Zeolite as substrate? Good or bad?

[steve24cro]

Im thinking of setting up a small planted tank, saw my LFS has 20kg bags of 2mm Zeolite, would this make a good substrate in a planted tank? Does it have any nutrients that would be beneficial to plants?

I was going to use Zeolite alone as a substrate 4 - 5cm of it.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with using it as a substrate?

[mbuna man]

I use zeolite in my filter and was told to soak it in bleech every 3 months . The lfs guy said after 3 months it starts to release toxins back into the aquarium the same as carbon.

[Michiel]

It regenerates with salt not bleach and it never releases toxins but only becomes saturated.

Do not use it as substrate as your bacteria will never grow in the tank itself. Either use in a sump or in the filter so waste will still break down otherwise you sit with a tank full of crap.

Zeolite's shape is part of the reason for it's effectiveness but not good on the fishes skin as it is abrasive.

[mbuna man]

It regenerates with salt not bleach and it never releases toxins but only becomes saturated.

Do not use it as substrate as your bacteria will never grow in the tank itself. Either use in a sump or in the filter so waste will still break down otherwise you sit with a tank full of crap.

Zeolite's shape is part of the reason for it's effectiveness but not good on the fishes skin as it is abrasive.

Regenerate in salt not bleech More great info from the lfs

Thanks Michiel

[steve24cro]

thanks so i dont know why my LFS sells big bags of it as substrate hmm