The answer is, yes! Carbon filters are one of the most effective methods for removing sunscreen from aquarium water.
However, sunscreen can end up in aquariums through direct or indirect application, aquarium maintenance, or even industrial sources. And when it does, it can have negative effects on aquatic life such as chemical toxicity, damage to scales and fins, and more.
Actually, sunscreen is a common personal care product that is used to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Carbon Filters and Sunscreen Removal: How They Work
To better understand the relation better first we have to understand how activated carbon works.
Carbon filters are a common water filtration method used in aquariums.The way they work is by using activated carbon to remove things that are not supposed to be in the water, such as sunscreen.
And, activated carbon is a highly absorbent material that can trap and store various substances with ease. It has been treated so it has more tiny holes and a bigger surface area.This makes it very effective at attracting and binding different types of particles and compounds, including sunscreen.
Let’s see how it helps removing sunscreen.
How Carbon Filters Remove Sunscreen:
Sunscreen contains chemicals that can be harmful to fish and other aquatic life. Two of these chemicals are Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. Activated carbon in the filter attracts these chemical compounds and binds them to its surface, effectively removing them from the water.
This process, known as adsorption, is very effective at removing these chemicals from the water. As long as a sufficient amount of carbon is used in the filter and it is regularly changed, it can be a very effective way to remove sunscreen from aquarium water.
Now, there are different types of carbon filters that can be used to remove sunscreen. Some filters are more effective than others.
Related Post: Should You take out your filter before treating fishes?
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
These types of filters are an essential tool in aquariums, as they excel at eliminating sunscreen and other chemical pollutants from the water. With their proven effectiveness, GAC filters are a must-have for any aquarist looking to maintain proper tank conditions.
Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC)
Although not as common, Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) filters are still highly effective in eradicating sunscreen and other potentially hazardous chemicals from water.
Block Carbon
Block carbon filters are effective at removing sunscreen and other chemicals, but they must be replaced more often than other types of filters.
Other Methods of Removing Sunscreen
You heard it right, carbon filters are not the only method of removing sunscreen from aquarium water. There are a couple of other ways too.
Chemical Treatments:
Chemical treatments can be used to remove sunscreen from aquarium water, however, it is essential to use the appropriate chemical treatment for your aquarium and its inhabitants.
Some common chemical treatments for removing sunscreen include water clarifiers and conditioners.
UV Sterilizers
UV sterilizers provide a safe and efficient way to neutralize chemicals, such as sunscreen, in water.
Through the use of ultraviolet light, these helpful tools are able to eradicate contaminants without having to remove them from the surrounding environment.
Ozonation
Introducing ozone into water via the ozonation process is an efficient way to remove chemical contaminants, such as sunscreen and other pollutants.
This powerful form of oxygen is uniquely reactive and has been proven effective in purifying both surface-level and deepwater sources alike.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is a purifying process that utilizes semi-permeable membranes to remove dissolved impurities from water.
In other words, it efficiently takes out sunscreens and any other hazardous chemicals present in the liquid.
Biological Filtration
Nitrifying bacteria are incredibly beneficial in aquariums as they can aid to break down chemical pollutants and even sunscreen residue present in the water.
This form of biological filtration works by using beneficial bacteria to convert chemical compounds into harmless byproducts that are safe for aquatic life.
Let’s recap everything in short. Here’s a table for you-
| Methods | Effectiveness | Pros | Cons |
| Carbon Filters | High | easy to find, affordable, and easy to maintain | need to be replaced regularly |
| Chemical Treatments | High | can target specific chemicals | can be harmful if not used correctly |
| UV Sterilizers | High | safe for aquatic life | can be costly to install and maintain |
| Ozonation | High | can remove a wide range of impurities | can be costly to install and maintain |
| Reverse Osmosis | High | removes dissolved impurities | can be costly and time-consuming to install and maintain |
| Biological Filtration | Low | natural and safe for aquatic life | less effective than other methods |
Note : Not only should you employ these strategies, but you must also strictly follow any and all rules or guidelines set forth by the manufacturer. And it’s always best to consult with aquarium experts before using any of these methods. These comparisons are based on general knowledge and might have some variations in effectiveness based on the situation and setup.
How Sunscreen Ends Up in Aquariums
Sunscreen can end up in an aquarium in various ways, including:
1. Direct Application
Applying sunscreen to your skin before handling the aquarium can cause a hazardous transfer of chemicals into the water, as it rubs off onto your hands. To protect yourself and your fish tank environment, make sure you apply sunscreen after touching any part of the aquarium.
