Aquaforest Carbon 5000 ml — Steam-Activated Phosphate-Free Carbon Bulk Size

Aquaforest Carbon 5000 ml — steam-activated phosphate-free large-format carbon

The Carbon 5000 ml ships Aquaforest's steam-activated carbon in an economy large bucket. Same recipe as the 1,000 ml jar — steam activation without phosphoric acid, zero PO4 residue at startup — but with 5× the autonomy. Format aimed at established reef tanks with sustained consumption, multi-tank setups, and frag farms.

On a 500 L tank with monthly renewal, the 5 L bucket covers 10 months of operation at the official 100 ml/100 L dose. Economically attractive once consumption exceeds 100-200 ml per month.

Typical Carbon 5 L applications

• Reef tanks 300-1,000 L — steady consumption that justifies the large-format investment.
• Multi-tank setups — several sumps or central system fed from a single stock.
• Frag farms — propagation tanks with continuous active filtration.
• Mixed-reef with soft corals — leather and gorgonian allelopathy needs always-fresh carbon.
• Probiotic-method systems — carbon complements the removal of dissolved organic compounds.

Official use

• Dose: 100 ml per 100 L of tank water.
• Recommended flow: 500 L/h through the media.
• Prior rinse: to flush fines and prevent initial turbidity.
• Renewal: every 4 weeks for maximum efficacy.
• Setup support: fluidized reactor (AF110, AF130) or filter bag in the sump.

Specifications

• Brand: Aquaforest (Poland)
• Format: 5,000 ml bucket
• Type: large-format phosphate-free steam-activated carbon
• Compatibility: reef and marine aquariums, all formats

Why choose Aquaforest at ReefSolution

• Carbon 1,000 ml — the trial format to validate the product before large bucket.
• AF130 Media Reactor 5,000 ml — the reactor sized for large-volume carbon loading.
• Phosphate Minus 5 L — the large-format anti-PO4 media to pair for double action.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a 5 L bucket last on a 500 L tank?

At the 100 ml/100 L dose (500 ml for 500 L) renewed every 4 weeks, a 5 L bucket covers 10 months of operation. On a smaller 200 L tank, the same load lasts about 25 months — over 2 years.

Does the bucket stay usable years after opening?

Yes — activated carbon stores well in dry form. Carefully reseal the lid after each draw and store dry. Avoid humidity which can prematurely activate adsorption and reduce residual capacity.

Can I run Carbon 5 L in continuous or intermittent filtration?

Both modes work. Continuous: permanent effect, renew every 4 weeks. Intermittent: a few days a month to occasionally clarify water, less media wear. For mixed-reef with competitive soft corals, continuous filtration remains preferable.