Tropic Marin Carbon

Tropic Marin Carbon contains porous activated carbon pellets. Harmful organic molecules such as humic acids, stinging toxins or drug residues are adsorbed by the carbon and thus removed from the water.

Active or passive filtering?

Activated carbon can be used in saltwater aquariums in two different ways: through active or passive filtration. With active filtration, the activated carbon is placed in a special reactor or filter through which the aquarium water is 'actively' passed. With passive filtration, on the other hand, the activated carbon is placed in a mesh bag, filter sock or other container and this is placed in the aquarium or technical tank. Active filtration is preferable because the efficiency increases due to the active flow through the medium. In addition, the activated carbon is clogged less quickly by particles and sludge.

Instructions for use Tropic Marin Carbon

Before you put the activated carbon into your tank, you should rinse it thoroughly with water. This will wash away the fine dust that is created during transport of the carbon.

For continuous use, we recommend using 400 - 500 g of activated carbon per 1000 liters and replacing it every 4 - 6 weeks.

There are no generally applicable recommendations as to how often and at what intervals the activated carbon should be exchanged or replaced. Depending on the organic load and the type of filtration (active vs. passive), there is some leeway. However, a four-week change cycle has proven to be effective in practice. Activated carbon cannot be regenerated and must be completely replaced. It is even better for the (bio)chemical balance of your tank if you divide the total amount of activated carbon into several small portions and replace them alternately on a weekly basis, so that each portion has a residence time of four weeks. This also has the advantage that you can gradually increase the amount of activated carbon added at the beginning.

In case of emergency and acute stress, e.g. after an accidental overdose of trace elements or after using medication in your aquarium, you can use double the amount of activated carbon and renew it after 3 days.

Disadvantages of activated carbon?

Activated carbon can bind iodine particularly well. You should therefore pay more attention to the iodine concentration in your aquarium and adjust it if necessary with, for example, Tropic Marin Iodine.