Active Carbon interfering with cycle?

Duy · New Member Joined: 07 Oct 2009 Posts: 1

Hi, I am new to the hobby and have gotten everything for my tank except the lighting and the gravel. My cousin gave me one of his extra canister filter that uses nothing but active carbon to filter. I read on this website that the active carbon will interfere with my biological filtration when I start out. Is this true or not? Do any of you guys use something similar when you started out?

Oh by the way, I am going to use fishless cycling to cycle my water.

The website that I read about the carbon is here:
http://www.fishyou.com/freshwater/carbon.html

Thanks in advance, and I hope to hear from you guys soon.

diademhill · Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 8:20 pm Post subject:

I wouldn't worry about the site in the link as it is far from accurate.
One thing carbon does not do is absorb ammonia and the article keeps getting worse after that statement.
Old activated carbon is just poor quality filter media so if it is well colonised by bacteria from a mature filter irt will jump start your tank.

What are you using to feed the bacteria/cycle and what are you planning to keep?
_________________
Sue

First bred tetras in the 1960's, Discus 1970's, more recently bred cichlids, L no. plecs, catfish, characins & cyprinids. Community, biotope & breeding tanks. Trying to keep on top of new developments in products & techniques.