What do you do with your spent filter carbon?

D

day-o

New member

• Apr 8, 2010

• #1

It seems like it'd be a shame to just toss it. Can I till it into my flower bed for any benefit?

 

Cutty

Member

• Apr 9, 2010

• #2

I cut my filter in half and dump the pellets into a big plastic trashcan of charcoal briquettes. I just use them to barbecue with.

 

B

BLUNToPOTomuss

Member

• Apr 9, 2010

• #3

I simply put them in a garbage bag and throw them away

 

medmaker420

The Aardvarks LED Grow Show

Veteran

• Apr 9, 2010

• #4

you can actually heat it up and it reactivates.

I don't think I would do this in my oven BUT an outdoor bbq does work wonders.

 

B

BLUNToPOTomuss

Member

• Apr 9, 2010

• #5

I thought you have to get it up to like 600+ degrees for carbon to "reactivated"...... I thought I read you basically need a kiln to refire carbon.

I could be wrong though!

 

FreezerBoy

Was blind but now IC Puckbunny in Training

Veteran

• Apr 9, 2010

• #6

Closer to 1500ºF. 600º may buy some extra time but it won't be anywhere like new.

 

Neuronaut

Active member

• Apr 9, 2010

• #7

I keep it and mix it in with my cat litter.

 

1

1quixotix

• Apr 9, 2010

• #8

Terra preta.
1Q

 

B

Beanfish

Member

• Apr 9, 2010

• #9

FreezerBoy said:

Closer to 1500ºF. 600º may buy some extra time but it won't be anywhere like new.

Click to expand...

FB is correct. I've tried "reactivating" carbon about a year back. Note to self: don't do it in the house again. The house smelled like ass for 2 days.

It doesn't truly "reactivate", but more likely "refreshes" it a bit. I mixed 1:1 with new carbon and refilled my homemade scrubber. It works OK, but it will never be as good as virgin activated carbon.

I have some of those "kitty crystals" to try next time. I will probably try 1:1 virgin carbon/kitty crystals. I should just buy a 30# bulk bag, but that would probably be too easy!