Carbon Media - Head Rot, Myth or Truth?

[Megacorp]

Is it proven that carbon will cause head rot?

I have 2 reds in the tank approximately 10" running 2 FX6 canister filter in a 150 gallon. In the FX6 are Biomax, foam, activated carbon, Purigen and filter pads.

I noticed one of the Arowana is developing head rot. The other is fine. Some of their fins membrane are also torn.

Ammonia is 0, Nitrite is 0, Nitrate is 20 to 40 ppm.

Is this because of the carbon?

[Zhuoyuting]

When did you last change your carbon media?

What make you think that using carbon media, fish will get heat rot?
Since you know why are you using it?

2 piece put together?

[Megacorp]

2 arowanas together, They get along, no fighting.

I've read something on the internet before about carbon causing head rot but I didn't really believe it because I've read some people are using carbon.

The tank is 2 months old now and I ran carbon since I started the tank. Carbon was switched out 1 month ago.

I'm still unsure if carbon is the cause and that is why I'm seeking for advise.

Meanwhile, I've removed all the carbon from the canister filter for now.

[shalabin]

Hi ts,

Can check why u using carbon as media? Carbon can absorb chemicals and med. But I dont think u shld be placing it in ur tank for prolong period.

Just my 2 cents

Cheers

[Vitor]

Purigen need recharge else dark already saturated . carbon I max 3wks I throw.

Sent from my iNO Scout using Tapatalk

[Gordy]

I really have to say this despite all the rational thoughts and debates that carbon doesn't affect fish.

With a open mind i tried a carbon pad twice. And both times it affected my aro. First was my aro became spooked right after putting the pad in. Second was my aro developing little holes (not hole in the head) all over it's head/mouth. This was about 2 weeks after using the carbon pad. I quickly removed the pad after spotting the holes and the holes slowly went off my fish.