Activated Carbon Has a Filtering Effect You Don’t Know

The adsorption capacity of Activated Carbon has a certain relationship with the water temperature and water quality. The higher the water temperature, the stronger the adsorption capacity of activated carbon; if the water temperature is higher than 30°C, the adsorption capacity will reach the limit and may gradually decrease. When the water quality is acidic, the adsorption capacity of activated carbon for anionic substances is relatively weak; when the water quality is alkaline, the adsorption capacity of activated carbon for cationic substances is weakened. Therefore, the pH of water quality is unstable, which will also affect the adsorption capacity of activated carbon.

The adsorption principle of activated carbon is: a layer of balanced surface concentration is formed on the surface of the particles, and then organic impurities are adsorbed into the Activated Carbon Particles. The initial adsorption effect is very high. But over time, the adsorption capacity of activated carbon will weaken to varying degrees, and the adsorption effect will also decrease. If the water in the aquarium is turbid and the organic content is high, the activated carbon will quickly lose its filtering function. Therefore, activated carbon should be cleaned or replaced regularly.

Powdered Activated Carbon

The size of activated carbon particles also affects the adsorption capacity. Generally speaking, the smaller the activated carbon particles, the larger the filtration area. Therefore, the powdered activated carbon has the largest total area and the best adsorption effect, but the Powdered Activated Carbon can easily flow into the aquarium with water, which is difficult to control and is rarely used. Granular activated carbon is not easy to flow due to particle formation, and impurities such as organic matter in the water are not easily blocked in the activated carbon filter layer. Its adsorption capacity is strong and it is easy to carry and replace.

The adsorption capacity of activated carbon is directly proportional to the contact time with water. The longer the contact time, the better the filtered water quality. Note: The filtered water should flow out of the filter layer slowly. New activated carbon should be washed clean before using it for the first time, otherwise black water will flow out. Before the activated carbon is put into the filter, 2-3 cm thick sponge should be added on the bottom and top to prevent the penetration of large particles such as algae. After the activated carbon is used for 2-3 months, if the filtering effect decreases, it should be replaced New activated carbon and sponge layer should be replaced regularly.