How to Install Carbon in an Aquarium Filter

If you are going to use carbon in your aquarium to filter out biological and chemical debris, there are some things you should know. The quality of your carbon filter cartridge is based on how much ash, iodine and molasses is in the cartridge. This quality rating should be at least 1000 for iodine -- and 225 for molasses -- while your ash number should be as low as you can find. Once you have found some good quality carbon cartridges, you can install them pretty easily.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium scrubber
  • Carbon filter cartridges
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove 3/4 of your aquarium water, as you would during a water change. Clean any protein buildup that has accumulated on the glass using an aquarium scrubber.

    • 2

      Remove the lid to your filtration system according to the directions in your manual. Remove the old carbon bag, or foam filtration device, and throw it away. Clean out the filter by unplugging it from the socket, and running clear water through the main chamber. Put the filter back on the side of your tank and plug it back in.

    • 3

      Open the package of carbon filter cartridges. Run a cartridge under clear water in the sink, to remove as much ash debris as possible.

    • 4

      Place the carbon cartridge into the back chamber of your filtration system, behind the filtration pad. Follow the dosage carefully. It's on the package of carbon cartridges.

    • 5

      Replace the water you removed in Step 1. Turn your filtration system on and allow it to run -- while you watch it for several minutes, to make sure it is operating smoothly.