Additional Remarks on the Use of Activated Carbon:

Earlier in this chapter we looked at the uses of activated carbon. My intentions were not that say that activated carbon is not an efficient chemical filter. It certainly is. The point, however, is that in Reef and Marine tanks you can do better, for example by using Poly Filters or molecualr absorption discs.

Keep in mind also that there are many varieties of activated carbon offered for sale, to name a few :

coal based, mixed types
bituminous
lignite
coconut shell
vegetable base (other than coconut)

The better types of activated carbon are definitely lignite and coconut shell, the latter being the best one for our application. If it is not acid washed first, and then rinsed, both done during the manufacturing process, the effluent waters pH will be too high. If you decide to use that type, make sure such was done, so the pH of your Reef does not get affected (as already indicated, usually upwards).

I personally prefer the small granules described earlier. These seem to give the best wetting of all the carbon. The latter means that all granules are exposed to the water that flows through the activated carbon, which is, of course, what we must try to achieve, as such ensures better adsorption, and cleansing of the water.

Review of Filtration Requirements Discussed:

Mechanical Filters :

Use one or more mechanical filters and clean them frequently.
They can be before the trickle filter, and/or in the sump.
Use a canister filter if an extra mechanical filter is necessary.
Make sure they can be easily accessed.
Don't use diatomaceous earth filters.
Sub-micron filters should only be used intermittently.
Filter floss is perhaps the most economical way to go.
Repeat : clean filters regularly. Once a week is a minimum
Biological Filters
Use an under the tank trickle filter or hang-on trickle filter.
Select one that has most of the desirable features mentioned earlier in the book.
Make sure that it has a large sump area.
Strong aeration of the biological chamber is a must.
Fill it with plastic filtering media, e.g. balls or blocks.
If it has a built-in skimmer, it should be of the right size.
We prefer drip plates with tapered holes, over spray bars.
1/4 inch thick acrylic material is recommended.
Do not run too much water thru the biological chamber.
Pre-filter the water that enters the biological chamber.
Do not use plastic media that trap dirt.
Repeat : blow lots of air in the biological chamber.
Open up plugged holes in the drip plate if you see any.
Syphons with a surface skimmer are better.
Syphons with an automatic re-start are better.
Use a properly sized pump and a float switch.

Chemical Filters :

Use molecular absorption filters liberally.
We highly recommend Poly Filters pads or discs.
You must use some carbon as well, if you inject ozone.
You can use both activated carbon and Poly Filters.
We prefer small granules, about 4 mesh size.
Change your activated carbon frequently.
Make sure it does not leach phosphates in your water.
It. should have been acid washed to prevent a pH rise.
If you plan to use resins, read the earlier section a few times.

Remember, now is the time to make the right decisions. Before you buy the equipment. Spend once, and acquire the right product the first time around. Remember too, that most of the above features can be combined in one and just one correctly selected trickle filter. Canister filters, where recommended, are optional, yet very desirable.

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