Description:
Activated carbon is one of the most useful tools in an aquarist's maintenance kit. It works through a process called adsorption, where impurities in the water bond to the surface of the carbon granules and are removed from the water column. The result is cleaner, clearer, odour-free water without altering your water parameters.
ORKU Granular Activated Carbon is made from sustainably sourced coconut shells, steam-activated for superior adsorption performance, and manufactured in Australia to ISO 9001:2000 certified standards. It's a meaningful step up from the coal-based carbon that makes up most of the market.
What it removes:
- Chlorine and chloramine from tap water
- Tannins that discolour water yellow or brown
- Dissolved organics and organic waste
- Odours and unwanted smells
- Medication residues after treatment
It will not alter your pH, affect water hardness, or harm fish, shrimp, snails, or live plants. It is also reef-safe.
Why coconut shell carbon over coal-based carbon?
Most activated carbon on the market is made from coal. Coconut shell carbon is a meaningful upgrade for a few reasons. It has up to 50% more micro-pores than coal-based carbon, which means more surface area for capturing smaller impurities that coal carbon misses. It has lower ash content, so it won't cloud your water or leach unwanted minerals. The granules are tougher and more structurally stable, meaning they resist breakdown and last longer in your filter. And it's an eco-conscious choice, coconut shells are a renewable agricultural by-product that would otherwise go to waste, and the carbon sequestered in the shell stays locked in rather than being released.
How much to use:
Use 50 to 100g per 100 litres of water depending on your bioload and water clarity needs. As a rough guide:
- 50L tank: 25 to 50g
- 100L tank: 50 to 100g
- 200L tank: 100 to 200g
How long it lasts:
In a typical aquarium, activated carbon lasts 6 to 8 weeks before its adsorption capacity is exhausted and it needs replacing. You may need to replace it sooner if your bioload is high, water begins to discolour or smell, or you've recently treated the tank with medication.
Important notes:
- Activated carbon does not remove ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate, it is not a substitute for biological filtration
- It does not bind copper or heavy metals
- Remove carbon during medication treatment, it will absorb the medication before it can work. Reintroduce carbon after treatment is complete to remove any remaining medication residues. Always check the instructions on your medication to confirm
- Rinse thoroughly before use to remove fine carbon dust
- Place carbon after mechanical filter media such as sponge or filter pads in your media stack, not before
Granule size: 1.6 to 2.0mm for consistent flow through filter media without compacting or channelling.
Environmentally Friendly Choice:
Every coconut shell used helps sequester carbon, reduce agricultural waste and avoid the need to cut down trees for traditional charcoal production. By choosing coconut-based carbon, you're supporting a more sustainable, renewable resource that makes use of a by-product that would otherwise go to landfill or be burned.
Unlike coal-based carbon, coconut carbon stores carbon instead of releasing it, making it a climate-smart option for environmentally conscious aquarists. It’s an easy switch that reduces your tank’s environmental footprint without compromising on performance.
Whether you're running a simple planted tank or a complex aquascape, this carbon helps keep your water clear and your conscience clean whilst making a responsible choice for your aquarium and the planet!
Suitable for freshwater and saltwater aquariums, shrimp tanks, planted tanks, and reef systems.
Product Features:
- Made from sustainably sourced coconut shells
- Steam-activated for superior adsorption
- Manufactured in Australia to ISO 9001:2000 standards
- Removes chlorine, chloramine, tannins, odours, dissolved organics, and medication residues
- Won’t alter pH or water parameters
- Up to 50% more micro-pores than coal-based carbon – better at capturing smaller impurities
- Lower ash content – won’t cloud water or leach unwanted substances
- Longer-lasting granules with high structural strength
- Safe for freshwater, saltwater, shrimp, snails, and live plants
- Eco-conscious choice – renewable, sustainable, and tree-free
Product Specifications:
- Source: Coconut Shell Charcoal (Steam Activated)
- Particle Size: 6 x 12 Mesh
- Granule Size: 1.6 – 2.0 mm
- Uniformity Coefficient: <1.4
- GC Value: 1200
- Quality: QA ISO 9001:2000 Certified
- Made in: Australia
- Packaging: Resealable Bag
Items Included:
- 5kg Activated Coconut Carbon (loose granules)
- Supplied in a resealable pouch for freshness and ease of storage
ORKU Granular Activated Carbon - Coconut Shell Charcoal - 5kg
ORKU Granular Activated Carbon - Coconut Shell Charcoal - 5kg
Why Shop With Us — Our Guarantee & Shipping Info
Why Shop With Us — Our Guarantee & Shipping Info
✅ Quality Products - Reliable aquarium supplies for your setup.
🚚 $11.95 Flat-rate shipping - safe & reliable delivery, arrives within 2-8 business days.
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Tips Before You Buy — Product Guidance
Tips Before You Buy — Product Guidance
💡 Unsure which product is right for your tank? Visit our Education section or Blogs for help choosing the best equipment.
🐟 Beginners can start with: How to set up your aquarium, while everyone can check out Aquarium Maintenece & Care for ongoing tank tips!
🌿 Not all products are suitable for every tank size — Double-check dimensions and specifications before purchasing.
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Activated carbon is one of those filter media items where quality genuinely matters, and most of what's available in the aquarium market is coal-based with minimal specification transparency. ORKU is Australian-made, ISO certified, and the coconut shell source is a real performance advantage over coal carbon, not just a marketing claim. The range of sizes also means it works for everyone from a hobbyist running a single tank to a fish room or commercial operation buying in bulk.
Replace carbon every 6 to 8 weeks under normal conditions, or sooner if water clarity or odour deteriorates. Always rinse new carbon in tank water or dechlorinated water before placing it in your filter to remove fine dust. When replacing, swap out only the carbon and leave your biological media untouched to protect your nitrogen cycle. If you've been treating your tank with medication, run fresh carbon for a full replacement cycle after treatment is complete to ensure all residues are cleared before reintroducing sensitive livestock.
