Can I use "lump charcoal" to filter water and/or ethanol?!

Question: I know that activated carbon is the best to use because of it's high absorbtion qualities. I also know that the main difference is the process by which lump charcoal and activated charcoal is made is the heat and/or chemicals used to increase the absorbtion quality. For money sakes I wanted to use the store bought lump charcoal (not the briquettes which also contain other materials) I would smash them up really good to increase the surface area thereby increasing the absorbtion quality. I just wanted to make sure there isn't anything I am missing before I go through the trouble. Any advice is appreciated.

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Answers: I know that activated carbon is the best to use because of it's high absorbtion qualities. I also know that the main difference is the process by which lump charcoal and activated charcoal is made is the heat and/or chemicals used to increase the absorbtion quality. For money sakes I wanted to use the store bought lump charcoal (not the briquettes which also contain other materials) I would smash them up really good to increase the surface area thereby increasing the absorbtion quality. I just wanted to make sure there isn't anything I am missing before I go through the trouble. Any advice is appreciated.

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Have you given any thought to your local pet store>>??
the fish need their water filtered and activated charcoal is found in bags...
Later
did you notice the sponsers results in th right boarder???

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