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Filter Media: Activated Carbon



Chemical filtration is most commonly accomplished by means of activated carbon. The carbon's micro-porous structure absorbs dissolved organics, chloramines, fish odors, toxic metals, toxic gases and growth inhibiting enzymes. We carry carbon from several companies.

Tips for using activated carbon:
  • Be sure to use granular activated carbon (GAC) sold specifically for aquarium use. The activation process substantially increases the porosity of the carbon, and as a result greatly increases the total active surface area, allowing it to be much more effective at absorbing compounds that need to be removed from the tank's water.
  • Your activated carbon will work much better if water is actually forced to go through the amount used, rather than just flowed by, and over it. More contact between the activated carbon and the water obviously results in a more efficient cleansing process.
  • Activated carbon has a maximum adsorption capacity, which is the reason that it should be replaced every 30 to 60 days on average.
  • In reef tanks, put the carbon behind the live rock or in the sump.
  • Pelletized carbon should be used in high flow areas where GAC can be ground into powder or compacted. Pelletized carbon will not compact or dissolve.
Media Bags
Boyds Chemi-Pure and Chemi-Pure Elite come pre-bagged inside the jar. Blue Life Clear FX Pro comes with a media bag. Other products need to be bagged using one of the Acurel or Inland Seas Media Bags. You'll save money by bagging your own carbon.


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Acurel Economy Activated Filter Carbon Pellets 1 lb Acurel Economy Activated Filter Carbon Pellets, 1 lb

Product Code: RAR02202
Acurel Economy Activated Filter Carbon Pellets is an effective pelletized filter carbon suited for fresh and saltwater aquariums and ponds. 1 lb.

Our Price: $7.95
In Stock
Acurel Economy Activated Filter Carbon Pellets 3 lbs Acurel Economy Activated Filter Carbon Pellets, 3 lb

Product Code: RAR02203
Acurel Economy Activated Filter Carbon Pellets is an effective pelletized filter carbon suited for fresh and saltwater aquariums and ponds. 3 lbs.

Our Price: $12.99
(Out of Stock)
Blue Life Clear FX Pro 1800 ml Blue Life Pro Clear FX, 1800 ml

Product Code: RBL00364
Blue Life Clear Fx Pro is the most advanced all-in-one filtration media available on the market. 1800 ml.

Our Price (price includes free shipping!) $108.70
Sale Price: $69.99
You save $38.71!
In Stock
Blue Life Clear FX Pro 225 ml Blue Life Pro Clear FX, 225 ml

Product Code: RBL00362
Blue Life Clear Fx Pro is the most advanced all-in-one filtration media available on the market. 225 ml.

Our Price: $31.04
In Stock
Blue Life Clear FX Pro 225 ml Blue Life Pro Clear FX, 450 ml

Product Code: RBL00363
Blue Life Clear Fx Pro is the most advanced all-in-one filtration media available on the market. 450 ml.

Our Price: $45.40
In Stock
Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Blue & Seachem PhosNet Small Marine Tank Chemical Filtration Upgrade Package Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Blue & Seachem PhosNet Small Marine Tank Chemical Filtration Upgrade Package

Product Code: RBE16753-Bundle1
This package, for saltwater aquariums up to 35 gallons, includes both Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Blue 5.5 oz and Seachem PhosNet 50 grams.

Our Price: $21.81
In Stock
Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Blue Nano Five-Pack, 110 grams total Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Blue Nano Five-Pack, 110 grams total

Product Code: RBE16754
The Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Blue Nano is specially created for fantastic results in reef and marine nano aquariums. Includes five 22 gram Chemi-Pure Blue Nanos in pre-packaged nylon filter bag. 22 grams treats 5 gallons.

Our Price: $13.34
(Out of Stock)
Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Blue Nano Three-Pack, 66 grams total Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Blue Nano Three-Pack, 66 grams total

Product Code: RBE16756-3Bundle
The Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Blue Nano is specially created for fantastic results in reef and marine nano aquariums. Includes three pre-packaged 22 gram Chemi-Pure Blue Nano bags. 22 grams treats 5 gallons.

Our Price: $7.47
In Stock
Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Blue 11 oz Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Blue, 11 oz

Product Code: RBE16752
Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Blue, 11 oz, is specially created for fantastic results in reef and marine aquariums. 10 oz. Treats 75 gallons.

Our Price: $20.53
In Stock
Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Blue 5.5 oz Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Blue, 5.5 oz

Product Code: RBE16753
Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Blue, 5.5 oz, is specially created for fantastic results in reef and marine aquariums. 5.5 oz. Treats 35 gallons.

Our Price: $12.31
In Stock
Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Bulk Six 10 oz bags Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Bulk, Six 10 oz Bags

Product Code: RBE16750
Note: This product comes with all six 10 oz bags of Chemi-Pure in one bag. After opening you will need to have an airtight container for storing your Chemi-Pure. 10 oz. Treats 50 gallons.

