Red Sea REEF-SPEC™ Carbon — Premium Activated Carbon for Marine & Reef Aquariums (Available in 100g, 250g, and 1000g)
Transform Your Tank with Reef-Engineered Activated Carbon
Looking for the activated carbon serious reefers reach for? Red Sea REEF-SPEC™ Carbon is one of the most respected reef-specific carbons in the saltwater aquarium hobby and a staple at The Coral Boutique. Engineered specifically for marine and reef aquariums — not generic freshwater — it strips the organics that even the best skimmer and mechanical filtration leave behind, so your water stays crystal clear and your light reaches your corals at full intensity.
Most carbon on the market is built for general-purpose use, but reef tanks have unique demands: ultra-low phosphate leaching, ultra-low ash content, neutral pH impact, and the right granule size and pore structure to target reef-specific organic pollutants. REEF-SPEC™ delivers on every metric. Its unique micro/macro porous structure rapidly adsorbs proteins, fats, carbohydrates, organic acids, and phenols — the same compounds that fuel nuisance microorganisms, drop your Redox potential, raise CO₂, lower pH, and yellow your water (cutting the blue and near-UV light your corals depend on for growth). The optimized 0.6–2.3 mm granule size with 1000 m²/g of total surface area provides a high adsorption capacity for both small and large organic molecules, and because it leaches virtually no phosphate, it won't fuel nuisance algae the way lower-grade carbons can. The result: cleaner, more transparent water, brighter coloration, better light penetration, and longer replacement intervals than non-reef-specific carbons.
Key Benefits
- Rapid removal of organic pollutants and yellow tint from reef water
- High total adsorption capacity for both small and large organic molecules
- Ultra-low phosphate output (0.000001 g/ml) — won't fuel nuisance algae
- Ultra-low ash content for minimal dust release
- Neutral pH impact — won't shift water chemistry
- Improves light penetration in the blue and UV spectrum that drives coral growth
- Adsorbs medication residuals after treatment
- Removes residual ozone when used post-ozone reactor
- Lasts longer than generic activated carbons — more cost-efficient over time
- Suitable for marine, reef, and freshwater aquariums
- Filter bag included (250g and 1000g sizes)
Quick Stats & Specs Product Name: Red Sea REEF-SPEC™ Carbon Manufacturer: Red Sea Available Sizes: 100g, 250g (9 oz), 1000g (35 oz) Granule Shape: 0.6–2.3 mm flakes Density: 0.48 g/ml Total Surface Area (TSA): 1000 m²/g Pore Volume: 1.04 ml/g Small Organic Adsorption: 1000 mg/g Large Organic Adsorption: 280 mg/g pH (in distilled water): 8 (neutral / reef-safe) Phosphate Output: 0.000001 g/ml Compatibility: Marine, reef, and freshwater aquariums
Dosing & Replacement:
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Routine maintenance (organics & yellow tint): 50 g (100 ml) per 200 L / 50 gallons for 1–2 months in a moderately stocked reef
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Post-medication treatment: 100 g (200 ml) per 200 L / 50 gallons for 1 week to adsorb medication residues
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Ozone post-treatment: 50 g per 50 mg/hr of ozone injection at the ozone reactor / skimmer outlet
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Replacement schedule: Every 1.5–2 months, or when carbon volume reduces by ~50%
Size Coverage Guide:
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100g: Ideal for nano reefs, AIO tanks, and small marine aquariums up to ~100 L / 25 gallons
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250g: Sized for mid-range reef systems up to ~1000 L / 250 gallons (or shorter intervals on smaller tanks). Includes filter bag.
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1000g: Bulk size for large reef systems, multi-tank systems, or long-term reefers who buy ahead. Includes filter bag.
Directions: Rinse thoroughly under tap water until clear before use. Soak in RO water until trapped air releases (carbon initially floats). Place in a media reactor (best results) or filter bag in a moderate-flow area — recommended flow is 1000–1500 LPH (250–400 GPH) per 50 g of carbon. Avoid strong flow, which reduces contact time and can grind granules.
Why Buy From The Coral Boutique?
At The Coral Boutique, we stock only the equipment and additives we trust on our own systems. Red Sea REEF-SPEC™ Carbon is one of those reef-keeper essentials that quietly makes everything else work better — clearer water, better light, brighter corals, and fewer algae problems. Every product on our shelves is tested, vetted, and backed by reefers who actually use it — so you can buy with confidence.