When it comes to maintaining crystal-clear water in your aquarium, choosing the right chemical filtration method can make all the difference. Two popular options among aquarists are Activated Carbon and Seachem Purigen. Both serve to clean the water by removing impurities, but they operate in distinct ways and suit different needs. In this article, we’ll explore their differences, benefits, and ideal uses to help you decide which is best for your aquatic setup.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Chemical Filtration in Aquariums
- What Is Activated Carbon?
- What Is Seachem Purigen?
- Key Differences Between Activated Carbon and Seachem Purigen
- Can You Use Both Together?
- Impact on Planted Tanks
- Storage and Handling
- Is Regenerating Purigen Safe?
- Summary: Which Should You Choose?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Understanding Chemical Filtration in Aquariums
Chemical filtration is one of the three main types of filtration in aquariums, alongside mechanical and biological filtration. However, unlike the other two, chemical filtration is optional. You don’t necessarily need to use activated carbon or a resin like Purigen in your tank, but many hobbyists choose to for the benefits they provide.
So, what exactly do these materials do? Both remove unwanted substances from the water, but how they work and what they target differ significantly. Let’s dive into the basics.
What Is Activated Carbon?
Activated carbon is a highly porous material commonly made from charcoal, coconut shells, or wood. Its secret lies in its tiny pores—these microscopic spaces act like traps that hold onto impurities through a process called adsorption. Essentially, activated carbon attracts and holds organic particles, odors, chlorine, some heavy metals, and other contaminants that can cloud your aquarium water.
Think of it as a magnet pulling in dirt and impurities. It’s especially effective at removing substances that cause water to turn yellowish, such as tannins from driftwood.
Advantages and Limitations of Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is a popular choice because it is relatively inexpensive and effective at removing a broad range of contaminants. However, it acts somewhat like a “blind magnet,” indiscriminately grabbing both harmful and beneficial substances from the water.
One major downside is its short lifespan. Activated carbon saturates quickly—sometimes lasting only a few weeks—after which it stops working effectively and can even start releasing trapped impurities back into the water. This means it requires frequent replacement to maintain its performance.
What Is Seachem Purigen?
Seachem Purigen is a synthetic resin designed specifically to absorb dissolved organic matter—the kind of compounds that cause yellowing of the water and can form toxic substances over time. Unlike activated carbon, Purigen targets organic compounds with remarkable efficiency.
What sets Purigen apart is its longevity and regenerability. It doesn’t saturate as quickly as activated carbon and can be regenerated multiple times by soaking it in a bleach and water solution. After a thorough rinse, it’s as good as new and ready to reuse.
Why Choose Purigen?
Purigen is ideal for aquarists who want crystal-clear water and are willing to invest a bit more effort in maintenance. Its ability to be regenerated means it can save money in the long run despite the higher upfront cost.
Key Differences Between Activated Carbon and Seachem Purigen
Lifespan
- Activated Carbon: Saturates quickly, lasting only a few weeks and must be replaced regularly.
- Seachem Purigen: Lasts much longer and can be regenerated multiple times, effectively extending its lifespan.
What They Remove
- Activated Carbon: Best at removing chlorine, heavy metals, odors, and medication residues.
- Seachem Purigen: Focuses on absorbing dissolved organic compounds, helping control toxic substances like ammonia and nitrates, and clears yellowish tea-coloured water caused by tannins.
Use Cases
- Activated Carbon: Useful for general contaminant removal, especially after medication treatments.
- Seachem Purigen: Excellent for tanks with lots of organic matter such as planted tanks, tanks with wood, or fish that produce more waste.
Can You Use Both Together?
Yes, many aquarists opt to use both activated carbon and Purigen simultaneously to get the best of both worlds. Activated carbon removes bulkier contaminants, while Purigen targets fine organic particles and dissolved matter.
However, it’s advisable not to leave activated carbon in the tank for more than four to five days straight, as it can also remove beneficial compounds like fertilizers, which is counterproductive in planted tanks.
Impact on Planted Tanks
Activated carbon can remove nutrients and fertilizers from the water, which can be detrimental to plants. In contrast, Purigen does not remove fertilizers, making it a better choice for planted aquariums.
Storage and Handling
Both materials should be stored in mesh bags when placed in filters. Activated carbon granules are thicker and can be used in standard mesh bags, but Purigen, especially if supplied loose, requires finer bags (around 180 microns or less) to prevent loss of resin particles.
Is Regenerating Purigen Safe?
Regenerating Purigen involves soaking it in a bleach and water solution, which naturally raises concerns about fish safety. However, as long as Purigen is thoroughly rinsed and ideally soaked in a dechlorinator before returning to the aquarium, it is safe for fish.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
- Activated Carbon: A simple, cheap solution for removing odors, chlorine, heavy metals, and medication. Best for those who prefer minimal maintenance and frequent cartridge changes.
- Seachem Purigen: The preferred choice for aquarists seeking crystal-clear water perfection, especially in planted tanks or setups with wood. Though more expensive upfront, it offers long-term savings through regeneration.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your aquarium’s specific needs and how much time you’re willing to invest in maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use activated carbon and Seachem Purigen at the same time?
Yes, using both together can provide comprehensive filtration by combining the strengths of each. Just avoid leaving activated carbon in the tank for too long to prevent removal of beneficial substances.
How often should I replace activated carbon?
Activated carbon usually needs replacement every few weeks, depending on tank conditions and contaminant load.
How do I know when to regenerate Purigen?
Purigen starts white and turns brown as it saturates. When it darkens, it’s time to regenerate by soaking it in a bleach and water solution.
Is the bleach used to regenerate Purigen harmful to fish?
If Purigen is thoroughly rinsed and soaked in a dechlorinator after regeneration, it is safe for aquarium use.
Does Purigen remove fertilizers from planted tanks?
No, Purigen does not remove fertilizers, making it more suitable for planted aquariums compared to activated carbon.
If you’re aiming for the best water clarity and long-term filtration efficiency, Seachem Purigen is a fantastic investment that really pays off. But if you want a cost-effective and straightforward option, activated carbon remains a solid choice.
Which filtration method do you prefer for your aquarium? Feel free to share your experience and thoughts!
This article was inspired from the video PURIGEN vs ACTIVATED CARBON: Which is BETTER? | Drop a like and subscribe to show your support!
