Activated carbon and zeolite, is it needed?

[xxamyxx85]

Hi everyone,
I set up my new tank two weeks ago and moved everything over, I have my old filter running in the tank.
My new filter has a clip off bottom with sponge and in the middle of the sponge is activated carbon and zeolite, The instructions advise to change the whole sponge unit every month, I was just going to rinse the sponge and refill with carbon/zeolite, but I was wondering do I need it?, could I just leave the centre of the sponge empty? I have noticed my plants are not doing so well and thought maybe the activated carbon taking all the nutrients? Any advice much appreciated.

 

[Colin_T]

Don't use carbon or Zeolite in aquariums.

Carbon removes chemicals and heavy metals from the water. Most tap water doesn't have many chemicals and heavy metals.

Zeolite removes ammonia from the water and stops the beneficial filter bacteria from developing.

------------------
Just have sponges in the filter.

 

[Salty&Onion]

I agree with above

 

[Retired Viking]

I only use the carbon cartridges to remove medication from the tank. I add more sponge to the slots where the carbon was and any other cartridges the manufactures try and sell me.

 

[xxamyxx85]

Thank you, I’m so glad I asked rather than going with manufacturers instructions, this site is just amazing, as are all of you!! Thanks again.

 

[Salty&Onion]

this site is just amazing

It is

 

[xxamyxx85]

It is

It’s amazing that people give up their time to explain, educate and share their knowledge of all things fish! Reminds me that’s there are lots of really kind people out their in the world.... warms the heart!!
Well my little Bettas in bed, so I will remove the activated carbon first thing in the morning.

 

[xxamyxx85]

Don't use carbon or Zeolite in aquariums.

Carbon removes chemicals and heavy metals from the water. Most tap water doesn't have many chemicals and heavy metals.

Zeolite removes ammonia from the water and stops the beneficial filter bacteria from developing.

------------------
Just have sponges in the filter.

Does this mean my new filter won’t have seeded? do I need to start my timing over and leave my old filter in there longer?

 

[Salty&Onion]

Does this mean my new filter won’t have seeded? do I need to start my timing over and leave my old filter in there longer?

Yes, zeolite will stop any beneficial bacteria from getting into your filter.

 

[xxamyxx85]

Yes, zeolite will stop any beneficial bacteria from getting into your filter.

Okay so I want to cry a little bit.... does that mean cycling starts over for me tomorrow morning? Will any bacteria in the old filter still be there?

 

[Essjay]

The bacteria will still be there. They don't die quickly if they have no food, after a few weeks they'll go dormant and in a few months they'll die. Since it's only been two weeks with with zeolite you'll still have virtually all the bacteria in the old filter. And if any have gone dormant, it's only for a very short time so they'll 'wake up' quickly.

Take the carbon-zeolite part out tomorrow, and see if you can squeeze some of the old filter media into the place where they were.

The plants will help as well. Once they get their ammonia fertiliser, they should perk up.

 

[Colin_T]

If you moved established filter media/ material into the new tank, the beneficial bacteria will still be in the media. However, the Zeolite will have removed any ammonia you put in the tank and stopped the bacteria from growing.

If you remove the Zeolite, the bacteria in the old filter will start growing again.

 

[xxamyxx85]

Thank you for clearing that up, I just want to get the bloody stuff out now..... I know I’m going to lay awake tonight worrying about my bacteria