43 Zeolite filter

Zeolite is an umbrella term of a variety of different minerals, e.g. clinoptilolite, bentonite. They are suitable as ion exchangers and have adsorber capabilities.

For example, zeolite can remove heavy metals from seawater by ion exchange. Fine granules should be used in the filter for this purpose. It can also be used as a suspension (powder present in water) for treatment. Control of heavy metal concentrations can only be done by ICP analysis. Zeolites can also help quickly with acute ammonia problems.

In the zeolite process, the zeolite serves as a growth and adsorbent surface. Coarse material should be used. Organic matter is deposited on the surface of the zeolite for use by growing bacteria. The growing bacteria take up small amounts of nitrate and phosphate. Excess bacteria should be rinsed off daily by shaking up the zeolite fill or by flushing with increased water inflow and/or with air and released into the aquarium. Corals and filter feeders utilize this bacterioplankton. Especially in aquariums with extremely low N and P concentrations (ultra-low NP), this method has a stabilizing effect on sensitive SPS corals.