Aqua One AdvanceCarb Premium Active Carbon: In depth

Do I need activated carbon for my aquarium?

We are always a little amused when we read online that most aquariums don’t need activated carbon. In the most literal sense this true: most set ups will run just fine with a basic filter that doesn’t have any carbon included in its filter media. But, in our view, this is just missing out on the many benefits that a good quality activated carbon can bring to your set up. A little can go a long way and your set up will always be better for its inclusion.

So what will Aqua One Advance Carb do for my aquarium?

Activated Carbon is wonderful stuff. It will remove any discolouration from your set up leaving it crystal clear. Aquarium odours are also much reduced which can be important in a small space or a family home where not everyone loves fish….

Aquarium toxins will be adsorbed by good quality activated carbon, such as decay products from dead plants, or decaying food. Fish urine is easily removed by activated carbon and acids from the biological filtration process are also removed greatly aiding pH stability.

If you keep marine fish and corals, activated carbon   also will maximise the amount of light that reaches your corals, remove contaminants and also the chemicals that corals produce to harm each other. For marine use its very important that the activated carbon you buy is certified to have a low phosphate content.

Why should I buy Aqua One AdvanceCarb Premium Activated Carbon?

There a few reasons why we think you should buy Aqua One’s AdvanceCarb. Firstly, like all the best activated carbons, it’s made from selected coal types that are very low in phosphate. If you buy cheap carbon it will be phosphate rich which will fuel a spurt of algae growth in your set up (and can be harmful to corals). Secondly Aqua One Advancecarb is supplied in fine, natural chips which have a massive surface area for adsorption. Pelleted carbons don’t have quite the same surface area and the binding agents used to form the pellets are often not guaranteed safe for sensitive aquarium use. One more thing: activated carbon is very light and gets all over the place if not contained. A net filter media bag is the best way to contain activated carbon and still let water flow through and around it.  Aqua One AdvanceCarb comes with a net bag free of charge - so you are ready to go as soon as the carbon arrives.

How Long does Aqua One Advance Carb Last?

Activated carbon works very hard in an aquarium and doesn’t last long. Aqua One Advance Carb is no different, but it really does make a big difference to your set up while it’s in use so we suggest changing it monthly to maintain performance. The large 450g tub of AdvanceCarb will last most aquariums several months – just use a handful or two at a time, the smaller 250g tub of Aqua One Advance carb is ideal for smaller set ups where tablespoonful is used at a time.

Where can I place activated carbon for best effect?

Activated carbon works well anywhere where aquarium water can flow over and through it. Just place the reusable net bag wherever you have space for it inside your filter. The carbon will last longest where the water has had solids removed from it i.e. in the later stages of filtration but anywhere within the filter will do. If you have an Aqua One Canister filter, the CF 1000 or CF1200, Advance 1050, Advance 1250, Ocellaris 850, Ocellaris 1400 or Ocellaris 3000 the top tray of the filter is ideal for the inclusion of some Aqua One Advance Carb - just insert the net filter bag between any filter pads you have in there.