On Thu, 23 Jun 2005 09:57:07 -0400, Steve wrote:

Dick wrote:
On Wed, 22 Jun 2005 08:57:46 -0400, Steve wrote:
Activated carbon filtration mainly removes dissolved organic carbons
(D.O.C.). The D.O.C. gives the water a brownish tint, which the carbon
removes nicely.
Steve


Interesting. One problem I have avoided somehow. Where does the
D.O.C, come from? Dead vegetation, particular foods, or what? My 5
tanks have never shown a brownish tint. Is it a common problem?

dick
Try using a white 5-gal pail for water changes, and you'll probably see
the brownish tint in your aquarium water. You may possibly see colour in
your tap water too, which is why they sell activated carbon filters for
drinking water (removes taste, odour, colour).
Steve

I have a tap water filter, but consider it a waste except its separate
spigot is handy to fill a glass. Otherwise I see or taste no
difference from the straight tap water. I suppose some community
water needs extra filtration.

I used to change out the charcoal in my filters. In fact I still have
a large bag of activated charcoal I am not using, but keep "just in
case." I also have Whisper Junior filters with carbon packages. I
just don't use the carbon.

I change water in my 10 gallon tanks with a 2 gallon white pail. The
only color I notice is due to sediment or milkyness when I had a
"cycling" problem. The 29 and 75 gallon tanks show discoloration
plainly by viewing from the end. I use to have water clarity
problems, but not in the last 6 months and even in the past never
bothered by a brown color.

Carbon is an element common to all life forms. Particular carbon
sources which lead to the brown coloration would be my focus even if
the charcoal did remove the color. What is in the tank that is
leading to the color? I might even find a brown coloration good
contrast to some fish and wouldn't bother with it if I convinced
myself it wasn't harmful.

I have a nagging thought in my head, brown coloration and some kind of
moss or wood. Anyone else connect those together?

dick