Zeovit Zeolites vs AF Zeomix

[Intheflesh]

I am familiar with the workings of both systems. I had a successful Zeo tank for about a year, but I took it down. When I started my next tank, I moved to AF. My new tank is still in its infancy, and I am thinking of going back to Zeo before I add more livestock.

Any way, my question is this: are Zeomix and KZ Zeovit media the same? They are both zeolites; I know this. Are they formulated differently? They both perform differently in their respective systems, but is that way of the design of the system, or by the natural of the Zeolites themselves?

Zeomix can be purchased from BRS for about 42 for a 5L bucket. That is $8.40/L. KZ Zeovit media is sold by the L, and I think it ranges anywhere from $14-16/L depending on where you buy it. It's almost double the cost of the Zeo mix.

If I go back to Zeovit, I was thinking of using the AF Zeomix in my reactor, and the go ahead with dosing the normal KZ additives: Zeobac, start and Food.

 

[blackizzz]

Might not be the answer you're looking for, but:
KZ (ofc) recommends their own media, and people on the zeovit forum have had both success and trouble using other zeolith media (haven't heard of anyone using AF though) Personally though I'm using KZ simply due to "trusting the system", and having trouble in the past when using non KZ carbon (too aggressive) But in truth, you won't know until you or someone else tries it. I don't know the size of your system, but at 8 USD difference every 6-8 weeks (per liter) probably won't break the bank

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I don’t think the zeolites do anything except provide a nice place for bacteria to grow, so as long as the media do that, I can’t see it matters what it is made off.[emoji3]

 

[DiZASTiX]

I don’t think the zeolites do anything except provide a nice place for bacteria to grow, so as long as the media do that, I can’t see it matters what it is made off.[emoji3]

So what happens if you were to use zeolites with VSV? Would that be better than just VSV?

I'm thinking of getting a ZeoVit reactor to use with vinegar. What do you think of that idea, @Randy Holmes-Farley ? Hopefully not too lunatic!!

 

[Koigula]

Years ago I stated the same thing as Randy above on ReefCentral and ZeoVit had me booted from forum. The Zeolites can pull out Potassium though and ZeoVit has another blue bottle for that.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

So what happens if you were to use zeolites with VSV? Would that be better than just VSV?

I'm thinking of getting a ZeoVit reactor to use with vinegar. What do you think of that idea, @Randy Holmes-Farley ? Hopefully not too lunatic!!

As mentioned above, there may be some potassium binding that is, if anything, usually undesirable. The possible ammonia binding is not a useful feature, despite claims to that it does something useful.

But it should be fine to use with any type of organic dosing.

 

[Bacon505]

I think they’re the same just different name. I’m currently running AF zeolite and to be honest, cant tell if its helping the system or not

 

[AB_Reefer]

I don’t think the zeolites do anything except provide a nice place for bacteria to grow, so as long as the media do that, I can’t see it matters what it is made off.[emoji3]

Hi @Randy Holmes-Farley .
Is there any possibility that zeolite rocks offer something more than just a place for bacteria to colonize ? The reason i am asking is because after reading similar kind of info on some forums I decided to stop changing out my zeolite media in my Hybrid zeovit system.. Finally when i did change out the media after 3 months, to my surprise immediately my tank was looking super clean the next day and all the corals had much more vivid color and greater polyp extension..
I didnt make any other change on that day or even a few days ago except changing out the media.. So i am pretty sure its due to media change but not sure why..

 

[Koigula]

Reducing trace ammonia as it claims would not have the effect you describe.