Aquatic Experts Premium Activated Carbon

Aquatic Experts Premium Activated Carbon is a granular carbon for aquarium and pond filters. Water flows over the granules, and their internal pores adsorb dissolved organics that cause yellow tint and odor, along with chlorine, most medications and some heavy metals.

Pre-washed granules

Aquatic Experts says the carbon goes through an extra cleaning after heat activation to clear ash from the pores. The practical upside is less black dust when you rinse it. Still give it a rinse before use, since some fines always remain.

Small granules need a fine bag

The granules are small, so they need a fine mesh bag or they’ll slip through standard netting. One reusable fine mesh bag comes in the pack. Fill it loosely so water passes through the carbon rather than around it.

When to use carbon

• After a medication course, to pull the remaining meds out of the water.
• When driftwood tannins or old water leave a yellow tint.
• When the tank smells off even after a water change.

Take the carbon out while you’re actively dosing medication, or it will remove the treatment.

Replacing it

Carbon fills up and stops working after a few weeks of steady use. Swap it rather than rinsing it. A 3 lb tub covers many refills for a typical filter.

Placement in the filter

Put the carbon bag after the mechanical stage, so sponge or floss catches debris first. Debris coats carbon and blocks its pores quickly. In a hang-on filter, the bag can sit behind the cartridge. In a canister, the top basket is the usual spot. Rinse the filled bag once more in tank water before you seal the filter.

Other options

Marineland Black Diamond is a larger pellet that works in standard bags. For organics without carbon, Seachem Purigen can be recharged.