Filter Media & Cleaning

API Super Activated Carbon

Freshwater & marineReef safe

API Super Activated Carbon is a higher grade of carbon than the granules sold loose — more porous, so it adsorbs more dissolved organics, colours, toxins and fish remedies per pouch, and processed so that it does not raise phosphate or shift pH. That makes it safe even in sensitive reef systems. One pouch treats up to 210 litres. Rinse it under the tap to shed dust, place it in the filter’s flow, and replace it monthly or sooner in a heavily stocked tank. It is the media to run at the end of a medication course to clear the remedy from the water.

View at Jungle Aquatics

Live pricing and stock on jungleaquatics.com — purchase through Jungle Aquatics, with delivery across South Africa.

Dosage calculator

Enter your aquarium volume and the calculator works out how much API Super Activated Carbon to use for each rate on the pack.

Aquarium volume

Measured in

Use the water the tank actually holds, less substrate and decor.

Pouches needed1 pouches per 210 litres
Enter a volumeReplace monthly

Remove the carbon before dosing any fish remedy, and fit a fresh pouch once the course is finished.

A guide only — always follow the dosing instructions printed on the pack, and measure with the bottle's cap or a syringe rather than by eye.

Technical details

Product type	Premium activated carbon pouch
Treats	Up to 210 litres per pouch
Removes	Dissolved organics, colours, odours, toxins, fish remedies
Effect on pH / phosphate	None
Suitable for	Freshwater, saltwater and reef aquariums
Lasts	About 1 month
Rechargeable	No — replace
Made by	Mars Fishcare, USA

Take the carbon out of the filter before dosing any fish remedy, and put a fresh pouch in when the course is complete.

When should carbon be in the filter, and when not?

Run Super Activated Carbon most of the time: it keeps water clear and odour-free and a pouch lasts about a month in a tank up to 210 litres. Take it out — along with Bio-Chem Zorb and any other chemical media — the moment you start a course of Melafix, Pimafix, Super Ick Cure or any other remedy, because the carbon will adsorb the medicine before it can work. When the course and its final water change are done, put a fresh pouch in to clear what is left of the remedy. Old carbon cannot be recharged at home; replace it.

Clears the remedy after the course

Every fish medication on this site says to remove carbon during treatment — because carbon removes medication. That same property is what you want when the course is finished: a fresh pouch of Super Activated Carbon clears the remaining remedy from the water in a day or two.

No phosphate, no pH shift

Cheap carbon leaches phosphate, which feeds algae, and some grades move pH. API’s premium carbon does neither, so it can run in a planted tank or a reef without side effects.

Monthly in a pouch

The pouch fits canister baskets and hang-on filters and replaces the carbon in a cartridge. Carbon saturates quietly — the water looks fine until it is not — so change it every month, or sooner if colour or odour returns.

Frequently asked questions

Is Super Activated Carbon safe for reef tanks?

Yes. API states it is safe for all aquarium types including sensitive reef systems, and it does not raise phosphate or change pH.

Why must I remove it when medicating?

Carbon adsorbs fish remedies out of the water. Remove it, and any other chemical media, for the full course and refit fresh carbon afterwards.

How often do I change the pouch?

Monthly, or sooner in a heavily stocked tank or if colour or odour returns.

How is it different from the carbon in my filter cartridge?

It is a higher-porosity grade that adsorbs more, and it is processed so it will not leach phosphate or affect pH — both common problems with low-grade carbon.

Is API Super Activated Carbon available in South Africa?

Yes — Jungle Aquatics in Fourways, Johannesburg stocks it and delivers nationwide; live pricing and stock are on jungleaquatics.com.

Stocked & supported by Jungle Aquatics

South Africa's leading pet and aquarium store since 2007 — with the API range on the floor in Fourways, advice from people who test water every day, and easy ordering from anywhere in the country.

Visit or contact the store Shop online →