CocoCarbo by Poland-based Seaslug is another coconut shell based activated carbon being introduced on the market. Seaslug’s CocoCarbo appears to be a unique recipe not only using coconut shells – a renewable and readily available source – but uses a mineral water solution to store and most likely aid in the effectiveness of the product. CocoCarbo looks to remove the large organic molecules in the tank, allowing trace elements to remain in the system.
We aren’t sure what the exact minerals used in the mineral water soak but the company does recommend soaking the carbon for two or three days before use in the aquarium. This is most likely to remove the minerals from the product. CocoCarbo also claims to not leach phosphates as well as a 50% reduction in the amount used in the tank over other traditional activated carbons.
While there have been a lot of arguments going back-and-forth over the years about the ability and effectiveness of coconut-based activated carbons vs. traditional activated carbons, recent advances have most likely helped create a more porous and effective coconut activated carbon. We’ll keep exploring this advancement and see if we can’t bring more information on this product and other coconut shell-based activated carbons on the market.
Not sure when we’ll see these come out in the North American market but they are available in retailers in Poland and Europe. Rough pricing estimates seem to be around 22.00 PLN (around $8 USD) for a 500ml container and 36.00 PLN (around $13 USD) for the 1000ml bag.
