KENT Marine issues recall for Reef Carbon

by | Feb 23, 2012 | Advanced Aquarist | 0 comments

KENT Marine Reef Carbon Product Advisory (2/22/12)


There is a quality concern with KENT Marine Reef Carbon manufactured between December 5th of 2011 and February 8th of 2012. The concern is that the batch of carbon contained unusually high levels of heavy metals which have an adverse effect on stony corals and clams in marine settings. KENT Marine Reef Carbon is a virgin coal based carbon that is mined giving it greater adsorption properties. Unfortunately during this mining process, small layers containing heavy metals like copper were introduced into the carbon. This contamination of heavy metals would likely go undetected in freshwater environments and would not affect livestock. However in marine (salt water) aquariums, the effects can be seen in as quickly as a couple of hours to stony corals and clams. Fish and higher invertebrates such as shrimp do not seem to be affected. After removal of the contaminated carbon and dilution by a water change or use of other filtration means, most corals have been able to recover in 2-3 weeks from the exposure.

This carbon is also mainly used for commercial potable and wastewater treatment such as municipal water supplies. These are single pass systems where the water will only pass through the carbon bed once and any residual leaching of metal into the water will be minimal. This is also why carbon is not typically tested for heavy metals; until now. When carbon is used in aquarium settings, the water passes through the carbon bed multiple times increasing the soluble metal in that enclosed environment.

If you have purchased KENT Marine Reef Carbon in the last three months, please refer to the below table to identify the product size you may have purchased and the expiration dates affected.

00027 – KENT Marine Reef Carbon 1lb (1qt)
EX20DEC14  EX21DEC14  EX22DEC14  EX25JAN15
00031 – KENT Marine Reef Carbon 15lbs (5gal)
EX05JAN15   EX17JAN15   EX18JAN15
00028 – KENT Marine Reef Carbon 1.9lb (2qt)
EX05DEC14   EX08DEC14   EX13DEC14
00032 – KENT Marine Reef Carbon 25lbs
EX21DEC14
00029 – KENT Marine Reef Carbon 4.1lbs (1gal)
EX18JAN15
00681 – KENT Marine Reef Carbon 44lbs
EX02FEB15   EX08FEB15
00030 – KENT Marine Reef Carbon 7lbs (2gal)
EX13DEC14   EX14DEC14   EX03FEB15

These expiration dates can be found imprinted on the product label or stamped on the product bottom.

If you have product with an above expiration date, please discontinue use and perform a standard water change. Take the remaining product back to the retailer where it was purchased for a refund or exchange or call a Central Aquatics customer service representative at 1-888-255-4527.

We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused as we want to assure you that we intend to deliver the highest quality products possible. With this development, the quality of KENT Reef Carbon will be produced under new testing protocols.

Again we sincerely apologize for having to bring this quality concern to your attention. If you have any questions about this advisory or any other KENT Marine product, please contact a Central Aquatics customer service representative at 1-888-255-4527.

Best regards,

Scott Rabe
Central Aquatics
Brand Manager Food & Water Care

  • Leonard Ho

    I'm a passionate aquarist of over 30 years, a coral reef lover, and the blog editor for Advanced Aquarist. While aquarium gadgets interest me, it's really livestock (especially fish), artistry of aquariums, and "method behind the madness" processes that captivate my attention.

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