The Algae problem solver/fighter/solution Zeolith/Zeolite

[JonnyP]

Hey guys. After watching Corys video about Algae problems I searched the forum for the keyword "zeolith" and I haven't found anything. Im very surprised by this since ive used zeolith for many years now and im more than satisfied with it. 

So what makes zeolites so special and why is it considered an all-round talent for the aquarium? The reason lies in the mineral structure of zeolites. Because of its structure (and more scientific stuff), zeolite allows good ion exchange and has a huge surface area for bacteria. Thus, it can bind phosphate or ammonium and, thanks to the porous material, offers an internal surface area of 4,500 to 5,000 square meters with only one gram of zeolite (!!!!!).

Zeolite can counteract the formation of algae, as it binds not only ammonium, nitrate and nitrite, but also phosphate in the aquarium. Phosphate is an important nutrient for pond plants, but a phosphate concentration of 0.1 milligrams per liter of water is sufficient. If the concentration is higher, algae formation is eventually promoted. Since zeolite binds phosphate, it reduces the nutrient concentration in your tank/pond and counteracts algae formation. In addition, as already mentioned, it offers an enormously large surface for beneficial bacteria. 

In summary, zeolite thus has the following effects 

- Binding of nitrite and ammonium
- Inhibits the formation of phosphate
- Improvement of water quality due to huge inner surface

Since I use Zeolith in my Aquariums and ponds ive NEVER had any real struggle or problems with algae, not even in the beginning phase(small and healthy amounts excluded).

I really hope that this post gets a lot attention so that less aquarium owner have to struggle with algae. Maybe even Cory sees this post and I can help him out a little bit ( : 

Btw feel of course free to share your opinion, thoughts or experiences to this topic below. 

Edited October 24, 2023 by JonnyP

[JonnyP]

Ive just seen that there are already topics about zeolite. But anyways I maybe helped someone ( ; 

[nabokovfan87]

I do have some that I got, but it's not something I've ever used.  I hear a lot about it being used in BCB plenum type of setups.
 

 

[JChristophersAdventures]

Don't know if it is any good, but I see where Buce Plant is selling an algae solution by Green Water Labs that it supposed to be organic and plant based. Just thought I would mention it here, so if anybody knows anything about it, please chime in. Thanks.

[Guppysnail]

@JChristophersAdventuresHazarding a guess here based on a known pond algae solution. Barley straw and barley straw extract are used in ponds to fight algae. 
 

*** I don’t actually know it is a complete guess. 

[JonnyP]

 

On 10/25/2023 at 5:31 PM, JChristophersAdventures said:

Don't know if it is any good, but I see where Buce Plant is selling an algae solution by Green Water Labs that it supposed to be organic and plant based. Just thought I would mention it here, so if anybody knows anything about it, please chime in. Thanks.

Zeolite is also 100% natural and organic. But ive never heard of the algae solution you mean. 

[reefhugger]

On 10/24/2023 at 4:55 PM, JonnyP said:

But anyways I maybe helped someone ( ; 

You did me!  Thank you for the post.  I have been dealing with green dust algae for months and hadn't heard of zeolith.

 

On 10/25/2023 at 12:42 PM, JonnyP said:

algae solution by Green Water Labs

I just purchased a bottle and am testing it on a small aquarium,  The current formula dosage is okay for smaller tanks, but the company is working on a more concentrated dose more cost effective for large tanks according to an inquiry I made.  

[Mmiller2001]

On 10/24/2023 at 2:50 PM, JonnyP said:

Phosphate is an important nutrient for pond plants, but a phosphate concentration of 0.1 milligrams per liter of water is sufficient. If the concentration is higher, algae formation is eventually promoted.

I disagree and maintain 10ppm of PO4 in my tank.

[JonnyP]

On 10/28/2023 at 9:51 PM, Mmiller2001 said:

I disagree and maintain 10ppm of PO4 in my tank.

That’s different for every tank. But that’s the information which I found and had succes with it.