IceCap ROX 0.8 Premium Activated Carbon

IceCap ROX 0.8 Premium Activated Carbon

IceCap ROX 0.8 is the gold standard of chemical filtration for the serious reef hobbyist. Unlike standard granular activated carbon (GAC), which is often irregular and dusty, ROX 0.8 is a highly refined, extruded pelletized carbon. This specialized manufacturing process creates a remarkably hard, dust-free media with an internal pore structure that is significantly more accessible to water-borne pollutants. ROX 0.8 doesn't just clear the water; it chemically "scrubs" it, removing dissolved organics, coral toxins, and medications with unmatched speed and efficiency.

The "0.8" refers to the precise size of the pellets, which are optimized to provide the maximum possible surface area while still allowing for excellent water flow-through. Because it is acid-washed and features an ultra-low ash content, IceCap ROX 0.8 will not cause the $pH$ spikes or phosphate leaching common with lower-quality carbons. It is the ideal choice for "mixed reef" systems where corals are in constant chemical competition (allelopathy), and for any aquarist who demands the highest level of water clarity and safety for their inhabitants.

Key Features:

• Extruded Pellet Design: Uniform sizing ensures even water flow and prevents the "channeling" common in irregular granular media.

• Rapid Adsorption: Higher iodine and methylene blue numbers mean it pulls pollutants out of the water faster than standard carbon.

• Low Dust Formulation: Requires minimal rinsing and won't release fine particles that have been linked to HLLE in fish.

• Phosphate Free: Extensively processed to ensure it doesn't fuel algae growth in low-nutrient reef systems.

• Light Penetration: By stripping yellowing compounds, it increases the PAR levels reaching your corals at the bottom of the tank.

When to Change:

• Standard Maintenance: Due to its high efficiency, ROX 0.8 should typically be changed every 2–4 weeks.

• The "White Paper" Test: If you look through the length of your tank at a white piece of paper and see a yellow/green tint, your carbon is exhausted.

ROX 0.8 Specifications:

• Washed with Hydrochloric Acid
• Iodine number: 1000 min.
• Ball-pan hardness: 97 min.
• Surface area (BET): 1300m2/g
• pH: Neutral
• Particle size: <0.60 mm
• Ash content: 1%
• Methylene blue absorption g/100g: 24
• Available Sizes: Small 1/4gal container: 0.75lbs of media,  Medium 1/2gal container: 1.5lbs of media, Large 1gal container: 3lbs of media, XL Bulk Box: 15lbs of media

Instructions:

1. Quick Rinse: While ROX 0.8 is very clean, a brief rinse with RO/DI water is recommended to remove any shipping-related fines.

2. Dosage: Use 1 tablespoon per 10 gallons of total water volume. Note: This is roughly half the amount used for standard GAC.

3. Reactor Setup: Place in a media reactor between two firm sponges. Do not fluidize. The pellets should be packed tight to prevent them from rubbing together and creating dust.

4. Passive Use: If using in a mesh bag, place it in a very high-flow area of the sump. Because the pellets are small, a fine-mesh bag (sub-500 micron) is required.

5. Monitor Corals: If your water was very yellow, start with a half-dose to prevent a sudden increase in light intensity from stressing your corals.

Pro Tips:

• Small But Mighty. Don't let the small amount of media fool you. ROX 0.8 is incredibly potent. Overusing this carbon can strip water so clean that it may shock corals that are used to "dirty" water. Always stick to the 1 tbsp per 10-gallon rule.
• The Reactor Advantage. While ROX 0.8 works in a bag, its small pellet size makes it perfect for a reactor. Because the pellets are so hard, you can run higher flow through a packed reactor of ROX 0.8 than you can with standard carbon, leading to even faster water polishing.
• Polishing for Photos. If you are planning a photo shoot or a video of your reef, swap in a fresh batch of IceCap ROX 0.8 about 24 hours prior. The increase in water clarity and "crispness" of the colors is often immediately noticeable on camera.

Caution: May be harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Keep out of reach of children.