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IceCap Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), Medium 1.4lbs
SKU: IC-GAC-MED
- Aggressive Organic & Tint Removal: Rapidly adsorbs yellowing dissolved organic compounds (DOCs), biological odors, and chemical medications to produce crystal-clear water.
- Convenient 1.4-Pound Mid-Sized Jar: scaled perfectly for medium-sized aquariums, nano systems, or routine monthly swaps without storing bulky bulk packaging.
- Premium Bituminous Coal Base: Formulated with high-grade bituminous coal, offering a vastly superior surface-area-to-volume ratio compared to cheap lignite or coconut-based alternatives.
- Optimized Macro-Porous Matrix: Steam-activated to create an expansive internal pore structure sized perfectly for snaring larger, complex organic fish waste and toxic coral defensive phenols.
- Low Ash & Minimum Dust Formula: Extensively washed and screened during factory production to lower baseline ash content, preventing severe pH spikes and minimizing initial rinsing dust.
- 100% Phosphate-Safe Composition: Specially processed to guarantee zero phosphate leaching into the water column, preventing unwanted nutrient spikes that fuel nuisance algae.
IceCap
Premium aquarium equipment without the premium price. Protein skimmers, pumps, reactors, heaters & more.
IceCap Premium Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) — Medium 1.4lbs (IC-GAC-MED)
The IceCap Granular Activated Carbon 1.4lb Jar (SKU: IC-GAC-MED) is an authentic, laboratory-grade chemical filtration media distributed by CoralVue to offer highly efficient water clarification across mid-sized reef displays, freshwater community aquariums, and home quarantine systems. While mechanical filtration loops trap large solid debris particles, microscopic dissolved organic waste naturally accumulates over time, turning your aquarium water an unsightly yellow tint and blocking vital light penetration from reaching demanding corals or plants. The IC-GAC-MED serves as an indispensable chemical sponge, locking away organic contaminants, foul biological odors, and dangerous chemical compounds before they can impair your ecosystem.
Unlike cheap aquarium carbons made from wood, lignite, or coconut shells—which either contain high ash levels that shift water chemistry or possess microscopic pores too small to trap complex aquarium proteins—IceCap utilizes premium bituminous coal. This material is high-temperature steam-activated to develop an extensive network of macro-pores optimized specifically for aquatic environments. Its high structural hardness ensures the granules resist crumbling under active flow conditions, making it perfect for passive placement in mesh filter bags or active placement inside media reactors like the IceCap 100INT or 100EXT canister series. Packed in a convenient 1.4-pound jar, this mid-sized configuration delivers professional-grade clarity at a highly practical scale for the home hobbyist.
Key Features
Maximizes Aquarium Light Penetration: Strips out yellowing organic humic acids that refract light, drastically boosting overall PAR delivery from your LED or T5 fixtures straight down to deep-water corals.
Neutralizes Chemical Coral Warfare: Actively pulls out toxic terpenes and phenols released by aggressive soft corals (allelopathy) trying to stunt the growth of neighboring hard corals.
Completely Safe for Reef Environments: Carefully factory processed to ensure it will not leach undesirable orthophosphates or heavy ash into high-salinity marine or delicate freshwater systems.
(Note: This filtration package includes 1.4 pounds of loose premium granular activated carbon inside a resealable storage jar. Fluidizing media reactors, mesh media bags, and water chemistry test kits are sold under separate product categories).
