
How much does my tank need?
A good starting point is 1 gram of AquaChar® per gallon of water, with a 10 g minimum. Large (40 g) is the same amount as our earlier 1 cup (250 mL) size.
| Tank size | Amount | Packages |
|---|---|---|
| 5 gal | 10 g (minimum) | 1 Small |
| 10 gal | 10 g | 1 Small |
| 20 gal | 20 g | 1 Medium |
| 29 gal | 30 g | 1 Medium + 1 Small |
| 40 gal | 40 g | 1 Large |
| 55 gal | 60 g | 1 Large + 1 Medium |
| 75 gal | 80 g | 2 Large |
| 125 gal | 130 g | 3 Large + 1 Small |
Amounts are rounded up to the nearest package combination. When you replace your AquaChar®, use the same amount again. Heavily stocked tanks or ponds may need a different amount. Try our free bioload calculator for a tailored estimate, or email sales@aquachar.com.
Open the bioload calculatorHow to use AquaChar®
- Rinse gentlyGive it a gentle rinse before use.
- Bag itPlace it in the mesh bag that comes with every order.
- Place it in the flowPut the bag in a high-flow zone of your tank, filter or system.
- Leave it inLeave it for up to 3 to 6 months, depending on your water conditions.
- Replacing itLeave the old AquaChar® in with the new for 1 month so bacteria can acclimate.
- When you are doneRepurpose the used media in your garden or compost.
Questions before you buy
What does AquaChar® do?
AquaChar® is a graphene-related filtration media made from recycled hardwood. It is designed to help keep aquarium, pond and hydroponic water clear and stable while giving beneficial microbes a place to live.
Its porous structure gives dissolved contaminants surfaces to attach to, and its surface gives beneficial bacteria a place to colonize.
It does not replace water changes or testing, and it is not an instant fix for ammonia. If ammonia or nitrite rises, act right away instead of relying on filter media alone.
Which setups is it suitable for?
Aquariums (freshwater and saltwater), ponds, hydroponics and aquaponics systems.
AquaChar® is 100% reef safe.
How much do I use, and where does it go?
Start with 1 g per gallon of water, with a 10 g minimum. See the tank size table or the bioload calculator.
Place it in the mesh bag that comes with every order, in a high-flow zone of your tank, filter or system.
What results can I expect?
You can expect visibly clearer water in just a few days, stable pH and reduced chemical stress. Results vary with your system.
See the independent lab results for what labs have measured. Lab results come from lab conditions and may differ in your system.
How long does it last, and how do I replace it?
Each dose lasts up to 3 to 6 months, depending on your water conditions. When you replace it, leave the old AquaChar® in with the new for 1 month so the bacteria can acclimate. Used media can go in your garden or compost.
Use the same amount when you replace it.
Keep up your normal water changes and testing.
Shipping and returns
Flat-rate shipping is $6 in the US and $10 international. Delivery takes 6 to 10 business days. The final shipping cost is shown at checkout.
Return terms are in our Shipping Policy and Returns & Refunds pages. More answers are on our FAQ page, or contact us at sales@aquachar.com or (386) 331-2275.
Product details and independent lab results
AquaChar® is a proprietary, graphene-related filtration media made from recycled hardwood. It is designed to keep aquariums, hydroponic systems and ponds clearer and more stable with less upkeep.
How it works
- Porous structure. A highly porous structure gives dissolved contaminants surfaces to attach to.
- Engineered surface chemistry. Our B.A.M.S.® (Biologically Active Microsites) process is a surface treatment designed to change surface charge and how the material interacts with certain contaminants.
- Biological support. The surface gives beneficial bacteria a place to colonize, which can help break down waste under the right conditions.
Independent lab results
- Clean Water Testing LLC (state-certified): 100% removal of E. coli and coliform bacteria, 97.67% lead reduction in 45 minutes, and significant reductions in glyphosate, arsenic and phosphates.
- University of Miami: mercury (Hg²⁺) removed in under 10 minutes, and methane adsorption confirmed in lab conditions.
- Electron microscopy of graphitic material from the AquaChar process by Prof. L. Scott Chumbley, Iowa State University, 2020.
Results come from lab conditions and may differ in your system. View the studies.
After use
The spent media can be repurposed in a garden or compost.
