Interesting Zeolite/nutrient thread in SPS forum

[Reefer08]

So has it been proven that the zeolites directly reduce ammonia NH3 and ammonium NH4+? Supposedly these zeolites are supposed to reduce these first two chemicals in the nitratification cycle before they lead to nitrite and nitrate. I would like to know if anyone can verify these claims??

Thanks

 

[slow_leak]

I believe those claims are correct in Fresh Water systems. It is typical to see zeolites in uncycled goldfish bowls still. I thought it was still highly questioned in reef systems. It is a pourous substance that can grow bacteria however, just like live rock. There are 40 types of natural occurring zeolites so refuting a vendor claim becomes tedious and unnecessary.

However anecdotal evidence is Vodka dosing and amino acid dosing is reported very promising so far even without zeolite.

I am more on the bleeding edge of this trend. I use KNO2 at levels of 2ppm to control cyano that is often reported in Vodka dosing.

Could someone clarify any other differences between Vodka dosing with amino acids and Omega fatty acids without zeolite compared with the packaged products of Zeovit, or Ultralith.

 

[slow_leak]

I meant nitrate not nitrite

 

[eggiel]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15365630#post15365630 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefer08
So has it been proven that the zeolites directly reduce ammonia NH3 and ammonium NH4+? Supposedly these zeolites are supposed to reduce these first two chemicals in the nitratification cycle before they lead to nitrite and nitrate. I would like to know if anyone can verify these claims??

Thanks

I dont want to say its has been proven but i did the test
Using zeovit for a year now and seeing good results i challenge to do the 14 day cycle in a new setup

Results were not seeing p04 or no3 during the cycle
Testing every other day with Hanna photometer and Lamotte
Adding corals and fish slowly

Dosing Zeostart, Zeobak, Sponge Power and Zeolithes

The water was 100% from RO/DI

Sustrate was brand new non live crush coral rinse with RO/DI

Rock was precured

Zeolithes absorb ammonia and ammonium the first 2 in the netrification cycle so that the possibilty why we dont get to see nitrate

Zeoliths dont absorb fosfate or nitrate the bacteria is the one in charge to consume it and elimante it by exportion thru protein skimming. Thats what I understand

 

[slow_leak]

that's interesting.

I guess the next challenge is to see if the same results can be obtained without zeolite. For example a carefully controlled and dosed carbon source, and bacteria source from zeovit or prodibio.

 

[slow_leak]

that's interesting.

I guess the next challenge is to see if the same results can be obtained without zeolite. For example a carefully controlled and dosed carbon source, and bacteria source from zeovit or prodibio.

I think the NPK ratios in ultra low nutrient systems can favor cyanobacteria growth. Have you seen this in your tank?

 

[eggiel]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15367699#post15367699 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by slow_leak
that's interesting.

I guess the next challenge is to see if the same results can be obtained without zeolite. For example a carefully controlled and dosed carbon source, and bacteria source from zeovit or prodibio.

I think the NPK ratios in ultra low nutrient systems can favor cyanobacteria growth. Have you seen this in your tank?

starting up the same system with out the zeoliths
just dosing
That will be an other test

Cyano will only appear if overdosing the carbon source
just like with vodka
Thats why is recomended to test fosfate and nitrate so the dosing could be adjusted

Yes seen it in my tank and adjusting the dosing and siphoning it cleared up

 

[slow_leak]

What exactly did you use for carbon? and how much?

I suspect cyano can also appear when nitrates are the limiting factor for instead of phosphate. I am doing smething like your second test, without zeolite but also dosing KNO3 for awhile if things go favorable.
Only in the range of 2ppm.

 

[eggiel]

Zeo start 0.2ml when I started now only 0.1 ml everyday

 

[slow_leak]

Is that a Sugar/Ethanol/Vinegar solution or something else?

I have Salifert Amino Acids, Selecon Omega3's and, and solution above. I also use Prodibio Digest. Sort of a perversion of Dr. Pohls recipe, but essentially the same.

The only difference is Zeolite free and N ratio in manipulated by feeding extra nori, potassium nitrate is adjusted as well.

Single solution is added containing 2 week quantity of carbon source and nitrates. Digest and amino acids are added manually.
A dilution is dosed with bulk reef supply Drew's doser. I use Lamotte Nitrate and Hana LR Phosphate tester.

Cost is a fraction of zeolite and dosing is very accurate. I test and adjust every 2 weeks solution. Nitrates have not risen yet to 2ppm (less than 5 and greater than 0).

Vodka Sugar Vinegar = Free
AM Selecon = 11 for several months
Salifert AA = 12 for 1/2 year
Digest = 17 / 3month supply
KNO3 = 8 for one pound/ lifetime supply

I'll post before and after in a september.

 

[eggiel]

Cool
My results right now on my 75 gallon tank using full zeovit system is 0 P04 and 0 No3 using the same test kits as mention before

I have bottles since I started a year ago still using them the only bottle I have to buy twice is the bacteria

Colors and growth are great lets see in about six more months