Daiso Bamboo Charcoal

**torque6** · 13th Mar 2009, 23:07

Found a couple of threads back last year so drop by plaza sing to grab it.

It seems this is the older "model" as there's now one in blue box that is more neatly packed. But the difference i've noticed in Jap is that the blue packaging charcoal could be use to repel insects..... so i went for the recommended green box instead.

Its labelled as safe for purifying drinking water, bathing, cooking rice, for gold fish; aquarium etc. Not sure those in LFS, eg sudo, gex etc could be use likewise.

Its 8x 12cm long charcoal for $2.

**illumnae** · 13th Mar 2009, 23:47

I used to use that one, but lately I've used the one that's pre-chipped for me. Much more convenient and confirm safe for aquarium use

**aquascaping1982** · 14th Mar 2009, 00:21

May I ask what is the effect of using charcoal bamboo?

And also do we need to change it every 3 months or so?

**illumnae** · 14th Mar 2009, 01:23

i used to use it as a $2 partial alternative to powersand under my gex soil

**mtinghl** · 14th Mar 2009, 14:47

Originally Posted by illumnae

i used to use it as a $2 partial alternative to powersand under my gex soil

Sorry bro, What exactly do you mean by powersand under your gex soil?

**vwsj84** · 14th Mar 2009, 14:59

Originally Posted by illumnae

i used to use it as a $2 partial alternative to powersand under my gex soil

How were the results? I'm thinking of putting some mr aqua small CR @ the bottom of my substrate to promote better aeration of the substrate.

**PeterGwee** · 14th Mar 2009, 15:31

Healthy aquatic plants that has roots in substrate pumps oxygen into it during photosynthesis. Not sure why folks add "burnt" wood thinking it would purify water though.

Regards,
Peter Gwee

**illumnae** · 14th Mar 2009, 16:08

Originally Posted by mtinghl

Sorry bro, What exactly do you mean by powersand under your gex soil?

In essence, powersand is nothing but pumice (for bacteria colonization) and peat (to feed the bacteria). The bamboo charcoal is also a very porous material, so I use it in conjunction with a light dusting of peat to do what powersand does. I add other stuff to gain similar functionality to the 3 powders (minus penac).

Originally Posted by vwsj84

How were the results? I'm thinking of putting some mr aqua small CR @ the bottom of my substrate to promote better aeration of the substrate.

Results are excellent.

**andrew73** · 15th Mar 2009, 02:51

Do you soak or brush it before you put it into your tank? Would it work in a low tech tank?

**mtinghl** · 16th Mar 2009, 21:15

Thanks a lot bro illumnae.

**torque6** · 16th Mar 2009, 22:28

Originally Posted by andrew73

Do you soak or brush it before you put it into your tank? Would it work in a low tech tank?

I intend to use it to purify aged water in my containers of impurities before water changes are done weekly.

But its label did indicate safe to cooking/boiling water so, probably an overnight soak will do just fine.