how long does a carbon filter last, and did I mess up the cycle by using it?
I've got a 10 gallon saltwater and am using an aquaclear mini filter. The guy at my lfs told me to get a carbon filter medium and use it 24/7. Its been 2 weeks and my tank is cycled.. i used live rock, and jump started the ammonia spike by tossin in a dinner shrimp.
I'm seein a lot of people saying that carbon filters screw up ur cycle but taking out all the ammonia.. then im seeing other people saying that those filters last only 2 days max -- just becoming saturated, and useless.. others say not to use it all the time, just twice a month or so.. im really confused.. any clarity would be much appreciated.. thank you
oh and my nitrites and ammonia are at 0
oh, and please state ur experience as well -- i've been gettin a lot of freshwater hobbyists tellin me 10 gallon is impossible for salt water.. ;)