What is the purpose of activated carbon in aquarium filters?
Could someone please tell me what the real purpose of activated carbon in aquarium filters is? Does it remove ammonia?
Ghapy has your best answer.
however carbon does not only absorb trace elements but organics as well as inorganics like, metals, ammonia, nitrates/nitrites salts and verious chemicals from the water.
the reason carbon won’t remove lots of ammonia. It’s lifespan as was mentioned is about 2 weeks before it becomes useless. Depending on how many other compounds are in the tank like salts, nitrates/nitrites and various chemicals used to adjust algae, medicines etc the carbon quickly becomes clogged and useless. The padded coating will still remove the bulk waste but the carbon has seen its day. It becomes saturated with these unseen components. While it does remove the bad stuff, it also removes the good stuff.
That is not to say everyone should stop using carbon filters, they serve their purpose and especially for beginners.
Going carbonless as G mentioned is something seasoned fishkeepers already know.