I just found out that the sponge media in my HOB filter had carbon installed inside. I found this out when I ripped it apart because I switched to ceramic rings. It's been running for a month since I found out. I've learned here that carbon is bad for the oscars, just can't find the thread about it and forgot why it's bad for them. Just wanna know why and since it's been running for a month, are my oscars in some kind of trouble? They're doing fine (behavior-wise) & they're eating habit is normal. No signs of illness whatsoever.

if your oscars look fine you have nothing to worry about. Its not certain 100% that carbon is a problem, but what we do know is all carbon has a small amount of dust with it. this dust is very hard to totally wash off, so some will get into the water. its this dust that is thought to irritate fish gills.and give your fish HITH.

carbon isn't really necessary in a oscar tank so you can do without it. i would use extra media.

marcus wrote:



x2!

i would agree with marcus on this one ive been running my tanks with out carbon 4 five years now and ive had no problems i thing its a matter of choice

I didn't plan on using carbon in the first place. It wasn't mentioned in the box that came with it so it surprised me when I found out. I'm relieved that it's not certain that carbon is harmful and glad that I found out about it sooner.

to be honest, carbon has its own purpose and usage...principally used in filtration.
it removes impurities and other harmful elements and mineral of water....but it must
be used within its designed useful life and replace afterward. in aquarium hobby, most
people overlook its useful life and use it beyond specified time or capacity. that is
where the danger lies, it mask the water quality, and leach back the toxin in the tank.
since you can without it, so why spend a penny for it (although it is expensive too)

i had never use carbon in my tank and never will.....

how long is its capacity?

in drinking water filtration, activated carbon chore it is usually pegged
at 10,000 gals or 1 month whichever comes first.....however, in aquarium,
fish doesn't drink the water, they swim in it... perhaps 1 month also will be fine.....

the question is "are you willing to buy carbon filter media" every month?"
i'd rather get those cheap pot scouring pad and use them as bacteria host
for longer period....

No. As I've said, I didn't plan to use carbon in the first place. That's why I was surprised that the sponge media in my HOB had carbon installed inside.

obodobo wrote:

okey then...at least we have another good carbon discussion.. most filter pumps are
sold with carbon as part of filtering media set. some hobbyist keep the carbon for
future use...when removing medicine after medication of the tank.

That's an idea! Good thing I didn't throw out the carbon yet. I'll keep it for future use like you said. Thanks.

BTW, quick question for you Paul. (Not trying to steer the thread off-road), what can you say about the stores at Cartimar (that's one of our biggest LFS here in Manila, I think). That's where I buy most of my aquarium needs. Pretty sure you've been there and had a talk with one or two with the people there. My question is, do you think they really know about the proper care of oscars? Are they reliable?

most people there are good saleman....they can sell even a dead fish and only
few are knowledgeable about happy fish keeping. you can try buying an oscar
and a bowl...they won't bother to ask what is your tank size....but cartimar
is a good source of good pet materials in metro area.