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question regarding fishless cycle and charcoal/carbon

Discussion in 'Aquarium Equipment & Decor' started by greg curtis, Feb 21, 2009.

  1. greg curtis

    greg curtis Thread Starter New Member

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    Cycling My 120g

    Hey guys getting ready to cycle my 120g. Going to go the fishless cycle route with household ammonia. Have a question, should I leave my activated charcoal cartridges in my filters while cycling or remove them until cycling is complete. Thanks!
     
    greg curtis, Feb 21, 2009
    #1
  2. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: Cycling My 120g

    I personally don't like carbon so I'd say ditch it. IMO carbon is best used to remove meds from the water.
     
    Anthony, Feb 21, 2009
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  3. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Re: Cycling My 120g

    I know you don't like it anthony, but it's also good for pulling the at times fishy smell from the water also. I tried foregoing it for a while, but I just recently added it back in and imo the water looks a bit more prestine imo.
    But I was told if you cycle the household ammonia way that it won't pull out ammonia so it's pretty much your choice greg (leave it in/ditch it..doesn't really matter).
     
    MOD_Dawn, Feb 21, 2009
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  4. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: Cycling My 120g

    No Purigen ?
     
    Anthony, Feb 21, 2009
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  5. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Re: Cycling My 120g

    who me? Yes, I use the purigen...but turns brown really fast in my tank (I think it may be my large driftwood centerpiece?).
     
    MOD_Dawn, Feb 21, 2009
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  6. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: Cycling My 120g

    Purigen works the same way as carbon does it not ?

    Yes, that's why it turns brown so quickly.
     
    Anthony, Feb 21, 2009
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  7. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Re: Cycling My 120g

    I don't believe that purigen pulls out odors and that carbon does?
    Maybe I am wrong in my thinking?
     
    MOD_Dawn, Feb 21, 2009
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  8. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: Cycling My 120g

    Well, it absorbs organics so I would assume so ? The organics are what cause the smell, right ? Or am I wrong ? :)
     
    Anthony, Feb 21, 2009
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  9. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Re: Cycling My 120g

    Quit making my brain hurt! Lol!
    I dunno, I just know when I overkilled the Purigen I still had the water odor issues sometimes (used 4 bags on the 90) and when I used the carbon it went away.
     
    MOD_Dawn, Feb 21, 2009
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  10. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: Cycling My 120g

    :) I'm not sure then.
     
    Anthony, Feb 21, 2009
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  11. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    Top Poster Of Month

    Re: Cycling My 120g

    the purigen and carbon will both cut down on tannins, and organic matter in the water, carbon is just cheaper and most readily available to most. But it also needs to be replaced so over the long run, purigen is the way to go (if your willing to clean it).
     
    Anonymous, Feb 21, 2009
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  12. greg curtis

    greg curtis Thread Starter New Member

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    Re: Cycling My 120g

    Well I guess I'll just remove the charcoal during the cycle and replace it afterwards. thanks guys.
     
    greg curtis, Feb 25, 2009
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  13. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Re: Cycling My 120g

    Your most welcome Greg.
     
    MOD_Dawn, Feb 25, 2009
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  14. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    MOD_Dawn, Aug 7, 2010
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