Using Activated carbon as substrate additive?

[Brian]

I saw a amano substrate additive that it are activated carbon of high grade for the substrate and says that it is good to use in combination of bacter 100, I can make that but with normal activated carbon for filters?

[John N.]

Do you know the reasoning behind using activated carbon in the substrate?

-John N.

[slickwillislim]

I believe he uses it for the same reasons he puts it in his filters when he starts a tank. It also makes a good place for bacteria to grow after its absorption properties have been exhausted. I can't see it doing any harm.

[John N.]

So it sounds like the purpose is to provide an additional surface for bacteria to grow on, and clear the water. In that case, normal activated carbon will do the same thing.

-John N.

[Brian]

mm, in other forums people says that it brings carbon to the plants by the roots, have a superficial for bacterial growing and absorb nutrients for the plants. im only hear that. If amano uses it it can be good

[Hoppy]

Not all ADA products are actually used by Amano. I checked with Jeff Senske about the Amano Drop Checker a couple of years ago, to see how he used it. Jeff said Amano doesn't use a drop checker. I suspect that is true of a lot of ADA products.

[Brian]

but what bad things or consecuences can happen by use a thin layer of activated carbon in the bottom and what is the benefits?

[GreenFanatic]

You guys must be referring to Tourmaline BC



I used it in my tank too. It's bamboo charcoal (similar to ADA filter media) with the addition of mineral Tourmaline. I have the product spec sheet in the office. Will update you guys tomorrow

[Hoppy]

I don't think anything bad can happen from using any kind of activated charcoal in the substrate. At worst it is just an inert material which will occupy space. You can argue about what the benefits of using it are, but I don't see any controversy at all about it doing any harm.

[Brian]

the activated charcoal can atraps mineral like micronutrients and make it avaliable for the roots?

[Pat7676]

Do most people use this?

[kakkoii]

I haven't heard anyone use it, but I am going to put a layer under my Aquasoil.

[Jervis]

Extracted from ADA Tourmaline BC product sheet:

"Tourmaline, is called "electrical stone" develops weak electrical current and works for keeping active water. The cell of living becomes active with the active water so that the propagation of microorganism and the growth of plan are nurtured. Also, Tourmaline contains abundant mineral such as Iron, Manganese and Boron etc, and this minute amount of mineral works for promoting growth of plants and healthy condition of fish. Tourmaline BC is made from finely crushed quality tourmaline for increasing its electrical force and poromeric charcoal powder. It prevents propagation of putrefactive bacterium, and maintains substrate condition healthy for a long time by spreading at bottom of the aquarium tank. Also, it has character that promotes absorbing nutrients from their roots, therefore water plants can grow well".

Hope it helps!

[Brian]

Originally Posted by Jervis

Extracted from ADA Tourmaline BC product sheet:

"Tourmaline, is called "electrical stone" develops weak electrical current and works for keeping active water. The cell of living becomes active with the active water so that the propagation of microorganism and the growth of plan are nurtured.

Hope it helps!

It is like aqualizer effect.

the normal activated charcoal not do that but atraps nutrients im thinking that the roots close to charcoal can absorbs nutrient from the charcoal when it is full of nutrients

[Brian]

ok, im going to make a thin first layer of activated charcoal and a little of Sludge remover (bacteria) like ADA setup (but with cheap materials) then eco complete substrate in top

[Brian]

using peat moss in the bottom is a good idea?

[Guillermo]

FWIW on this topic, I've found this thread :

Activated Carbon as substrate? [Archive] - Aquaria Central

[Brian]

mm thats sounds good, I hear that the activated carbon is good for bacterial grow because have micro-pores

[ColeMan]

Originally Posted by Brian

ok, im going to make a thin first layer of activated charcoal and a little of Sludge remover (bacteria) like ADA setup (but with cheap materials) then eco complete substrate in top

Don't want to go off topic - but have you heard about the quality control issues CaribSea is having with EcoComplete?

[dougz]

Don't want to go off topic - but have you heard about the quality control issues CaribSea is having with EcoComplete?

No.. Can you elaborate?