Red Sea Reef Spec Carbon 500ml

Description

Red Sea Reef Spec Carbon 500ml — Highly activated carbon with ultra-low phosphate output for reef aquariums

Not all activated carbon belongs in a reef tank, because cheap grades leach phosphate and crumble into the water. Red Sea Reef Spec Carbon 500ml (SKU: RED528) is Red Sea’s REEF-SPEC Carbon, a highly activated carbon made for marine and reef aquariums. Red Sea describes an optimised granule size with a micro- and macro-porous structure that gives an exceptionally high total adsorption capacity and rapid removal of the specific organic pollutants found in reef water, with extremely low phosphate leaching and minimal ash, a stable pH and no effect on water chemistry. It needs replacing less often than non-reef-specific carbons, and a filter bag is included.

Red Sea publishes the numbers behind the claims: 0.6 to 2.3 mm flakes, a total surface area of 1,000 m² per gram, pore volume 1.04 mL/g, adsorption of 1,000 mg/g for small organic molecules and 280 mg/g for large ones, and phosphate output of 0.000001 g/mL. The standard dose for organic load and yellow tint is about 100 mL (50 g) per 200 L for one to two months, so this pack gives roughly five changes on a 200 L reef; 200 mL per 200 L for one week clears residues after a treatment. Rinse, pre-soak in RO water, and run at 1,000 to 1,500 L/h per 50 g.

Usage & Application

When to Use

• Yellow-tinted water: Removing dissolved organics that dull colour and cut light penetration.
• Ongoing polishing: A standing carbon bag changed every one to two months.
• After a treatment: A one-week heavy dose to clear residues from the water.
• Ozone users: Placed at the ozone reactor or skimmer outlet, 50 g per 50 mg/h of ozone.

How to Use

• Rinse and soak: Rinse under tap water to remove fines, then soak in RO water until no more air bubbles rise.
• Measure: About 100 mL (50 g) per 200 L for general use; 200 mL per 200 L for a one-week clean-up.
• Place in moderate flow: In the supplied bag or a reactor at 1,000 to 1,500 L/h per 50 g; strong flow grinds the granules.
• Replace on time: Every one and a half to two months; saturated carbon can start adsorbing trace elements.

Product Specifications & Highlights

Key Features

• Reef-specific activation: Micro- and macro-pores for rapid organic removal.
• Ultra-low phosphate output: 0.000001 g/mL, so it does not feed algae.
• Minimal ash: Stable pH and no change to water chemistry.
• 1,000 m²/g surface area: High total adsorption capacity.
• Filter bag included: Ready for a sump or media chamber.

Product Details

• Brand: Red Sea
• SKU: RED528
• Barcode (GTIN/EAN): 7290100775806
• Product Type: Filter Media > Activated Carbon
• Pack Size: 500 mL
• Granule: 0.6–2.3 mm flakes, density 0.48 g/mL
• Surface Area: 1,000 m²/g; pore volume 1.04 mL/g
• Adsorption: 1,000 mg/g small organics; 280 mg/g large organics
• Dose: About 100 mL (50 g) per 200 L for 1–2 months
• Flow: 1,000–1,500 L/h per 50 g
• Included: Filter bag
• Other Sizes: 1000 mL (RED529), 2000 mL (RED531)
• Target Environment: Marine and reef aquariums; also suitable for freshwater