Catalytic Activated Carbon Reef Filtration: Knowing the Product You Buy

Catalytic activated carbon reef filtration is one of the most effective ways to keep aquarium water clear and healthy. But not all carbons are equal. The pH, ash content, and overall quality can directly influence your reef’s chemistry. Since many manufacturers don’t list these values, reefers are often left guessing about the impact on their tanks. At ACROKINGDOM, we stress transparency and recommend replacing smaller amounts weekly instead of doing a large monthly change. This approach minimizes pH swings and helps maintain long-term stability.

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How Catalytic Activated Carbon Works

Catalytic activated carbon (CAC) goes beyond trapping impurities. While standard carbon relies on adsorption, CAC also uses a catalyst to break down harmful organics into safer compounds. This dual action prevents pollutants from leaching back into the water and supports a more balanced reef environment.

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Benefits of Catalytic Activated Carbon Reef Filtration

Proven DOC Reduction With Controlled Risks

High DOC levels can allow opportunistic bacteria—such as Vibrio—to thrive, potentially turning pathogenic. Reefbuilders show that DOC control directly influences microbial balance. Tanks with lower DOC shift away from Vibrionaceae toward healthier Pelagibacteracea dominance. Salem Clemens discusses this topic further in the article below:

DOC is The Most Important Parameter For A Healthy Reef Tank: Here’s a New Method to Manage It

Maintain DOC (measured via SAC254 using ICP-MS) in the 2–3 (m-1) range. This range promotes full polyp extension and coral vibrancy.
Watch out: when DOC drops below 1 (m-1), that can trigger STN or RTN—an unintended side-effect of over-filtration.

Why Catalytic Activated Carbon Is Gentler on Trace Elements

Traditional granular activated carbon (GAC) can be overly aggressive in removing trace elements that reef keepers deliberately add to their systems. In contrast, catalytic activated carbon offers selective absorption, allowing essential trace elements to remain while effectively removing dissolved organic carbon (DOC). This advantage is due to its unique surface chemistry. At ACROKINGDOM, we have been using catalytic activated carbon for quite some time now. Previously, when using GAC, most trace elements, even when dosed, would return concentrations of zero.

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→ How to Use Your CAC Properly

Remove or reduce the amount of carbon used when DOC drops bellow 2 (m-1).

Add accurately—starting point is 5 g per 100 L, thoroughly rinsed with RO water. Replace that weekly.

Bag it—Use a fine mesh media bag, then place it passively somewhere in the sumps last chambers.

Test monthly via SAC254 (ICP-MS), especially early on.

Buy– ACROKINGDOM Catalytic Activated Carbon
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