Cleaning Used Activated Carbon

[RiverReefer]

just wondering if its possible to clean and re-use activated carbon...I've read a few different places about people cleaning their carbon for re-use afterwards...has anyone tried this or even know if this would work? I've read that baking it at 800 degrees ina kiln may work, read that baking it at 500 in a household oven may work, also read that boiling it may work...nothing that is concrete though. I figured I would see what you guys thought.

 

[Royalty]

I've re used the marineland carbon cartages I just replace the carbon and nitrate sponge that I put into it It's worked great for me I removed it yesterday and found a whole bunch of copa pods . I removed my H.O.B and replaced with a CPR H.O.B refugium I put some active carbon and sponges and media in there to act as a sump so far so good.

 

[The Ng Thing]

I'm almost positive it is a myth and does absolutely nothing. The amount of pressure and heat required isn't practical in a regular household oven.

This just reminded me of something the owner of a paintball supply store once told me : "If (particular brand of paintball gun) were so great, everyone would be using them". Activated carbon has been used forever in aquariums. If there was a way to recycle it and save money, people would be doing it.

 

[RiverReefer]

yah...i figured it was a crock. Just peaked my interest so I figured I would ask. Of all things that I spend money on in my tank the carbon is one of the last things that the price concerns me, just wanted to see if anyone has tried it.

 

[RiverReefer]

found a little info from cliff babcock...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Activated_carbon


1.Physical reactivation: The precursor is developed into activated carbons using gases. This is generally done by using one or a combination of the following processes:

Carbonization: Material with carbon content is pyrolyzed at temperatures in the range 600–900 °C, in absence of air (usually in inert atmosphere with gases like argon or nitrogen)

Activation/Oxidation: Raw material or carbonised material is exposed to oxidizing atmospheres (carbon monoxide, oxygen, or steam) at temperatures above 250 °C, usually in the temperature range of 600–1200 °C.


2.Chemical activation: Prior to carbonization, the raw material is impregnated with certain chemicals. The chemical is typically an acid, strong base, or a salt (phosphoric acid, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, zinc chloride, respectively). Then, the raw material is carbonized at lower temperatures (450–900 °C). It is believed that the carbonization / activation step proceeds simultaneously with the chemical activation. Chemical activation is preferred over physical activation owing to the lower temperatures and shorter time needed for activating material.

 

[KSC]

Just like rice crispies....
Activated charcoal provides important chemical filtration of aquarium water, removing harmful toxins such as chlorine and heavy metals that sicken or kill pet fish. Over time, however, charcoal reaches it limits of what it can absorb, making necessary the cleaning or replacing of the carbon. Proper preparation--and knowing how to use your ears when removing the charcoal--are key to successful cleaning or replacing of activated carbon in aquarium filters.
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
Kitchen strainer with a tight mesh weave (if cleaning loose charcoal)
Replacement activated charcoal cartridges or loose charcoal (depending on filter type)
1
Remove the filter from the tank if possible after turning off the electrical supply and shutting off any water shut-off valves depending on filter type.

2
Carry the filter over to a sink or tub, moving carefully so no dirty aquarium water spills out onto carpets, rugs or other flooring.

3
Remove the loose charcoal or charcoal cartridge from the filter, depending on filter type.

4
Place the carbon in the mesh kitchen strainer and run warm water through the charcoal to rinse out impurities if using loose charcoal. If using charcoal cartridges, allow warm tap water to run through the cartridge for several minutes.

5
Hold the rinsed charcoal up near your ear. If you hear a sort of subtle crackling or popping noise emanating from the charcoal, place it back into the filter. If you hear nothing, the charcoal is no longer activated and should be replaced with fresh carbon.


Read more: How to Clean Activated Charcoal | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5895855_clean-activated-charcoal.html#ixzz11W4OxxLv

 

[The Ng Thing]

^^ I always noticed the rice krispies sound but never put two and two together ....I guess you can clean it but not reuse it once it's expired.

 

[RiverReefer]

ksc is a god.