To carbon or not to carbon

[emkolar]

I am using a Rena Filstar 3 for filtration an my 55gal. tank. I was told that I should not use carbon in it because it removes mt trace elements. I have had my tank up and running for 1 and a half years while using corbon. I have'nt had any problems with my corals. I switched from 2 HOT canister filter to the Rena about 4 months ago. I have been running carbon until 4 weeks ago because I have been treating with Marinealge fix because of a green hair out break. The LFS told me to no longer use carbon to use more Bio media. I am not sure this is the best thing to do please help.

Thank you,

Eric

[jc]

Stick with what works for you. Most people use carbon with no problems.

[zcatzmeow]

Hmmm....well I started running some carbon passively about a month ago with no problems....but, I too have green hair algae running rampant.

[CoryDude]

Carbon will not hurt your tank. I've used passive carbon filtration, like Cory, and for over 15 years w/no problems. Plus, regular water changes will replace whatever elements are lost.

[BioCube14]

USE IT

[akm]

I'd really like to know what lfs told you that? Carbon is a very safe filter media and it isn't a bad idea to always use it, and to use lots of it when anything goes wrong in a tank. I really don't think carbon absorbs trace elements, which aren't that necessary in the first place, that's why they are trace and not abundant like NaCl or CaCO3. It's used to abosorb toxins, like those released by every coral in your tank when their stressed or fighting with a neighbor.

[akm]

Another thing, I'm a firm believer that a chemical product shouldn't solely be used for fixing a problem like a hair algae breakout. I really doubt Marine Algaefix can get rid of the real underlying problem in your tank like better basic reefkeeping practices can; regular water changes, better current so there are no dead spots or heavy detritus build up in your rocks.

If it sounds like I'm ragging on you I don't mean it like that, I'm just trying to help you with some basic information.

[emkolar]

Another thing, I'm a firm believer that a chemical product shouldn't solely be used for fixing a problem like a hair algae breakout. I really doubt Marine Algaefix can get rid of the real underlying problem in your tank like better basic reefkeeping practices can; regular water changes, better current so there are no dead spots or heavy detritus build up in your rocks.

If it sounds like I'm ragging on you I don't mean it like that, I'm just trying to help you with some basic information.
I have really good water quality and I do regular water changes I have a corilla4 power head and I feed only every 3-4 days. The problem with the hair algae popped up when I changed my lights. I cut back my lighting schedule as well when I discovered there was a problem with the hair. I know you are just trying to help but, I know I am also new to this site. I have been a member at cvreefers.org for almost 2 years now and I will know use this site more often. It will be nice to get in on some of the group buys and I will be able to purchase some of the items some of the other members are selling.

Thank you again,

Eric

[wesheltonj]

I have been using carbon for over two years without problems.

[VoodooMach]

What about chemipure vs. purigen??? Let's hear some opinions haha.

[captexas]

If you are using some chemical to somehow try to kill off the hair algae or whatever, the LFS may have meant you should turn off the carbon filter for a certain period of time to allow the chemical to do it's job. If you don't, the carbon would probably absorb most of it. With some chemical treatments they advise to turn off carbon and even skimmers for a certain time period and then running heavy carbon to clean up the chemical after it's had a chance to do it's job.