Our Price: $50.99
In Stock
​Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Green 5.5 oz & Seachem PhosNet 50 grams Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Green & Seachem PhosNet Small Marine Tank Chemical Filtration Upgrade Package

Product Code: RBE00000-Bundle1
This package, for freshwater aquariums up to 35 gallons, includes both Boyd Enterprises Chemi-Pure Green 5.5 oz and Seachem PhosNet 50 grams.

Our Price: $20.27
In Stock
Inland Seas Premium Pelletized Activated Carbon, 6 oz Inland Seas 6 oz Activated Carbon

Product Code: RIS50001
The Inland Seas Premium Pelletized Activated Carbon comes in a flow through bag with a zipper. Perfect for the Coralife NEW STYLE Size 32 LED BioCube Aquarium and other nano tanks. 6 oz.

Our Price: $4.95
In Stock
Inland Seas Premium Pelletized Activated Carbon, 8 oz Inland Seas 8 oz Activated Carbon

Product Code: RIS50004
The Inland Seas Premium Pelletized Activated Carbon comes in a flow through bag with a zipper. This Activated Carbon is of the highest quality and will remove odors and discoloring compounds from the water. 8 oz.

Our Price: $6.49
In Stock
Inland Seas Marine & Reef Activated Carbon, 1 lb Inland Seas Premium Pelletized Activated Carbon, 1 lb

Product Code: RIS21916
Inland Seas Marine & Reef Activated Carbon is a premium activated carbon. Activated carbon is a bituminous coal based pelletized carbon. 1 lb.

Our Price: $11.94
In Stock
Inland Seas Premium Pelletized Activated Carbon, 1 lb Package Inland Seas Premium Pelletized Activated Carbon, 1 lb Package

Product Code: RIS21916-Bundle
This package includes: the Inland Seas Premium Pelletized Activated Carbon 1 lb; and the Inland Seas Black Mesh Media Bags w/ Zipper 5.5" x 8" 3-Pack.

Our Price: $12.99
In Stock
Inland Seas Marine & Reef Activated Carbon, 20 lb Inland Seas Premium Pelletized Activated Carbon, 20 lb

Product Code: RIS21920
Inland Seas Marine & Reef Activated Carbon is a premium activated carbon. Activated carbon is a bituminous coal based pelletized carbon. 20 lb.

Our Price (price includes free shipping!) $139.95
In Stock
Inland Seas Marine & Reef Activated Carbon, 4 lb Inland Seas Premium Pelletized Activated Carbon, 4 lb

Product Code: RIS21964
Inland Seas Marine & Reef Activated Carbon is a premium activated carbon. Activated carbon is a bituminous coal based pelletized carbon. 4 lb.

Our Price: $35.94
(Out of Stock)
Inland Seas Marine & Reef Activated Carbon, 50 lb Inland Seas Premium Pelletized Activated Carbon, 55 lb

Product Code: RIS99999
Inland Seas Marine & Reef Activated Carbon is a premium activated carbon. Activated carbon is a bituminous coal based pelletized carbon. 50 lb.

Our Price (price includes free shipping!) $329.95
In Stock
Inland Seas Marine & Reef Activated Carbon, 8 lb Inland Seas Premium Pelletized Activated Carbon, 8 lb

Product Code: RIS21908
Inland Seas Marine & Reef Activated Carbon is a premium activated carbon. Activated carbon is a bituminous coal based pelletized carbon. 8 lb.

Our Price (price includes free shipping!) $69.95
In Stock
Lifegard Aquatics Carbon Filled Bio-Mate Media Balls Lifegard Aquatics Carbon Filled Bio-Mate Media Balls

Product Code: RRL40304
The Lifegard Aquatics Carbon Filled Bio-Mate Media Balls are a great way to add carbon to a wet/dry filter, corner filter box or a canister filter. Each of these 1-1/2" diameter balls contains pelletized carbon.

Our Price: $21.17
In Stock
Marineland Black Diamond Premium Activated Carbon 40 oz Marineland Black Diamond Premium Activated Carbon, 40 oz

Product Code: RML90139
Marineland Black Diamond Premium Activated Carbon eliminates discoloration, odors, and impurities. You'll need a media bag to hold the carbon.

Our Price: $26.49
In Stock
Marineland Black Diamond Premium Activated Carbon 5 oz Marineland Black Diamond Premium Activated Carbon, 5 oz

Product Code: RML90136
Marineland Black Diamond Premium Activated Carbon eliminates discoloration, odors, and impurities. You'll need a media bag to hold the carbon.

Our Price: $4.99
In Stock
Seachem MatrixCarbon 1 liter Seachem MatrixCarbon, 1 liter

Product Code: RSC01070
Seachem MatrixCarbon is a truly unique activated carbon. It is formed as a spherical bead for optimum hydrodynamics, and will not pack. It permits maximum water flow and contact with its high density of macroporous binding sites. 1 liter.

Our Price: $26.73
In Stock