Kelly-Anne Kidston
Solid carbon reverses the roles a tad, and rather than bringing carbon to the bacteria (who usually live in rocks or substrate), this method entices bacteria to grow directly on the carbon source 😎 Most solid carbon methods employ the use of a reactor, which is a large tube through which the water from the tank passes over the carbon filter medium 🙈 This has the effect of tumbling the media and keeping it in suspension, and as the carbon then develops a film on its surface — made up of nitrate and phosphate-guzzling, carbon-hungry bacteria — this tumbling action knocks the excess biofilm off. [1]
Recirculating filters will have carbon that acts as an environment for beneficial bacteria. These bacteria convert ammonia to nitrite, then nitrate. Each month you have to change the carbon. This is a waste of filtration media. The new carbon will not grow any beneficial bacteria. Your biofilter will go out of business if it is made up more than half the carbon media. A possible ammonia spike can occur when you add the carbon. This can be prevented by using ceramic beads, sponges, bioballs or beads in enough quantity to the filter as the primary media for the bacteria that forms the biofilter. [2]
Researchers from animals.mom.com Further insight is available. You should be asking yourself how often. need to change the carbon in your filter The number and quality of your carbon depends on its ability to withstand the pressure of your fish tank. The carbon replacement’s packaging usually specifies how long the carbon is expected to last — in most cases, from one to four weeks, although high-quality carbon may last up to three months. Your best option is to follow these guidelines unless you have more fish than your tank can hold. If that happens, then it might be more difficult to maintain the aquarium’s size. You do not need to replace the filter pad, bagged carbon or the mesh bag. The bag or pad can be re-used and is only needed for wear. The skin may appear yellowish. water or an unpleasant odourr are physical signs that your carbon needs changing. [3]
While charcoal filters can be trusted, some people are not so sure about long-term safety. They are excellent at sucking. bad stuff out of the waterHowever, they are able to absorb trace minerals which are essential for fish and plants. A lack of nutrients can cause head and lateral erosion. This condition is also known as hole-in the-head disease. It can result in fish being killed. Oscars and Discus fish are especially susceptible. Having a carbon filter doesn’t mean your fish will get the disease, but over-filtration of aquarium water can be a contributing factor. Also, charcoal will absorb most medications so get rid of it. filter before medicating your tank. Marygrace Williams amended the above on August 31, 2020 [4]
Article references
- https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/be-clear-about-carbon/
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/activated-carbon-in-the-aquarium-1380929
- https://animals.mom.com/do-i-need-to-change-the-charcoal-in-my-aquarium-filter-12627583.html
- https://pets.thenest.com/need-change-charcoal-aquarium-filter-12767.html
