04-03-2004, 06:17 AM
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Need Help!! Phosphate readings off the chart!
From: Bill Kirkpatrick
Many Carbons are indeed loaded with Phosphate and they will
leach it into your tank.
All too few repackagers label this fact, even though the
bulk carbon will usually come with the information. Many
change suppliers and they aren't always willing to pay the
premium for using a specified carbon.
To test yours you need to put some in a jar with distilled,
or R/O, water, about 50/50 by volume, let sit overnight, and
test the water.
If the carbon water tests positive, you have three choices.
One, live with it, just limit your use.
Two, soak the carbon in a bucket of water (1g carbon in a 5g
bucket of clean water). Soak 24 hours, stir occasionally,
rinse well, than to be sure, soak again. Test the water
from the second soaking. Some are very bad and may need
multiple soakings.
Three, ditch the carbon you have and find a more suitable brand.
Then think about whomever sold you this non-aquarium grade
garbage to you, and wonder if they still deserve your business.
You forgot about option four
Don't use carbon at all. In a tank with good plant growth, there is no need
for activated carbon. I haven't used it in years.
Nick Wise
http://members.aol.com/nwwise01
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