2. Indirect Application
Sunscreen can end up in the aquarium, even if you don’t pour it in.. When bathing or washing hands before handling the fish, sunscreen residue can be transferred which is toxic to aquatic life.
3. Aquarium Maintenance
Sunscreen can sneak its way into an aquarium through careless use of aquarium maintenance products, like cleaning supplies for the water tank or accessories.
4. Industrial Sources
Sadly, in certain cases, the water can contain sunscreen chemicals due to industrial runoff or other sources of contamination.
5. Poorly Manufactured Aquarium Supplies
Being careful when selecting aquarium supplies is essential, as poor-quality products can lead to the introduction of dangerous toxins such as sunscreen into your tank.
6. Human Waste
Humans excrete sunscreen residue through sweat and other bodily fluids, which can enter the tank if proper precautions aren’t taken. So, in highly populated areas, this can be a major source of contamination.
Sources of Sunscreen
1. Personal Care
Sunscreen is commonly found in personal care products, such as lotions, creams, sprays, and sticks.
2. Pool and Beach
Sunscreen is often used at swimming pools, beaches, and other outdoor venues, which can easily end up in the water and can make it into the aquarium if not properly handled
3. Industrial Sources
In addition to retail outlets, sunscreen can also be discovered in industrial sources like agricultural or industrial waste runoff.
4. Outdoor Activities and Sports
Outdoor activities, like running or biking, require people to use sunscreen for protection. Consequently, the residue from these activities can end up in nearby water sources.
Consequences of Sunscreen in Aquariums
1. Chemical Toxicity
Sunscreen contains chemicals that can be toxic to aquatic life, leading to death and other serious health issues.
2. Damage to Scales and Fins
Sunscreen can cause irritation and damage to the delicate scales and fins of fish and other aquatic animals. This can cause difficulty swimming and susceptibility to infections.
3. Unpleasant Smell
Sunscreen residue can lead to unpleasant odors in the tank, which can be a nuisance for both aquarium owners and their aquatic friends.
Check how can activated carbon filter help you remove bad odor from your drinking water here.
4. Discoloration
The presence of sunscreen in the water can cause discoloration, leading to a dull and lifeless tank.
5. Algae Growth
Sunscreen chemicals can cause an overgrowth of algae, which can be difficult to remove and can lead to an unhealthy environment for aquatic life.
Name of chemicals found in sunscreen and their impacts
Here’s a chart you might be interested in-
| Chemical Name | Impact on Aquatic Life | Source of Data |
| Oxybenzone | Coral bleaching | “Coral Reefs and Sunscreen” by Craig Downs, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, 2008 |
| Octinoxate | Coral bleaching | “Occurrence and distribution of UV filters in coastal waters of the United States” by R.E. Magnotta, J.E. LaKind, J.D. Blaylock, L.J. Posthuma, and J.L. Darrah (Environmental Science & Technology, 2008) |
| Avobenzone | Coral bleaching | “Occurrence, distribution and environmental fate of UV-filters in the aquatic environment: a review” by S. Kümmerer (Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2015) |
| Octocrylene | Fish & Amphibians reproductive disruption | “Impact of sunscreens on coral reefs and other marine organisms” by J.M. Gattuso, et al., published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2018 |
| Overall | 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter coral reef areas annually | “Global assessment of coral bleaching and required rates of adaptation under climate change” by Terry Hughes, et al., published in Nature, 2018 |
Points to be noted:
- The above table is based on general studies, the exact amount of impact on aquatic life might vary based on the specific type of aquatic life and their surroundings.
- The concentration of chemicals in sunscreen might vary based on the brand and formula.
It’s important to note that these studies are based on specific conditions and more research is needed to have a comprehensive understanding of the impact of sunscreen on aquatic life.
Proactive Protection:
- Prior to tending the aquarium, make sure to thoroughly scrub your hands and bathe.
- Maintaining your aquarium without the use of sunscreen products.
- To ensure the aquarium’s water remains safe, it is essential to be aware of where it comes from and take the necessary steps to prevent sunscreen from entering.
- When working with sunscreen, it is essential to use the proper protective gear for ultimate protection.
Conclusion
So, it is clear that sunscreen can have negative impacts on aquatic life in aquariums, and activated carbon filter is an effective method for removing it from the water.
In addition, it is also important to avoid using sunscreens that contain potentially harmful chemicals such as Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, and Avobenzone that are known to damage coral reefs and other aquatic life.
Undeniably, natural and biodegradable sunscreen products are the best choice for preserving aquatic life and protecting our environment.