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Group Buy - Carbon?
Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 9:16 pm
by KrazyPlace
Similar to the deals I got on the bags and the Ferric Hydroxide, I think I can get bulk carbon too. I need a few pounds.... who else?
Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 9:19 pm
by Scott
I'm in. Any idea on a price?
Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 9:20 pm
by KrazyPlace
I sent my Rep at USFilters an email... I should know tomorrow.
Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 9:44 pm
by Xster
Also what grade of carbon??? This is very important.
Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 6:00 am
by max
I'm in. If you order this next week, I want be around. Get me about 5 lbs or more if the price and quality is good.
Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 6:58 am
by Brandon
If it's a good grade, me too.. Man that stuff is expensive.
Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 7:26 am
by snoopdog
I will take carbon, around 5lbs.
Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 1:12 pm
by Brandon
Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 3:19 pm
by KrazyPlace
OK, I don't know much about activated carbon in the aquarium (yet), so what is a good brand? Is Seachem? I need to get the specifications for a good brand, then find that quality through a vender. USFilters does offer many different types of carbon.
So far I read that light density (i.e. high porosity) is desired. I also have read that activated carbon is washed with either hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and sometimes phosphoric acid to remove ash. I guess that means low ash content is important. Low phosphate content is also important too, right?
Let me know... I'll check on Monday.
Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 3:26 pm
by Xster
Low ash content, NO leaching of phosphates is preferred. ESV (makers of B-ionic) makes a good carbon. Also, Black Diamond, Seachem, and Kent.
Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 3:45 pm
by KrazyPlace
Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 4:17 pm
by Xster
Very interesting! I guess I should start soaking it in DI water before use. All carbons I guess.
Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 4:22 pm
by Brandon
My understanding is the vegetable based (coconut) is best for gasses/solids, but the fosil based is better for fluids. The lighter(more porous) the better for fluids, and the coal based is lighter than the coconut shell type. Buy have also read that the coal based carbons leach more phosphates than the coconut shell type do. So I can't decide on my limited knowledge which is better, go for better effeciency or the chance of phosphates leeching into the water. Can someone smarter tell me?
I do like the idea of soaking it in DI water to release trapped phosphates.
Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 4:49 pm
by KrazyPlace
Here's my current understanding... The acid washing will eliminate the phosphates and ash... low density increases efficiency.
Sounds pretty simple!
Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 5:55 pm
by Xster
I ditto your thoughts. Let's get some prices from your supplier! I love getting bargains. It feels good!!!!