Zeolite

[Matt_95]

Has anyone used zeolite as a shrimp substrate? Either by it's self or mixed with something else?? I use it for most of my tanks because A) it takes up any ammonia during the start up stage B) it provides an ongoing resource for nutrients that plants can use C) it has a high surface area for bacterial growth. I was thinking of using it to set up a few more tanks either by itself or with soil because I've run out of aqua soil, I use rainwater so I don't think I NEED aqua soil or shrimp soil because the ph is low enough. Inwas also thinking of using the salty shrimp minerals in conjunction with it. What's everyone's thoughts?

[BlueBolts]

2-3 years ago, all my new tanks had zeolite, as part of the filter medium. Several overseas breeders do use them as part of the substrate mix, but with benibachi/other shrimp soil etc.... I don't see the need to use them anymore. Doesn't hurt though...as an insurance, I drop a bag of purigen or nit razors in the sump.

[619torrey]

I have used In my filter it was pretty good :)

[Matt_95]

Thanks Marcus, what would the best substrate be, a mix of benibachi and zeolite or soil and zeolite. Assuming I don't need to buffer the water since it already has no hardness. I have had fantastic results with soil in the past and I even came up with some mixes that would keep the water clear as if I was using purigen.

[BlueBolts]

I'd just use the benibachi soil, and zeolite as part of the cannier filter ...

[shrimpsider]

Has anyone used zeolite as a shrimp substrate? Either by it's self or mixed with something else??

As zeolite has to be regenerized with salt after some time' date=' it is better to use it within an canister filter or in a bag. However, the main problem is that bacteria will quickly clogg the surface and reduce the ammonia-binding-effect. Therefore, it is mostly recommanded for moving bed filter, where it is constantly turned by the air flow. We have a really good article on it at the crustahunter webpage, but Uli Bauer has not translated it yet to English: [url']http://www.crustahunter.com/de/node/990 The author ofit (Roland Lück) has developped the Salty Shrimp salts for the garnelenhaus, a true expert working for a aquarium company in Göttingen.

Maybe she will if you write her a nice PM ;)

[Matt_95]

Thanks very much, IMO, the ammonia binding capabilities should only be be needed while the aquarium is established, after that it becomes a nutrient source for plants. Using it in a moving bed filter sonds very interesting though! I had a look at that article, how would I go about sending a PM? I cannot understand any of that. Will I need to join up?