{"product_id":"api-activated-carbon","title":"API Activated Carbon","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrips colour, odour and dissolved organics straight out of the water.\u003c\/strong\u003e API Activated Filter Carbon is loose chemical filter media for freshwater and saltwater aquariums. It comes as a carton of bulk carbon rather than a pre-filled pouch, so you refill your own cartridge or media bag with it. API's rate is half a cup for every 38 L of aquarium water, and it suits any aquarium filter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSold in three carton sizes: 156 g, 312 g and 624 g. All three are the same media at the same dose rate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBulk carbon, not a pouch\u003c\/strong\u003e — you choose how much goes in, which is cheaper per gram than cartridge refills and lets you part-fill a small filter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFits any filter\u003c\/strong\u003e — API states it may be used in all filter cartridges. Internal, hang-on, canister or sump, as long as water passes through it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRemoves colours and odours\u003c\/strong\u003e — the yellowing that builds up in a tank with driftwood, and the earthy smell that no water change quite fixes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRemoves residual medication\u003c\/strong\u003e — API lists medications among what it removes, which makes it the standard way to clear a treatment course out of a tank once dosing has finished.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFreshwater, saltwater and pond\u003c\/strong\u003e — API gives the same rate for aquarium or pond water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCarton keeps the remainder dry\u003c\/strong\u003e — API supplies it in a resealable carton for storage between refills.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much to use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAPI's stated rate is per volume of aquarium water, not per pack:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAquarium or pond volume\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCarbon\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e38 L (10 US gallons)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHalf a US cup, or 8 tablespoons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAPI measures this media by volume and sells it by weight, and does not publish a bulk density. That means there is no honest way to convert a carton size into a \"treats X litres\" figure, so we have not printed one. Measure with a cup, not by eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMedia type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eActivated carbon — chemical filtration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFormat\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLoose bulk media in a carton\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRate\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHalf a US cup (8 tablespoons) per 38 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRemoves\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrganic waste, colours, odours, medications\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFreshwater, saltwater and ponds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFilter compatibility\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAll aquarium filter cartridges\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMedia bag\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot included — supplied as loose media\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCarton sizes\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e156 g, 312 g, 624 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich carton do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCarton\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAPI article\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSKU\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTypical use\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e156 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e76A\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAA0424\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA single small internal or hang-on filter, or a first try\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e312 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e76B\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAA0426\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe usual pick — a canister basket, or several refills of a smaller filter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e624 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e76C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAA0425\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMultiple tanks, a large canister, or a pond filter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat it removes, and what it does not\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAPI's own list of what this carbon removes is: organic waste, colours, odours and medications. It is a polishing and clarity media.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAPI does not claim that it removes ammonia, nitrite or nitrate, and you should not buy it for that job. API sells separate media for each of those:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/api-ammo-chips\"\u003eAPI Ammo Chips\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/api-ammo-carb\"\u003eAPI Ammo Carb\u003c\/a\u003e — where ammonia is the problem. Ammo Carb combines both jobs in one media.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/api-nitra-zorb-210l\"\u003eAPI Nitra-Zorb\u003c\/a\u003e — for nitrogenous waste.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/api-phos-zorb-treats-210l\"\u003eAPI Phos-Zorb\u003c\/a\u003e — for phosphate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePut the carbon where water is forced through it rather than around it. Carbon sitting in a still corner of a sump does very little.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTake it out before you dose a medication. API states this media removes medications, so leaving it in during a treatment course will strip the dose you have just paid for. Put fresh carbon back in once the course is finished to clear the residue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn replacement interval:\u003c\/strong\u003e API publishes no service life for Activated Filter Carbon — no figure in weeks or months — and does not state whether it can be rinsed and reused. We are not going to invent one. Carbon is spent when the water starts yellowing again or the odour returns; that is your signal to change it. Note that API's separate Super Activated Carbon product does carry a monthly replacement instruction, but that is a different product and its instructions do not transfer to this one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse it for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTannin-stained water from driftwood, where the tea colour will not shift with water changes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClearing a medication course out of a display tank once treatment is over.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePersistent odour, and general water polishing on a new setup.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not use it for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmmonia, nitrite or nitrate. API makes no such claim for this media.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlanted tanks where you are dosing liquid fertiliser — carbon can strip what you have added, so run it only when you need it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef tanks where low phosphate matters. API states its separate Super Activated Carbon will not raise phosphate, but makes no such statement about this product, so we cannot pass that claim on.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat API does not publish\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeedstock.\u003c\/strong\u003e Whether it is coal-based or coconut-shell is not stated.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrain size and surface area.\u003c\/strong\u003e No mesh size or m²\/g figure is published.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEffect on pH, KH or phosphate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Not published for this product.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReplacement interval.\u003c\/strong\u003e Not published, as above.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/api-ammo-carb\"\u003eAPI Ammo Carb\u003c\/a\u003e — carbon and ammonia-removing media in one, if you want both jobs from a single basket.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/api-bio-chem-zorb-210l\"\u003eAPI Bio-Chem Zorb\u003c\/a\u003e — the pouched alternative if you would rather not measure loose media.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/api-melafix\"\u003eAPI Melafix\u003c\/a\u003e — the kind of treatment you take the carbon out for, and put fresh carbon in after.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/api-freshwater-master-multi-test-kit-5-in-1\"\u003eAPI Freshwater Master Test Kit\u003c\/a\u003e — confirm whether your problem is chemistry or clarity before you buy media for it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/api\"\u003eThe full API range\u003c\/a\u003e — the rest of the filtration media line.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFilter media is a consumable and API publishes no warranty term for it. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless and are not limited by anything stated here. All three carton sizes ship as standard freight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow much API Activated Filter Carbon do I use?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAPI's rate is half a US cup, or 8 tablespoons, for every 38 L of aquarium or pond water. The rate is the same whichever carton size you buy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes a media bag come with it?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. API supplies this as loose carbon in a carton, intended for refilling your own filter cartridge or a media bag you already have. Budget for a bag if your filter does not have a refillable cartridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow often should I replace API Activated Filter Carbon?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAPI does not publish a replacement interval for this product. In practice you change it when the water begins yellowing again or odour returns. Do not apply the monthly figure from API's Super Activated Carbon — that is a different product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need to remove the carbon when medicating my tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. API states this carbon removes medications, so it will strip the treatment out of the water. Take it out before dosing and put fresh carbon in once the course is complete.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill it remove ammonia or nitrate?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAPI makes no ammonia, nitrite or nitrate claim for this carbon. Use API Ammo Chips or API Ammo Carb for ammonia and API Nitra-Zorb for nitrogenous waste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I use it in a saltwater tank?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. API states this media is for fresh and saltwater aquariums, and gives the same rate for pond water.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"API","offers":[{"title":"312 g","offer_id":55244123373859,"sku":"AA0426","price":24.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"624 g","offer_id":55244123406627,"sku":"AA0425","price":43.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"156 g","offer_id":55335273595171,"sku":"AA0424","price":11.66,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/BE11.png?v=1772082083","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/api-activated-carbon","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}