What activated carbon does
Activated carbon is part of the chemical filtration of the tank water. It helps remove dissolved organics from the water. Over time, as an aquarium matures, dissolved organics build up in a closed system, causing the water to take on a yellow tinge. Activated carbon is great for removing it. However, it is important to remember, that activated carbon is reported to deplete some beneficial trace elements in the water.
How to use activated carbon
 Dry activated carbon is delivered in 22 lbs carton boxes. Dry carbon should be placed in acrylic container supplied as a part of the fish tank. The container must be placed in the sink and washed with cold water for 30 minutes, making sure that all carbon in the container is properly wetted. This procedure displaces the air from the internal structure of the carbon granule. Place container back in the tank and install four layers of filter material on top of carbon, to ensure proper prefiltration before water gets to activated carbon. Prefiltration reduce the amount of particulate matter captured in between the carbon particles. Poseidon tanks come with activated carbon, conveniently pre-packaged so that it can be easily removed and replaced. There are two principal mechanisms by which activated carbon removes materials from water: absorption and catalytic reduction. Catalytic reduction is a process involving the attraction of negatively charged contaminant ions to the positively charged activated carbon. To better understand items that are removed by activated carbon, see the chart below:
| Arsenic: |
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Heavy Metal: |
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| Bacteria Viruses: |
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Nitrates: |
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| Odors: |
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Radon: |
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| Chlorine: |
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Sediment: |
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| Fluoride: |
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Iron: |
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| Hydrogen Sulfide: |
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| Minimal or No Removal |
Effectively Removes |
Significantly Reduces |
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