Activated carbon looks like crumbled charcoal. It is a chemical filter media that absorbs many compounds out of the water, and is especially good for removing yellowing compounds that may tint the water and cause cloudiness. Carbon must be changed regularly (about every month), as after it has been used for a while, it may leach impurities back into the water. For information on water changes, please see the tip of the same title. Make sure to rinse the carbon thoroughly with non-chlorinated water before adding to the filter.

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