Aquariums should use granular activated carbon, as its granular shape makes it less prone to flow, and organic impurities in the water are also less likely to clog the filter layer. It has strong adsorption capabilities and is easy to carry and replace. However, over time, the adsorption ability of the activated carbon diminishes to varying degrees, and its effectiveness decreases accordingly. If the water in the aquarium becomes cloudy and the organic content is high, the activated carbon will quickly lose its filtering function. Therefore, activated carbon should be cleaned or replaced regularly.
Activated carbon's adsorption capacity is proportional to the time it comes into contact with water; the longer the contact time, the better the quality of the filtered water. However, it is important to note that the filtered water should flow slowly through the filter layer. New activated carbon should be thoroughly cleaned before use, otherwise, blackish water may leak out. Before inserting the activated carbon into the filter, a 2 to 3 cm thick layer of sponge should be placed at the bottom and top to prevent large particles such as algae from渗透 in. After 2 to 3 months of use, if the filtration effect decreases, the activated carbon should be replaced, and the sponge layer should also be changed regularly.