Measure Your Carbon Dose
Enter your tank volume and we'll work out how much activated carbon to add – based on API's published rate of half a cup per 38 litres.
Based on API's published rate: half a US cup (8 tablespoons) per 38 L. API measures this media by volume, not weight, and doesn't publish a bulk density – so we've kept the answer in tablespoons/cups rather than inventing a gram figure.
FAQ
How much activated carbon do I use?
Enter your tank volume above – it's built on API's stated rate of half a US cup (8 tablespoons) for every 38 L of aquarium water. The rate is the same across all three carton sizes API sells.
Why does the answer show tablespoons instead of grams?
API sells and measures this carbon by volume, not weight, and doesn't publish a bulk density for it. Converting a cup measurement into grams would mean guessing – so we've kept the units API actually states: measure with a cup or tablespoon, not by eye.
Will carbon remove ammonia, nitrite or nitrate?
No – API makes no such claim for this product. It removes organic waste, colours, odours and medications. For nitrogenous waste you need a dedicated media; ask our team in-store about what suits your setup.
Do I need to remove carbon before treating my tank with medication?
Yes. API states this carbon removes medications, so leaving it running during a treatment course will strip the dose out before it can work. Take it out before dosing, then put fresh carbon back in once treatment is finished.
Shop Activated Carbon
Dose rate above is API's published figure for this product. Running a different brand or a pouched cartridge? Check its own label – sizing differs.