Carbon

I have some carbon in a meshed bag which I got with the Tetratec external filter. Im going to put it into the filter for a few days as I have noticed the colour of the tank water slowly turning from the bogwood.

Before I put the bag of carbon in the filter, should I rinse under tap water or not bother?

Did you soak the bogwood GD? If you do want to use the filter then I would riunse it first to get rid of any dust etc, but it's not necessary really. The water colouration will clear in time and is harmless to the fish.

I soaked it for close to 2months

It shouldnt put too much colour in the water then GD. Unless you are really bothered, I would leave it. I like the tea-stained look for tank water - I think it looks a bit more natural somehow

Surely the tanin will get less and less?



oooo I got 2 stars! how come?

Yes, it should do. That's what I meant - I wouldnt bother using carbon - keep it for whenever you have used meds etc, and just let the colour fade naturally. In the meantime, I think it looks quite nice.

Well done on the 2 stars!!! They are awarded according to how many posts you have made, so you have gone from Newbie to Frequent User

frequent Im always on here lol

You only need carbon for removing excess meds. after a treatment, GD. As you're adding plant ferts, the carbon will just remove those so don't bother with it.

My bogwood leached tannins for about four months and it never bothered me. It'll clear itself in time.