Possible Link between HLLE and Activated Carbon

[justahobby]

I find that article and the study very interesting and very annoying at the same time. The annoying part of the article is that the authors are declaring activated carbon as causing HLLE when it sounds like it was the dust that was the likely the cause.

The really interesting part of the study is that they were able to cause HLLE all the fish exposed to the unwashed lignite carbon and microlesions in the fish exposed to the unwashed pelleted carbon. The annoying part of the study is it appears they didn't take the next logical step and expose a group of fish to a non carbon dust of similar size/composition to see if it caused HLLE as well. Hopefully that will be a future study.

Still it's not enough for me to stop using carbon. I've never had HLLE problems from it but then again unlike the study I never ran a tank with no skimmer, no mechanical filtration, and used unwashed dusty carbon without rinsing it first.

That sums it up nicely

[Bill S]

I had HLLE problems with a hippo tang, yet never ran carbon. In the rare event I did, it was well washed.

As Richard points out, the science isn't complete - the experiment wasn't completely thought out.

[Jarob]

There is a TON needed to be done before anything can be declared as scientifically proven.. Its a great start to base an hypothesis off of, but for the time being that’s all it is. Sure they had a control, but like Allen said in the other thread there are just too many contributing variables that need to be in check. All science needs to start somewhere and this could very well prove to be true after more studies are done so really if carbon is not that big of a role in your system it couldn’t hurt to remove it, or never use it in the first place (I don’t). To give it some merit all that needs to be done are some legitimate controlled experiments in which other factors (such as liverock and over crowding) are not present, think QT tanks. Personally, I wouldnt run carbon if I had a decent fish population that could develop HLLE though, just to be on the safe side with all the investment in money and care

[Richard]

It's a shame they didn't at least include thoroughly rinsed carbon into the study. You would think they would have since it say the original hypothesis was carbon dust was the culprit. This may be a case of follow the directions!

Directions for Use
Please rinse ROWA carbon with water before use to remove carbon dust.

Directions

Use approximately 1/2 cup of HydroCarbon2 per 50 gallons. Pour the required quantity into a polyester or nylon filter media bag. Rinse the carbon by immersing the closed filter media bag into a container of tap water. The porous carbon sizzles as it becomes hydrated. Shake the bag underwater. Lift and immerse underwater repeatedly in order to wash out most of the carbon fines.

Black Diamond Activated Carbon

Directions:
Place in media bag or media basket and rinse thoroughly in cold water to eliminate dust.
Replace immediately when effectiveness diminishes, usually indicated by smells or discoloration of aquarium water. Otherwise, replace every 4-6 weeks.

Premium Granulated Carbon
Rinse. Pour the correct amount of carbon into a mesh filter media bag and close securely. Rinse the carbon with RO/DI (reverse osmosis/deionized) water or water from the tank to remove the dust created from storage and transport.

Black Magic Activated Filter Carbon
Instructions: Before using, rinse thoroughly under running water to remove fine particles caused by shipping vibration. Place Carbon in one of the following locations: Black Magic Power Pocket Replacement Filter Cartridge, Bubble-Up Under Gravel or Corner Filter, on a outside filter (follow manufacturer's directions), or in a nylon filter bag on top of a gravel bed.

Lifegard Aquatics Pelletized Activated Carbon

Directions
Place in media bag or media basket and rinse thoroughly in cold water to eliminate dust particles.