Carbon & water clarity

growitnow

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I am familiar with debates concerning the 'necessity' of carbon in fish only aquariams, and have read many opinions of planted tank folk on the same issue.

But I do have a straight forward question about carbon in the planted tank, and I guess more generally about carbon and water clarity. I was going to post this on AquariaCentral for a general response, but planted tank folk tend to pay a lot of attention to tank aesthetics. So I'm asking here.

Assuming reasonable stocking levels and reasonable tank maintenance - would carbon in general be expected to enhance the clarity of tank water?
 

Carissa

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Jun 8, 2007
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I've only noticed a difference when I've had issues to start with in my tap water or tank, i.e. excessive tannins in the water. Otherwise I can't see any difference.
 

sardesign

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Dec 29, 2007
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carbon would increase water clarity but i believe it would strip the water column of nutrients for the plants. i could be wrong so please correct me if so.
 

growitnow

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As I recall from prior discussions carbon presence or absence is not a limiting factor in plant nutrient uptake. I believe a small, negligible amount of iron in a particular form or under specific conditions (don't recall) may be removed.

Re: carbon and water clarity, I have long used it mostly out ouf habit. I am trying to decide whether the cannister space occupied by the carbon I do use (Seachem Matrix) would be better filled for mechanical/floss.
 

Tom Barr

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Folks use carbon and purigen without issues to address clarity etc.
The only other chemical media is Zeolite for planted tanks folk's might use/need.

Regards,
Tom Barr
 

charlie

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Oct 25, 2006
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carbon

Tom Barr;22050 said:
Folks use carbon and purigen without issues to address clarity etc.
The only other chemical media is Zeolite for planted tanks folk's might use/need.

Regards,
Tom Barr

So Tom, what is your take on the nutrient stripping from the water column ?
is ther any proof it does & to what extent.
 

Tom Barr

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There seems to be talk, but little empericial or observational evidence, eg, little effect on plants.

I suppose if you had a really lean tank, say a non CO2 tank, and added lots, there might be some negative issues over time.

That would be the worse case senario and it would take a while.

Regards,
Tom Barr