Zeolite mineral sand

[Ulysses048]

Purchased what I thought was ordinary pool filter sand to use as substrate in my African tank - when I got it home - realised it was Zeolite mineral sand - nice colour for substrate - and  was wondering if others had used this ........ was told by lfs that this medium would "lock in" the good bacteria - and cause a huge nitrate spike .......
I would be interested to hear if others had tried it.......

[red]

hi ulysses048.

here is some infomation about Castle Mountain Zeolites this may help have not used it but sound good. (ps: may have to try it myself.)


   *  Removal of Ammonia and Phosphorus
    * Reduces Risk of Fish Disease and Mortality
    * Stabilises pH
    * Promotes Clean, Healthy Water


Modern intensive fish farming has an increasing effluent discharge problem associated with the build-up of ammonia in the tanks produced by the decomposition of excrement and/or unused food.

Castle Mountain Zeolites are non-toxic to fish and due to its cation exchange capacity removes toxic ammonia, phosphorus and other undesirable compounds from the recirculating water of commercial fish farms.

Zeolite is also added to tank truck water and plastic bags during live fish transport to increase the stocking rate and to remove lethal ammonia.

Castle Mountain Zeolites has a range of specific Zeolite products available for Aquaculture applications.


cheer's: red

[dammwoman]

Can't say for sure but I think Zeolite is part of the makeup of AmmoGon.
I know someone who used Zeolite Chips as a gravel and it didn't seem to cause him any problems. His was a nice red colour when wet.
Cheers Linda

[GTR73]

I use Zeolite to keep check on potential Ammonia spikes on any newly established tanks etc. I usually leave it there a couple of weeks only, then replace or pull it out. Reason is I've been told that despite it being excellent at absorbing ammonia, Zeolite has a saturation point and begins leeching it back into the water if left in there too long.
However you can recharge zeolite: use 320 grams (12 tablespoons) of non-iodized salt to 1 litre of warm tap water and soak for at least 8 hours.

[ashhhh]

what name is it sold under as?? just zeolite sand, or what :?

[red]

hi ashhhh.

go here mate aussie site the maker's off it.


http://www.cmzeolites.com.au/


cheer's: red

[Hartleigh]

does anyone have any pictures of what this looks like in a tank?

[Ulysses048]

The Zeolite I originally posted about came from a pump company on the Sunshine Coast where I usually buy pool filter sand for my aquariums.
It is labelled "Natural Zeolite Mineral" - Grain Size 0.5 to 2mm.
It is manufactured in Australia by Zeolite Australia Ltd - and is labelled Davey Products Pty Ltd, Scoresby, Victoria.
It is a beautiful reddish brown and that is why I was asking if it was suitable as a substrate - as I think it would look awesome - however, I was setting up the tank that day, so decided to stick with the calcium carbonate (very expensive) - and put the zeolite in my outdoor pond where I have goldfish.  I will keep you posted as to results there.
The 15 kg bag of zeolite cost $17.50 ........ hope this helps !!

[GTR73]

[quote:5c1654b486="Ulysses048"]The Zeolite I originally posted about came from a pump company on the Sunshine Coast where I usually buy pool filter sand for my aquariums.
It is labelled "Natural Zeolite Mineral" - Grain Size 0.5 to 2mm.
It is manufactured in Australia by Zeolite Australia Ltd - and is labelled Davey Products Pty Ltd, Scoresby, Victoria.
It is a beautiful reddish brown and that is why I was asking if it was suitable as a substrate - as I think it would look awesome - however, I was setting up the tank that day, so decided to stick with the calcium carbonate (very expensive) - and put the zeolite in my outdoor pond where I have goldfish.  I will keep you posted as to results there.
The 15 kg bag of zeolite cost $17.50 ........ hope this helps !![/quote:5c1654b486]

Zeolite needs to be replaced every 2-4 weeks, as it reaches a saturation point and ion exchange ceases, therefore ammonia removal will stop. My understanding is it will possibly leach ammonia back into the water, or at least cause some kind of biological imbalance if left there.
So I certainly wouldn't use it as a substrate.
However I did mention in my previous post it can be recharged, so you can re-use the stuff on a lesser scale.   :wink:

[ashhhh]

yeah, i was thinking it might be good idea to chuck some in an internal powerhead filter on newly set-up tanks, not as a substrate - just as a safe gaurd against any ammonia spike...basically what GTR said