Activated Carbon

[F15FreeEagle]

Do you use activated carbon? Why or why not?

[Diana]

I keep some on hand in case of emergency, or to remove medicines from the tank.
I have used it occasionally in that scenario.
I used to use it all the time. This was before I got into planted tanks.
Now my tanks are fully planted, and the more complex ecosystem usually does not generate the things that might need to be removed via AC.

[ScottFish]

Nope. Don't use it. My planted tanks, as Diana has just said, keep the tanks in great shape. Along with frequent WC and good water flow, I have not encountered any problems w/o AC.

[F15FreeEagle]

I do not use it either. As has been said, only to remove medications when that is necessary. I just bought a new canister filter, and I just that AC under the cabinet with the rest of it.

If you're doing water changes on anything resembling a regular basis, I do not feel that the stuff is of any benefit. I do use Seachem matrix though.

[PVT-Kanaka]

F15FreeEagle,

Nope. Gave up on it years ago. I just backflush all filter media. Saves money, and it has had no impact on fish longevity. Like Diana and you, it is ready to hand if required.

ERic