Bentonite clay

[t0mmy108]

can it be used in saltwater reefs? I use "koiclay" for my pond and it does wonders for absorbing unwanted metals, toxins and binds suspended organics. I believe it is also a source of calcium. Anyone ever try it in a saltwater sump?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I don't believe that it would appreciably add calcium to seawater, but it might bind some metals and organics. Activated carbon might do an even better job at that, however. I've not heard of anyone using it, but I'm sure some have.

 

[asnatlas]

Anyone else ??

 

[Kolognekoral]

Shawn,

I used to teach ceramics and bentonite is typcally used in very small amounts to thicken glazes or add elasticity to clay. It is extremely hydroscopic. Pure bentonite with water makes an unbelievably sticky, viscous slime! I wouldn't want to use it in a filter or aquarium.

Perhaps there are other forms of bentonite. I am only familiar with the fine grade powder.

 

[BeanAnimal]

bentonite has many uses (as mentioned filtration is one of them). It is used as a coagulant to stop water flow in underground wells and fissures.. and dozens of other ways.

I learned something new... it is used in glazes

I don't see it being a problem if you can find a way to use it without the mess. Of course you will want to ensure you get a good quality bentonite that has no contaminates that could cause you problems.

 

[Screener]

Reviving an old thread i know but.... Bentonite is used in wine making to absorb excess protein. SePro has a Bentonite Lanthanum blend called PhosLock where the Lanthanum ions are sequestered in the bentonite. It is sold in small pellets to cast about in lakes and ponds to remove phosphate from the water column then sink and cap the benthic layers to prevent phosphate leaching up into the water. So I wonder of anyone has used such a compound in reef tank or a reactor to replace GFO and GAC.

What do the water chemistry experts think?

 

[bertoni]

I don't think it'd replace GAC, but such a product might work well enough for phosphate. It might make a mess, though, in a high-flow tank. I don't know how it'd do, in terms of physical integrity, and how easy it'd be to remove.

 

[Screener]

I was thinking it would have to be run inside a canister filter or dripped as a dilute slurry into a low micron sized sock. ?? Bentonite is sposed to be good at absorbing protein too. It doesn't seem to change the color of wine so maybe you are right - would not replace activated charcoal

 

[bertoni]

I don't know which of those two choices might work better, if either. It'd take some experimentation.