Carbon & HLLE

Lance · #1 05-09-2011, 06:30 PM

For years it's been suggested that carbon use in the aquarium may lead to HLLE. Well, apparently researchers have now proven it. Here's the link to the article in Coral Magazine.

http://www.coralmagazine-us.com/cont...king-gun-found

rstar · #2 05-09-2011, 08:43 PM

Facinating! I don't think this will cause aquarists to stop using carbon in home systems, but i do think it will cause a change in the quality and perhaps the use of carbon as a primary method of filtration.

Madreefer · #3 05-09-2011, 10:29 PM

I'm not doubting the researchers, I read that article as well. Kind of confusing but no carbon in my very first tank setup and my fish had HLLE. Peoples tanks that i've seen that also don't run carbon are the only tanks that I have seen fish with HLLE. I'm still going to use it.

Lance · #4 05-09-2011, 10:34 PM

I've always used the ROX and/or Kent carbons, which are supposedly higher-grade. I've never had a problem with HLLE but I will definitely cut back on the amount of carbon I use, and be sure the reactor is not running with too much flow.

mattdean · #5 05-09-2011, 10:43 PM

I believe the problem stems from not rinsing the carbon well enough. There has been mention of the "dust" being the possible cause, along with the "type" or quality.

Doug · #6 05-09-2011, 10:54 PM

I agree with the dust principle. Said that in the early '90,s. Had several discussions with an American biologist/writer. My results from first hand experience with a certain carbon were the exact same as his with our mature sailfin tangs.

I have never seen a problem with a carbon like Black Diamond however. Never used the stuff you guys mentioned.