Carbon in Filter

[Joeljohn]

Hi,
This may be a silly question. but just for your expert advice from those experienced hobbiest... please help...

Is there any one here who is using carbon as one of the layer in filteration media.
My hanging filter (ELITE Hush 35) actually has a mesh filled with Carbon pellets. Hearing in some articles that carbon actually absorbs some of the trace elements that we dose, I had removed it.
Do you recommend to put back the carbon mesh or should it be kept away.
Does Canister filters have a carbon layer too ??

Also Is there any one who use this filter brand..?
I find it inadequate for a 24 X 12 x 18 inch tank .

Thanks

[torque6]

Joe,
Since you are keeping a planted tank, its advisable to remove any carbon filters so it doesnt not absorb trace elements, however it is has been greatly debatable as carbon also removes various harmful elements in the aquarium.

I've removed mine by the way after my last bga infection, so am just using wool/course sponge with both biohome+ and ceramic rings.

[Joeljohn]

Hi Torque,

Thanks for advice.. so its confirm that the carbon is not a good addition to planted tanks..
Actually it was very good to remove the colouration from drift woods though

[Delwin]

you can add in carbon at the starting stage of setting up of the tank but after a week or so, remove it and replace wool or ceramic ring.

[torque6]

Joe, its not confirmed since its still highly debatable, but you can follow delwin advise; use it initially and remove it once you have matured the tank.

[Joeljohn]

Sure ..Torque and delwin..
my tank is already over a year old.. so no that scenario of using during the initial stage does not apply ...
But one thing for sure is when i used carbon, the tank was totally smell free and the water was crystal clear.

But..Don't the big canisters have it inside?
Any member here with Canister Filter and using in planted tanks? have you also removed the carbon...

[torque6]

Might want to check with jervis, i recalled him adding ada bamboo charcoal to his 2232 eheim for his 30cube planted.

[Joeljohn]

Sorry torque...if u don't mind can you please let me know what benefit charcoal does to tank?
is it a substitute for carbon?

[torque6]

More or less, both helps to remove impurities.