780]

I've heard that activated carbon is used to remove medications. Is it used to remove specific types of medications or all types of medications, and why?

[@bobblameuser312]

What is the shelf life of carbon that has not been used in the aquarium? Does it absorb contaminants from the air that would render it ineffective?

[@QuebecCichlides]

The shelf life is technically forever... Carbon is usually sealed in their container, so I wouldn't worry about it getting filled up with the air. Also, even if it's out in the open (which it shouldn't be), the air is not "flying" through it. Usually air is pushed through carbon for such filtration. I wouldn't worry about it.

[@WhiteCloud746]

thanks Richelle for this video!

[@maximus56789]

Hi ,Richelle I have a question , does the carbon helps with the hardness of the water ? ( ppm )

[@sunilshrestha6871]

Thank you for a uploading video 📹.

[@marklesterfelipe3417]

Does activated carbon is harmful for long term use? Thank you!

[@mr.sandhu587]

You got your answer?? i wanna know too

[@wannabe_D7000]

Does the activated carbon help me remove green water ?

[@tylerc7037]

Probably a little late. But when I had green water in my 40 gal, I bought a UV sterilizer. Was the tank near a window? That was my issue. Ran the sterilizer a week and it cleared up. I turned it on every so often to clean.

[@BaoTran-bs6jr]

Hi Richelle, question, what's the limitation of carbon on a 4500 gal. pond? I'm about to use charcoal on one of my filters and unsure if it's a good idea. I do have light green/yellow water because of the full sun. Can you let me know if i'm making a mistake. lol

[@Anytyme06]

The amount of water doesn't effect carbon. If I were you I would use a UV light. Your water is probably that color because of algae. The UV will get rid of that.

[@ramziaydin5823]

I brought fluval zeo_carb so do I take out my filter and put it there?

[@QuebecCichlides]

Use either carbon or zeocarb :)

[@HoangTran-jw9un]

My fishtank 400 gallons how can i used this ?

[@danielnguyen2846]

Should I use activated carbon in a planted+fish tank?

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

Tanins are good for fish and help prevent fungus. Many people add it on purpose.

[@ericksonsouza6479]

the problem is that not everyone likes the color...looks like a dirty water you know?

[@ianrawlings2546]

People think they know everything. Tanins (Tanic acid) is good, possibly, for some fish that require low pH. Fact is, vast majority of fish are bred by people and have never experienced what their natural water is like. Other fish, especially African cichlids absolutely do not appreciate Tanins! They need high pH, that is alkaline water, to survive. Ignorant opinion in the comment above, I hope nobody killed their fish trying to add Tanins!

[@sebastianjungle]

is carbon charcol ?

[@glenp.8241]

Really helpful information and beautiful to look at. You are so smart.

[@muddog2159]

Is carbon safe too use in a planted tank

[@omarmokhtar1506]

Is it safe to use activated carbon and salt at the same time? I heard to use zeolite and salt is unsafe, but would it be the same?

[@QuebecCichlides]

That's just ridiculous. All those products are safe with salt ;)

[@omarmokhtar1506]

@@QuebecCichlides cool.. thnks fpr the great info.. been following and wacthing ur channel, many useful tips.. 👍 thnks again

[@nataliegaudet9344]

How much do I use for my fish tank

[@alexgunawan98]

will it effect PH value in salt water ? or any water parameter ?

[@QuebecCichlides]

Nope :D It doesn't absob anything that is considered a "water parameter".

[@daudausman1892]

Can I use activated carbon for catfish fish hatchery water treatment?

[@QuebecCichlides]

Oh that's a tricky questions. If you're using methylene blue to avoid fungus, it would remove it from the water.

[@darrenmason7214]

I make my own filter cartridges for almost nothing and I put a few carbon rocks in ut

[@randomtube8226]

I change my carbon once a week just to stay on top of it and make sure its at its best. It can become expensive. For me the stuff never works. Ive always had better luck with more frequent water changes.

[@cmsjustin]

What is the tall plant behind you on your left?

[@QuebecCichlides]

On my left (image right) : Alocasia polly On my right (Image left) : A variety of Pink Aglaonema

[@aquariumfunthejoyofaquariu6060]

Fantistic info! Thank you again 🌞

[@richardli7726]

Hi Richelle, what do you think of ChemiPure Elite?

[@Leanne_w]

My aquarium as suddenly started smelling, with this help. I’ve done a water change. I have 2 tanks and done water change on both I used the same filters etc. But for some reason one is a little cloudy and smells. I have the filters with the sponges, canI just had the carbon pieces in with the sponges? Or will I nee to put them into a bag. Could you responds ASAP if you can, because I need to sort the issue lol, I’m sick at the moment and the smell doesn’t help. Thanks you. I will be very grateful for a response. I know this is an old video, so I’m not sure if you will see this lol

[@QuebecCichlides]

Hi Leanna, You absolutely need to put the carbon in a bag, before putting in your filter. If it smells of algae and is cloudy, maybe you have a "bacteria bloom" I think this video is the one you need, it talks about white cloudy water. I think if you fix this issue, the smell will go away. Good luck kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6CkkHV7gbh_ibM

[@Leanne_w]

Thank your advice, I’ve ordered some carbon in the bags. They are going to be here tomorrow. I’ve had the tanks for years and it’s never happened before. I already condition the water. But I’ve just ordered the prime, for tomorrow. So hopefully that will work. I can still see through the water so it’s only fought a slight cloudiness if that makes sense.

