Advanced Carbon Filtration Solutions

Carbon Filter Systems

 Activated carbon is widely used in marine and freshwater aquatic systems due to its ability to improve water quality and clarity. Activated carbon has some key benefits:

Removal of Dissolved Organic Compounds (DOCs):

 Activated carbon is highly effective at adsorbing* dissolved organic compounds (DOCs) from the water. These compounds, which include proteins, phenols, and other organic substances, can discolour the water and produce unpleasant odours. By removing DOCs, activated carbon helps maintain crystal-clear water and reduces yellowing, improving light penetration, which is essential for photosynthetic organisms like corals and certain types of algae.

Reduction of Toxins:

 Carbon can adsorb harmful substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxins that might enter the aquatic system. This helps protect the fish, corals, shellfish, and other inhabitants from potentially harmful exposure.

Control of Chemical Warfare:

 In reef aquariums, corals and other invertebrates can release chemicals as a defense mechanism or as a means of competing with neighboring species. These substances, known as allelopathic chemicals, can harm or stunt the growth of other corals. Activated carbon helps remove these chemicals from the water, reducing the risk of coral warfare.

Removal of Medication Residues:

 After treating the system with medications for diseases, activated carbon can be used to remove any remaining traces of the medication from the water. This is crucial because residual medications can negatively impact the biological filtration and the overall health of the tank inhabitants. Also, medication residues must be completely removed before reapplying a medication to ensure that the dosage rates are accurate and medications do not interact with each other.

Support for Biological Filtration:

 While activated carbon itself does not provide biological filtration, it supports it indirectly. By removing excess organics from the water, it reduces the burden on the biological filter, allowing beneficial bacteria to focus on processing ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates more efficiently.

Ease of Use:

 Activated carbon is relatively easy to use. It is typically placed in a media bag or reactor within the filtration system, where water flows through it, allowing for effective adsorption of contaminants.

Cost-Effective:

 Activated carbon is generally an affordable means of maintaining water quality, and it can be used in conjunction with other filtration methods for a more comprehensive approach to water purification.

Considerations:

 It's important to note that activated carbon needs to be replaced regularly, as its adsorption capacity becomes exhausted over time. Additionally, some aquarists are cautious about using it continuously, as it may remove beneficial trace elements along with harmful substances. Therefore, its use should be balanced with regular water testing and supplementation of trace elements if needed.

Overall, activated carbon is a valuable tool in maintaining a healthy, stable, and visually appealing aquatic system.

HR Carbon

 HR Carbon is a highly retentive carbon which is the result of several years’ development and testing in freshwater and marine aquariums. It is made from carefully selected grades of bituminous coal, ensuring that a consistent quality is maintained.

• Recommended for the removal of organics and other toxic substances.
• Removes phenols and other organic compounds.
• Unlike many cheaper carbons, it does not add phosphates.
• Creates crystal clear water allowing better light penetration for maximum plant and coral growth.

*The chemical process of adsorption is a process whereby molecules stick to the surface area only, whereas absorption is commonly compared to a sponge soaking up water where the water is fully integrated into the sponge, not limited to the surface area. 

Carbon Filter Systems Tips and Tricks 

Use approximately 1g/litre of system water. Change approximately every 3 weeks depending on loading. Before use, rinse carbon thoroughly in a fine net to remove any dust created during packing and transportation.