Fluval Carbon – Activated Aquarium Filter Media
Fluval Carbon is a premium activated carbon chemical filter media designed to help remove odors, discoloration, dissolved organic contaminants, pollutants, and certain trace metals from aquarium water.
Made from highly porous bituminous carbon, Fluval Carbon provides a large surface area for adsorption and helps polish aquarium water for a cleaner, clearer appearance.
Key Features
- Premium activated carbon filter media
- Made from highly porous bituminous carbon
- Helps remove odors
- Helps reduce water discoloration
- Adsorbs dissolved organic contaminants
- Helps remove certain trace metals and pollutants
- Promotes clear, polished aquarium water
- Will not raise phosphate levels
- Suitable for freshwater and saltwater aquariums
- Ideal for canister filters and compatible media chambers
Product Information
- Brand: Fluval
- Product: Carbon
- Product Type: Activated Carbon Chemical Filter Media
- Carbon Source: Bituminous Coal
- Activation Method: Steam Activated
- Water Type: Freshwater and Saltwater
- Compatibility: All Fluval canister filters for the bulk/canister version
What Does Fluval Carbon Remove?
Fluval Carbon helps adsorb a wide range of unwanted compounds from aquarium water, including:
- Odors
- Yellow or brown discoloration
- Dissolved organic contaminants
- Pollutants
- Certain trace metals
This makes it especially useful when additional water polishing or chemical filtration is desired.
How Activated Carbon Works
Activated carbon contains a highly porous internal structure that provides a large surface area for adsorption.
As aquarium water passes through the media, unwanted dissolved compounds bind to the carbon surface and are removed from the water column.
Freshwater and Saltwater Use
Fluval Carbon can be used in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
It is suitable for:
- Freshwater community aquariums
- Planted aquariums when used appropriately
- Cichlid aquariums
- Goldfish aquariums
- Marine fish aquariums
- Reef aquariums when appropriate for the system
- Quarantine tanks
- Retail and holding systems
How to Use Fluval Carbon
- Rinse the carbon thoroughly before use to remove fine dust.
- Place the media into an appropriate filter chamber or nylon filter bag.
- Position it where aquarium water will flow directly through the media.
- Continue normal mechanical and biological filtration.
- Replace the carbon as it becomes exhausted.
When used in a Fluval canister filter, Fluval states that Carbon should be placed inside a nylon filter bag.
Recommended Filter Placement
For best performance, place Fluval Carbon after mechanical filtration.
This allows foam or other mechanical media to trap larger debris first, helping the carbon remain effective longer.
Replacement Schedule
Fluval recommends changing Carbon approximately once per month.
Replacement frequency may vary depending on:
- Aquarium stocking level
- Organic waste load
- Feeding
- Water discoloration
- Odor
- Filter flow
- Overall maintenance
Medication Warning
Activated carbon can remove many aquarium medications from the water.
Remove Fluval Carbon during medication unless the medication manufacturer specifically states that activated carbon may remain in the filter.
Fresh carbon may be useful after treatment to help remove residual medication when appropriate.
Use in Planted Aquariums
Fluval notes that fresh activated carbon can remove some trace elements found in liquid plant fertilizers.
If using liquid plant supplements, Fluval recommends waiting approximately one to two weeks after changing the carbon before dosing some liquid plant fertilizers.
Phosphate
Fluval states that its Carbon will not raise phosphate levels when used as directed.
Important Use Notes
- Rinse thoroughly before use.
- Use a nylon filter bag when required by the filter design.
- Place after mechanical filtration when possible.
- Replace approximately monthly.
- Do not replace all filter media at the same time.
- Remove during medication unless otherwise directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fluval Carbon made from?
Fluval Carbon is made from bituminous coal and is steam activated.
What does Fluval Carbon remove?
It helps remove odors, discoloration, dissolved organic contaminants, pollutants, and certain trace metals.
Can Fluval Carbon be used in saltwater?
Yes. Fluval lists it for freshwater and marine aquariums.
How often should Fluval Carbon be replaced?
Fluval recommends approximately once per month.
Does Fluval Carbon raise phosphate?
No. Fluval states that it will not raise phosphate levels.
Can I use Fluval Carbon while medicating fish?
Usually not, because activated carbon may remove medication from the water. Follow the medication manufacturer's directions.
Should I rinse Fluval Carbon before use?
Yes. Rinse thoroughly to remove fine carbon dust from handling and shipping.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Fluval Carbon is available at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when in stock.
Eligible dry goods are available for shipping.
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