How Can You Add Carbon to Your Filter System for Your Fish Tank?

No matter how large or small your tank, proper filtration is essential. An aquarium is a closed system, and any contaminants must be removed from the water in order for the fish inside to remain healthy. Adding charcoal to your filtration system is one of the best ways to protect your fish and keep your water crystal clear. Aquarium hobbyists have a number of options to help them get the filtration they need, including charcoal pads for power filters and charcoal crystals designed for inexpensive corner filters.

Things You'll Need

  • Power filter
  • Corner filter
  • Charcoal pads
  • Charcoal crystals
  • Filter floss
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check your power filter and get the make and model. The make and model of the power filter will generally be located on the side or the back of the unit, sometimes engraved into the plastic and other times printed on a label.

    • 2

      Purchase several charcoal inserts for your power filter. These inserts are designed specifically for each power filter, so it is important to purchase the right ones.

    • 3

      Insert the charcoal insert into the back of the power filter. Make sure that the filter insert does not impede the water flow. If the filter pad is inserted properly, water will flow over the top of the pad.

    • 4

      Remove the corner filter from your aquarium and sit it in a sink or bucket to drain. Remove the top of the filter and all of the filter material. Fill the filter half way up with charcoal crystals and fill the rest of the filter with filter floss. Replace the top of the filter and place it back in the tank,