Activated Carbon

[peterp63]

Hey guys/gals, I was wondering what type and brand of activated carbon that you would recommend me putting in my Eheim 2260.  I'm planning on using the filter exclusively for chemical filtration since the ProClear 300 and reverse flow UGF should supply enough biological.  I was over at Fish Gallery today and they had some really expensive "lab grade" GAC that was $50 for a small pale.  I thought it was too fine for the Eheim and overpriced.  Anyways, if you guys could recommend something to me that would be great.  I'd like to buy in bulk so that I can keep the price down and also since I'll be doing changes a few times per year.  Someone at an LFS mentioned going to a water purification store.. does anyone know of one around SW Houston??

THANKS!!

[jeb102385]

Re: Activated Carbon

I would go with purigen over carbon or if not that the diamond blend they both remove amonia as well as impurities if you want it get it off drsfostersmith.com its half the price of lfs at like 7bucks for the large container

[CichlidFan]

Re: Activated Carbon

I've been using Ammcarb lately and am pretty happy with it....my fish, seem to be no worse for wear since I've started using it...???

CF

[peterp63]

Re: Activated Carbon

Pelletized??  This would help any plugging problems right?  Saw this stuff...  http://www.dtpetsupplies.com/catalog...ed-55-lb-sack/

What do you think?

[CichlidFan]

Re: Activated Carbon

You where talking about a 2260....a very large canister....purigen is like 15.00 for a small little 10 oz. bottle.....Purigen is really the best for filtration, but it might be a bit pricy for a 2260.....I use purigen in my 2217's though, but it's your wallet/call.  The nice thing about purigen, they say, it can be recharged, so far I have not tried that yet.

Best Regards

CF

[alexarae]

Re: Activated Carbon

I use Purigen in my 2217's too. I tried to recharge it . I'd say that it does recharge to some extent...but it really wasn't worth the hassle. :?

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Activated Carbon

I would just fill the canister up with bio-media/mechanical filtration and just drop a bag of Purigen in there....the little bags are good up to 100g's and last up to 6months and will not leach anything back into the tank.

Purigen = Miracle in a bag!

[jeb102385]

Re: Activated Carbon

Ya what ek said

[peterp63]

Re: Activated Carbon

Does anyone else have experience with recharging the Purigen?  If it can be done fairly easily then the money could be well spent!

Can you use activated carbon in combination with Purigen?

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: Activated Carbon

This is the best place for bulk media that I have found.

http://www.jehmco.com/html/accessories___media.html

I use these materials :

FMSF-M4
Filter Media Sheet 2x size (grey)
39” x 24” x 1 1/2” fine
woven plastic mesh

FMSF-M3
Filter Media Sheet 2x size (blue)
39” x 24” x 1 1/2” med-fine
woven plastic mesh

FC-5
Pelletized Carbon, 5 LBS.

FMB-XL
12” x 18” long Media Bags

Purigen and Chempure I have used also, both of which I like.

In my 2260's  I pack them like this.

4L of Effimech Noodle
The Blue Foam from above cut to fit
(2) - 1 gallon bales of Bio-Bale
The grey Foam from above cut to fit
(5) Bags Chempure or (1.5L) of Charcoal

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Activated Carbon

I have recharged Purigen in the past but now just toss it and replace it.


Figured I have spent this much on the hobby already why skimp on a few bucks?

[peterp63]

Re: Activated Carbon

Ok, talking to some LFS employees, this stuff (Purigen) runs about $20 per 250 mL.  I would need like 10 boxes of this stuff to make just one small layer in my 2260.  Any other ideas?  I'm trying to get a bag of coarse GAC from Sparkling Clear Industries for now until I can possibly order some bulk Purigen off the net.

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Activated Carbon

You don't need to make any kind of layer in your filter....use the  free space for more bio-media or mechanical.

I use a small 100ml bag in my 6ft tanks and they last about 4months before needing to replace or recharge. Also DFS.com has them on sale right now....3 for $14

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: Activated Carbon

The Marineland Black Diamond Charcoal 1.87Liter is on sale for $8.99 at Dr.Foster and Smith.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4136+3599&pcatid=3599

For a 2260 takes one container and a 2L large mesh bag

[supadave]

Re: Activated Carbon

Ok, talking to some LFS employees, this stuff (Purigen) runs about $20 per 250 mL.  I would need like 10 boxes of this stuff to make just one small layer in my 2260.  Any other ideas?  I'm trying to get a bag of coarse GAC from Sparkling Clear Industries for now until I can possibly order some bulk Purigen off the net.

I think you may have a misunderstanding about Purigen. According to the box, 100ml is good for up to 100 gallons. So if you have a two hundred gallon tank, you will only need two bags. The 250ml jar should be enough for your tank.