Red Sea REEF-SPEC Carbon

Why Use Carbon in a Reef Aquarium?Reef aquariums are closed ecosystems where organisms produce organic waste—proteins, fats, carbohydrates, acids, and phenols. If left in the water, these organics fuel unwanted microorganisms, increase oxygen demand, lower Redox potential, raise CO₂ levels, reduce pH, and encourage nuisance bacteria and algae. They also impair light penetration critical for coral growth. Strong protein skimming, fine mechanical filtration, and healthy biological filtration handle large particles, but many small organics can only be removed effectively with activated carbon.