[@thefilmythings]

Is activated carbon used in concrete

[@rajdeepbanerjee1548]

Merci

[@fhledger1725]

does it absorb chlorine?

[@kyndrydspyryt3867]

Yes, but not right away

[@atienzajhonjervis9671]

Thank You

[@riccardoricci9420]

is there a specific quantity per gallon?

[@QuebecCichlides]

It all depends on the brand. They are all different. It should be written on the packaging ;)

[@Lionchuu]

Does AquaClear 50 carbon insert release phosphate?

[@QuebecCichlides]

If you leave it to long, yes 😉

[@Dannybones]

Does Carbon help minimize Nitrates?

[@QuebecCichlides]

No

[@scottmoran5408]

Great video topic love you asallways

[@mattrenaud8426]

great topic ! thank you . I always look forward to seeing your vids . a bit off topic but I LOVE that big plant that's behind you on your left side!!! could you please give me the name of that plant I want one. thank you in advance

[@QuebecCichlides]

Thank you. The plant on my left (screen right) is an Alocasia polly. :)

[@QuebecCichlides]

Thank you. The plant on my left (screen right) is an Alocasia polly. :)

[@QuebecCichlides]

Thank you. The plant on my left (screen right) is an Alocasia polly. :)

[@mattrenaud8426]

thank you! im going to go shopping for one @@QuebecCichlides

[@claudiacomas1333]

Ick guard made my water foamy will activated carbon work for this

[@QuebecCichlides]

It should very likely help as it would remove the product. Ich products aren't supposed to make your aquarium foamy. That's super weird

[@mchermadurai6546]

mam some other youtubers said activated carbon filters good chemicals and cause our American cichlids hole in head disease is that correct man???

[@dannyperez1604]

The scientific evidence is extremely weak on that and no study has been able to explain that.

[@erieschl]

Oh boy did i make some driftwood tea

[@QuebecCichlides]

Don't drink it 🤣

[@echtwaarhe6417]

I just bought it. Just hoped you actually showed how to Use it xD

[@QuebecCichlides]

just rince it and put it in the filter

[@echtwaarhe6417]

QuebecCichlides yea I found out later haha. Too bad the quantity that is needed doesn’t fit with all sponges on top. I just put it in a bag directly in the aquarium and it does help. The water is glass bright

[@stewartfooter3580]

Mmm gummy bears! I use polycarb pads and change them monthly,and some experts say carbon can take out ammonia so who knows the truth

[@anthonnypalmares6749]

After i put activated in my filter water turns black.. need help plsss...

[@QuebecCichlides]

Rince Your carbon before putting it in the filter. As for your black water now, do a water change and it will pass

[@anthonnypalmares6749]

I will rince it till turns clear?

[@-a-cb-l9000]

@@anthonnypalmares6749 rinse in cool water away from the aquarium. Rinse till the water turns clear.

[@QuebecCichlides]

I second this 👆

[@bennylam790]

I like your voice 😍😍😍😍

[@sebastianjungle]

ho can u putnin ur housenplants

[@QuebecCichlides]

I don't use it in houseplants but I've heard of many people who do. I've never had to use it. I was curious and clicked on your channel. Nice Thai constellation! Once my house is all set up, I'm gonna have to get my greedy hands on one :D

[@terra778]

Ur awesome 👍

[@Grumpysunrize]

Great fucking video! Very informational!

[@AOnecookingTips]

Nic video sister 🙏🇮🇳

[@Giell1]

You shouldn't boil your wood. This will break down the texture.

[@braulindisla-elburrodelaba5361]

Thanks beautiful

[@rolfs9879]

🤘😎👍

[@ewanthug91]

wow.. must be lucky married to someone like you who knows anything about water parameter.

[@jacobzawodny1873]

Hi I'm a huge fan of your channel I live in the U.S. I'm just starting a channel. I completely did my chiclid tank because of your channel. Doing the best I can please watch my chiclid video tank . I would like feed back from you Jacob Zawodny. Jacob Zs fish aquarium

[@QuebecCichlides]

I'll check it out soon. My internet is not letting me watch videos at this time.

[@QuebecCichlides]

I'll check it out soon. My internet is not letting me watch videos at this time.

[@QuebecCichlides]

I'll check it out soon. My internet is not letting me watch videos at this time.

[@gwcrispi]

Blue eyes with dark brown hair. Very rare, very beautiful.

[@WTFENIGMA]

She is on put

[@cjfish6349]

Only thing that exceeds your knowledge, is you beauty.

[@a1a1a39]

Thanks

[@livegigsinkent]

Very informative, thank you.