carbon /charcoal question after life use?

Question

after the charcoal has been used in the filtration system as per manufacturares advice what can it be used as or can it be re used?

Answer 1

Since carbon becomes "Satuarate" with chemical pollutants it really isn't worth the time or the effort. You can toss it in the garden if you wish. I've tried to dry it and draw with it, but the carbon is pretty much shot. Most aquarist don't realize following the directions for "changeing " filters is a general guideline. If you are running a tank with only two guppies in it, your filter will last 4x the recommended time from the manufacturer states, but on the same hand, if you have a 10 or 30 gallon that is over loaded, they will not last as long as the manfufacturer suggests. That is why they are "Suggestions and recomendations" Every tank is different.

If the fact that you are tossing away a product you feel should be or could be recycled, go with a carbonless filter. There are a number of them on the market. If you maintain the water quality in your aquarium, you don't need the carbon. I haven't run carbon in any of my tanks in years.



PLEASE NOTE: A

Answer 2

Carbon only works for 7 days for removing anything in the water. Most people find carbon filters to be old fashioned and outdated. What you can do is leave the carbon in. Carbon is porous rock and provides a great place for beneficial bacteria to live. Changing it takes out quite a bit of that beneficial bacteria.

Answer 3

It takes a far amount of chemical treatment to restore it, and it's not very practical. Keep in mind the majority of carbons absorption really only lasts a few days. After that it's really just a place for bacteria to covert ammonia, and nitrites. I generally only replace my carbon filters when I've finished treating my tank. (To really to remove any discoloration.)

Answer 4

Around potted plants

Answer 5

throw it on the garden its cheap but useful in the tank for ammonia removal

Answer 6

Heat/burnig a fire, etc