Bamboo Charcoal

[wasabi8888]

Hi all

I have the above which comes in tube form which i bought from HK. it is for shrimps and plecos to hide.
I am wondering whether the above releases toxins back to the water after a period of time. I have the above in my L46 tank and took it out after someone advised me against using it. It is said that charcoal will release toxins back to the water.

Not sure whether that is true...

Any advice?

[StanChung]

You can soak it in salt to 'recharge' it, rinse and reuse. It's not very toxic IMO unless it absorbed something toxic from your tank in the first place. For example heavy metals like copper from copper sulphate treatment you administered previously.

[EvolutionZ]

what about ada carbon? ada suggest to keep it in the filter, since its carbon also, will it release toxic back?

[StanChung]

It's the same for carbon. ADA's carbon is meant to be thrown away after use but like zeolite, a heavy salt solution supposedly can recharge it by doing ion exchange.

I suggest taking the bamboo cave out for a wash dip in salt every couple of months.

I'm using it too for my CRS.

[wasabi8888]

It's the same for carbon. ADA's carbon is meant to be thrown away after use but like zeolite, a heavy salt solution supposedly can recharge it by doing ion exchange.

I suggest taking the bamboo cave out for a wash dip in salt every couple of months.

I'm using it too for my CRS.

Hi Stan

can you help me to explain dipping in salt solution?

we are talking about aquarium salt rite? how much salt to how much water?

[StanChung]

Aquarium salt is fine. It's cheaper anyway. The amount is not critical. Get a container that fits your bamboo cave, fill it with water and add half a fist of salt. ~100g? Dissolve it and put the cave in. Soak it overnight or two. Rinse well before reusing.