IceCap GAC Filter Media Bulk Sizing Matrix
| Sizing Classification | SKU Part Number | Net Weight Specification | Ideal System Sizing Profile | Packaging Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IceCap GAC — Small | IC-GAC-SM | 0.70 lbs (0.32 kg) | Nano Tanks & Small-Format Systems | Airtight Resealable Jar |
| IceCap GAC — Medium | IC-GAC-MED | 1.40 lbs (0.64 kg) | Standard Mid-Sized Aquariums | Airtight Resealable Jar |
| IceCap GAC — Large | IC-GAC-LG | 2.50 lbs (1.13 kg) | Large Show Tanks & Multi-Tank Sumps | Heavy-Duty Utility Jug |
| IceCap GAC — Extra Large | IC-GAC-15BX | 15.00 lbs (6.80 kg) | Commercial Fish Rooms & Large Setups | Bulk Cardboard Box |
What’s Included:
(1) 1.4lb Resealable Jar of IceCap Premium Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Media
Technical Specs:
Official Manufacturing Title: IceCap Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), Medium, 1.4lbs
SKU / Factory Part Identifier: IC-GAC-MED
UPC Barcode Identifier: 851220007764
Total Net Product Weight: 1.4 lbs (approx. 640 grams)
Primary Media Composition: Steam-Activated Bituminous Coal Granules
Target Adsorption Profile: Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOCs), Phenols, Yellowing Pigments, Odors, Medications
Chemical Safety Matrix: Phosphate-Free, Low Ash Content, Reef-Safe
Average Media Lifespan: 2 to 4 Weeks (dependent on organic waste accumulation)
Recommended Standard Dosage: 1/2 Cup per 50 Gallons (approx. 1 Gram per Gallon) of total system volume
While most of our equipment carries a one-year manufacturer's warranty, consumable products like fish and coral foods are not covered under traditional warranty terms due to their perishable nature and varied storage conditions. However, we fully stand behind the quality of every product we sell. If you experience any issues with your food purchase shortly after receiving it, such as concerns about freshness, packaging integrity, or product quality, please contact us at [email protected]. We're committed to making it right and will work with you to resolve any problems quickly and fairly.
- Calculate your required dosage. The baseline standard for premium bituminous GAC is 1/2 cup for every 50 gallons of total system water volume. Note: You can safely double this amount if treating a heavy bioload fish-only system or clearing heavy medications.
- Scoop the loose carbon granules into a fine-mesh media zipper bag or directly into your fluidizing media reactor column.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Even low-dust bituminous carbon creates fine dust rubbing together during shipping transit. Place your mesh bag or reactor outlet line under cold fresh water (preferably RO/DI) until the initial black runoff water runs completely clear.
- If using a media reactor, adjust your water flow valve until the carbon bed is completely packed down and static. Warning: Do not let carbon tumble actively; ensure it remains stationary while water passes through.
- If using a mesh bag, position it in a high-flow area of your sump, such as directly under your drain lines or inside a filter sock partition, to force water through the media.
- Swap out and replace the media entirely every 3 to 4 weeks. Once carbon captures all the organic waste its pores can hold, it ceases clarifying and will simply turn into a surface for biological bacteria to colonize.
Pro Tips:
- Never Allow Activated Carbon to Tumble Actively Inside a Media Reactor. While iron-based phosphate removers (GFO) require a light simmering tumble to prevent cementing, activated carbon should always remain completely static. Bituminous coal granules are rigid but brittle; if allowed to bounce and rub against one another under active flow, they will rapidly grind into an abrasive black dust. This fine dust will escape your filter sponges, blow into your display tank, turn the water cloudy, and can cause lateral line erosion (HLLE) in sensitive marine fish. Keep the reactor flow tightly managed or pack the chamber fully to prevent tumbling.
- Always Remove Old Carbon Safely Before Beginning Specialized Fish Medications. If you ever need to treat your display tank or quarantine system with commercial medications (such as copper treatments, antibiotics, or anti-parasitic dyes), always pull your carbon out first. Because activated carbon is non-discriminatory, its macro-pores will aggressively adsorb the active chemical ingredients of your medication within hours, stripping the medicine out of the water column and rendering your livestock treatment completely ineffective.
- Use Your Spent, Exhausted Carbon as an Excellent Soil Booster for Outdoor Gardening. Don't throw your old aquarium carbon straight into the trash! Once your carbon is fully saturated with organic aquarium compounds and fish waste, it becomes packed with rich organic nitrogen and beneficial biological bacteria. If you have an outdoor garden, raised veggie beds, or potted house plants, dump your spent, freshwater-rinsed carbon directly into the soil. It works as an incredible soil conditioner, expanding soil porosity and feeding slow-release organic nutrition to plant roots.