Group Buy - Carbon?

KrazyPlace · Post by **KrazyPlace** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 9:16 pm

Similar to the deals I got on the bags and the Ferric Hydroxide, I think I can get bulk carbon too. I need a few pounds.... who else?

Scott · Post by **Scott** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 9:19 pm

I'm in. Any idea on a price?

KrazyPlace · Post by **KrazyPlace** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 9:20 pm

I sent my Rep at USFilters an email... I should know tomorrow.

Xster · Post by **Xster** » Thu Mar 18, 2004 9:44 pm

Also what grade of carbon??? This is very important.

max · Post by **max** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 6:00 am

I'm in. If you order this next week, I want be around. Get me about 5 lbs or more if the price and quality is good.

Brandon · Post by **Brandon** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 6:58 am

If it's a good grade, me too.. Man that stuff is expensive.

Post by **snoopdog** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 7:26 am

I will take carbon, around 5lbs.

Brandon · Post by **Brandon** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 1:12 pm

I just missed on this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... %3AIT&rd=1

KrazyPlace · Post by **KrazyPlace** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 3:19 pm

OK, I don't know much about activated carbon in the aquarium (yet), so what is a good brand? Is Seachem? I need to get the specifications for a good brand, then find that quality through a vender. USFilters does offer many different types of carbon.

So far I read that light density (i.e. high porosity) is desired. I also have read that activated carbon is washed with either hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and sometimes phosphoric acid to remove ash. I guess that means low ash content is important. Low phosphate content is also important too, right?

Let me know... I'll check on Monday.

Xster · Post by **Xster** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 3:26 pm

Low ash content, NO leaching of phosphates is preferred. ESV (makers of B-ionic) makes a good carbon. Also, Black Diamond, Seachem, and Kent.

KrazyPlace · Post by **KrazyPlace** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 3:45 pm

Interesting reading information...

http://saltaquarium.about.com/gi/dynami ... arbon.html

Xster · Post by **Xster** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 4:17 pm

Very interesting! I guess I should start soaking it in DI water before use. All carbons I guess.

Brandon · Post by **Brandon** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 4:22 pm

My understanding is the vegetable based (coconut) is best for gasses/solids, but the fosil based is better for fluids. The lighter(more porous) the better for fluids, and the coal based is lighter than the coconut shell type. Buy have also read that the coal based carbons leach more phosphates than the coconut shell type do. So I can't decide on my limited knowledge which is better, go for better effeciency or the chance of phosphates leeching into the water. Can someone smarter tell me?

I do like the idea of soaking it in DI water to release trapped phosphates.

KrazyPlace · Post by **KrazyPlace** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 4:49 pm

Here's my current understanding... The acid washing will eliminate the phosphates and ash... low density increases efficiency.

Sounds pretty simple!

Xster · Post by **Xster** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 5:55 pm

I ditto your thoughts. Let's get some prices from your supplier! I love getting bargains. It feels good!!!!