How To Wash Activated Carbon

[Crab]

Hi Guys,

How do you wash your activated carbon before putting them into the filter?

I'm using Seachem activated carbon. Now my tank is cloudy, black ashes on glass & the protein skimmer don't skim. Before using it, I've already rinsed it thoroughly.

I've tested a second batch, wash & soak in tap water for 2 days in filter bag. It's still leaching despite washing it again for several times.

Anyone, please advice.

[Achilles Tang]

If you think this is bad, wait till you use Rowaphos or Contraphos, it'll scare you to death!!

The particles do not dissolve. I have them at the bottom of my sump and inside my skimmer!

Anyway, you should not soak the GAC in tap water for 2 mins, much less for 2 days!! The most effective period of GAC is actually when its dry... or at least during the first few mins/hours when it is still very new.

Therefore you should only rinse it enough to get rid of the majority of black dust, it doesn't have to be completely clear.

[Crab]

If you think this is bad, wait till you use Rowaphos or Contraphos, it'll scare you to death!!

The particles do not dissolve. I have them at the bottom of my sump and inside my skimmer!

Anyway, you should not soak the GAC in tap water for 2 mins, much less for 2 days!! The most effective period of GAC is actually when its dry... or at least during the first few mins/hours when it is still very new.

Therefore you should only rinse it enough to get rid of the majority of black dust, it doesn't have to be completely clear.

AT,

Does it mean I have to accept it? My tank is still clowdy after 4 days. Skimmer still don't skim. Redox has dropped from about 400 to 320. How long does it take for all these to return to normal? It seems unusual

Is there any cotton filter that could trap the dust? Any good brand to recommend?

[Achilles Tang]

That's rather strange... black cloudy or white cloudy?

[Crab]

I think its black cloudy. Not very cloudy, but not as crystal clear.

I have accidentally spill some GAC and suck by the return pump to the main tank. Is this the cause? Which cotton filter brand can remove the dust?

[Achilles Tang]

Hmmm... I use JBL filter wool.. its very thick.. and should strain out particles. Try increasing water circulation until all suspended particles are captured by the filter wool.

Then stop circulation until all the bigger particles have sunk and maybe you can siphon them out.

If you 'grind' GAC with a pump... well... haha... this is probably what you get!

[Crab]

If you 'grind' GAC with a pump... well... haha... this is probably what you get!

hehe, "grinded" GAC

Thanks so much for the help AT.