Are you a fish aquarium owner who is trying to treat your tank with medication? If so, you may be wondering why it’s necessary to remove the carbon filter when treating sick or injured fish.
This filter can be very helpful in keeping your fish healthy and their living environment clean by filtering out unhealthy substances from the water.
The problem is that medications in water become largely ineffective due to the action of carbon, which absorbs the medications. Ignoring this step can have serious consequences for both the quality of life for your fish and the overall water conditions in their habitat.
Do not worry; I’m here to guide you all about why removing the carbon filter during treatment is essential for your aquatic buddies.
Keep on reading!
Exactly why is it Necessary to Use a Carbon Filter in Fish Tanks?
Carbon filters are essential for any fish tank. The filter helps in removing toxic and harmful substances from the water, ensuring that your fish stays healthy and their environment remains clean.
Carbon filters work to remove chemicals, odors, discolorations, and more from water. They also help in preserving the biological balance of the tank.
In order to further remove particles from the water, carbon filters are typically utilized after mechanical filtration.
What Does the Carbon Filter Remove From an Aquarium?
As I mentioned before, the carbon filter has the potential to remove any odors, colors, as well as changing tastes for the water.
Carbon filters are also effective against a wide range of chemical contaminants, including ammonia, metals, chlorine, tannins, phenols, and more.
In addition, this filter aids in the elimination of organic pollutants. These compounds can make the water have an unpleasant odor or look cloudy.
A carbon filter is especially beneficial for tanks with live plants as it helps remove any chemicals that may be hazardous to the plants.
Why Is It Advised to Remove the Carbon Filter When Medicating Fish?
1. Medicines will become less effective when they run through the carbon filter. This is because carbon has a tendency to absorb certain types of medications, making them less effective.
2. The carbon filter will absorb some of the medicine before it has a chance to reach your fish. This means that your fish will not receive the full dose of medication, leaving it vulnerable to underlying illness or injury.
3. If the filter is not removed, it will also absorb some of the beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance in your aquarium. This can lead to an unhealthy environment that can make it difficult for your fish to stay healthy.
How Long Does It take for Carbon to Remove Medication ?
The amount of time it takes for carbon to remove medication depends upon the amount of medication added and the size of the filter.
On average, it usually takes 2 weeks for carbon to completely flush the medication from the aquarium.
Contrastingly, carbon can efficiently remove medications from an aquarium without any side effects. But if it does not remove medication in time, then the medication could build up on the substrate which can lead to a toxic environment in the tank. This can be a potential hazard to your fish and other water-dwelling creatures..
To reduce the amount of medication in the tank, it is advised to change 25-50% of its water every day. This will help reduce the amount of medication in the tank faster and make it safe for your fish.
What Alternative Filtering Strategy Should You Consider?
When you are treating fish with medicine, you have to take the carbon filter out of the tank. The ideal solution is to replace the carbon filter with an air pump.
An air pump will help ensure that the water remains in motion and there is a sufficient amount of oxygen for your fish. It is also important to regularly clean the tank and change the water in order to maintain a healthy environment.
Take out the Carbon Filter During ICH Treatment
Ich is one of the most frequently observed illnesses amongst aquarium fish. It is caused by a parasitic infection and can be very dangerous for your fish if it is not treated right away.
When treating Ich, it is essential to remove the carbon filter as it can absorb the medicine and render it useless.
Moreover, it can also absorb the essential elements from the water, making it difficult for your fish to survive.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do You Need to Remove Carbon Before Using Melafix?
Absolutely, it is essential to remove carbon prior to administering Melafix or any other type of medication. Carbon filters are known to absorb medication, making them ineffective.
2. Will Activated Carbon Hurt My Fish?
You can be sure that activated carbon is safe for your fish and it will not hurt them in any way. The only downside is that it can absorb medications, making them ineffective. To ensure the success of medicating fish, it is essential to remove the carbon filter first.
3. Do You Really Need Carbon in Aquarium Filter?
Carbon is typically not a daily tool for hobbyists since it quickly dissipates, leaving only short-lived outcomes.
However, if you want to remove toxins and discoloration from the water, carbon is a great choice. It can also be used to help stabilize pH levels, as well as to remove odors from the tank water.
4. Does Activated Carbon Remove Plant Nutrients?
Activated carbon can remove beneficial plant nutrients from the tank water, making it difficult for aquatic plants to survive.
It is best to use carbon filters only if you plan on removing toxins, discoloration, odors, and other unwanted substances from the water.The best way to ensure your aquatic plants remain healthy and vibrant is to avoid using a carbon filter.
5. Can I Reuse The Filter?
To answer this specificly, I would like to refer to one of my blog on it. This artilce will help elaborate everything you need to do to reactivate and resuse the carbon filter.
Final Thought
Don’t forget to take out the carbon filter prior to medicating your fish.The filter can make the medicine not work as well and it can also make the pH balance in the tank go off.
Once the treatment is finished, it is important to remember to put the carbon filter back in the tank and clean it regularly. This will help ensure that your fish are living in a healthy environment that is free from pollutants.