Activated cabon and ferts

[bernie]

I read somewhere that said not to use AC for planted tanks because it will remove the ferts in the water. Is this true? I wish to put in AC to clear up the water.

[barmby]

I don't need AC for planted tank, because it does not grow plant. Use a UV sterilizer if you are bent on clearing the water.

[Aquanoob]

I know that AC will remove odour and water impurities like tanin leaking from the driftwood and it will also remove any medication that is put into the water, but I never read that it will remove the ferts in the water, can the guru confirm or verify this?
I have AC into my filter and also putting Macro and micro fert into the water and the plants are doing well. The used few months old AC become a very good source of fertiliser for my garden plants.

[bernie]

I read somewhere that AC can remove compound that are in chelated form. Chelated Iron is one of them.

[vinz]

Activated Carbon is used as chemical filtration. So, as a general rule of thumb, it is not suitable for planted tanks as most fertilizers are some form of chemical solution or compound.

[yeo99]

Normally AC is used for short term, like remove medicine from the water,etc. Best is not to used for long term.

[evilfry]

UV kills free floating pathogens (including free floating algae) but i am not sure if it does clear up the water.

[maomaokerk]

Hi. Any of you use Seachem activated carbon before? Heard that it can last for 3 to 6 months without changing.