Common Charcoal Options

[ttsen]

guys, i need to know.

can i use the common charcoal to eliminate smell and toxins? i've experimented for 1 wk now with 1 large pc about 6" long in my green water tank. so far it takes away the smell unless you stick you nose a few inches away from the water surface.

will there be any adverse problems? does common charcoal act like activated carbon or not so good? i know ac will 'ROD' in about 2 months or so. will common charcocal also 'ROD'?

i know ac absorbs heavy metals in the water, can common charcoal do the same? can carcoal 'take away' nitrate and nitrite? or that can only be done by water change.

thank you.

[HappyBuddha]

Pips!

Look, if common charcoal is the same as those specially made for aquarium use... then... erm... why are they selling expensive activated charcoal?

I can't remember why we cannot use common charcoal in our tank. I just know it's a big no no!

TS, the recommended way to use activated charcoal is to leave them in the tank for no more than 15 minutes after water change. Keeping them permently (until they "rot") will, it is claimed, cause Hole-in-the-Head disease and takes away minute but essential trace element/minerals in the water.

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15 minutes is just good for removing whatever left-over chlorine still in the water; not meant to remove medication/odour since it's fresh tap water.

This post has been edited by HappyBuddha: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 7:26 pm