Charcoal for what??

[RedRagingBetta]

I got an aquarium kit with filter, air pump etc. It came with a small container of charcoal chunks...Whats the charcoal for?

[chevysoldier]

Charcoal removes impurities in the water, helps the water to be clear too. If you medicate fish you don't want to have any charcoal as this will remove the medication. Some people don't use charcoal but to remove medication after they are done medicating the tank.
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[Kytkattin]

I personally don't use it because it gets expensive to change it out every month. However, since you have some you either have one month free, or you can save it in case you have to medicate your fish.

[Bambi]

charcoal is only $6-$8 at walmart for a decent sized container if you live near one and want to use it.


But yeah, i only use it after medicating or when i have to buy a new filter myself,simply because it's just another thing i'd have to add to my list of work i do on my fish tanks xD

[RedRagingBetta]

Interesting thanks guys :) that was very help full XD

[Nickpearson1985]

Alot of people don't use it. But I do because at work I deal with alot of chemicals so in case something got in there the charcoal would suck it up.

[Sakura8]

You do have to change it every month. That's the problem with charcoal, is it loses its efficacy fast. If you don't change it, it stops filtering out the discoloration and odors etc. However, even if you don't change it, it can become a secondary home for good bacteria so it's not a total waste in there.

[HatsuneMiku]

is charcoal the same as using carbon ?

[Sakura8]

Yes. Don't know why we suddenly started calling it charcoal, 'cause it is more commonly called carbon. o.O

[Nickpearson1985]

I hope people aren't putting kingsford briquettes in their tanks