Carbon use confusion

[korbine]

Been seeing mixed opinions on carbon in filters. Some say it's a must, others say it's sketchy. What's the deal? Running a 20-gallon planted tank with a HOB filter, stock carbon insert. Should I ditch it or keep it?

[zipnex]

Carbon's useful for removing meds or tannins, but it's not a must-have long-term. In a planted tank, it can strip trace elements plants need. If your water's clear and params are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate, you're better off swapping it for more bio media.

[starfish9]

I agree with zipnex. I pulled carbon from my 30-gallon last month and noticed my Java Ferns perked up. Maybe it was messing with their nutrients. How often do you change your carbon, korbine?

[korbine]

Carbon's useful for removing meds or tannins, but it's not a must-have long-term. In a planted tank, it can strip trace elements plants need. If your water's clear and params are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate, you're better off swapping it for more bio media.

Got it. Gonna try ditching it and see if my Anubias stops melting. Thanks!

[billow]

Carbon's like that one friend who's helpful in a crisis but kinda drains you otherwise. Used it post-meds in my betta tank, then swapped to sponge. Bettas are chill now, plants too. What's your lighting schedule, korbine? Could be part of the melt.

[bronzed]

Carbon is unnecessary unless you're dealing with contaminants. Data from my 50-gallon shows no difference in water clarity or fish health after removal. Focus on bio filtration and weekly 25% water changes.

[lilynx]

My LFS swore by carbon, but my tank's been happier without it. Less algae, more growth. Running a 10-gallon with a sponge filter, no carbon, and my Neon Tetras are thriving. Maybe it's overhyped?

[burrower]

My LFS swore by carbon, but my tank's been happier without it. Less algae, more growth. Running a 10-gallon with a sponge filter, no carbon, and my Neon Tetras are thriving. Maybe it's overhyped?

Same here! Ditched carbon, added Seachem Purigen instead. Way better vibe in the tank.

[florer]

Carbon's fine if you replace it weekly, but who's got time for that? My 40-gallon's been carbon-free for years, just sponge and ceramic rings. Water's crystal, fish are lively. Save your cash.

[zipnex]

Carbon is unnecessary unless you're dealing with contaminants. Data from my 50-gallon shows no difference in water clarity or fish health after removal. Focus on bio filtration and weekly 25% water changes.

Exactly. Long-term, bio media's the move. Carbon's a short-term fix, like a band-aid on a filter.