What is zeolite and why might it help me?
Zeolite is a natural crystalline mineral (hydrated aluminosilicate), formed millions of years ago when volcanic ashes were deposited on the floors of alkaline lakes. The one we use, clinoptilolite, is one of over 40 different zeolites. It can remove certain ions from the water, such as ammonium, phosphate and calcium, via two processes: adsorption and ion exchange. In ion exchange, ammonium and other ions are taken in and exchanged for sodium from the zeolite, and locked away safely. When it’s full, you remove it from the tank or pond and soak it in saltwater. Ammonium and other ions are swapped back for the sodium in the salt, and after a rinse it’s used again. It also removes the same ions by adsorption, but this can result in some of the ions, including ammonium, being released back into the water at a later date. So zeolite won’t last forever and can only be recharged and remain effective so many times. It’s an effective solution in emergency ammonia situations, but keep testing an
