Recharging of Zeolite Resin

Hi All,

I've recently learnt that its possible to recharge Zeolite Resin for re-use...I've struggled to locate the proper quantities of the mixture needed to recharge the Zeolite's...If anyone knows how to do it or where i can find out how to do it, please let me know...

 

Did not know. Thougt when its done its done

 

What's the difference between Zeolite and normal resin? Sorry I can't help you, I'm just curious to know what you're talking about ^^,

 

The resin can be recharged by washing it with a solution containing a high concentration of sodium ions (e.g. it has large amounts of common salt (NaCl) dissolved in it). The calcium and magnesium ions migrate off the resin, being replaced by sodium ions from the solution until a new equilibrium is reached.

Got this from Wikipedia, hope it helps and if it is applicable

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion-exchange_resin

 

yeah, i was under the same impression you were Vis, until last night while i was googling activated charcoal, and then i read that Zeolite resin can be recharged. Apparently, you have to keep it in a salt water solution for some time, i don't know how long and how much salt is needed, thats what i want to find out...I'm not sure linxie

yeah, i've been there Ruan, but thanks for the effort buddy

 

Probably leave it in the salt solution for a day or 2

 

think, i will do this tonight...is it true that Zeolite Resin only lasts for a month before it has to be changed?

 

Honestly I haven't used Zeolite before, but I believe it depends on the tank and the stocking levels.

Got this from ZeoSand which is used in pool filter sands:

"Yes. Like any water-softening resin, the ZeoSand ammonium trapping can be renewed with a saltwater rinse. Drain the filter, fill with a 10% salt solution, and let stand for at least two hours. Them, backwash to waste. For additional details see Refreshing"

 

thanks ruan, you have been a big help

 

Pleasure and please let us know if it works

 

will do...

 

Can I ask a NOOB question... what are we using Zeolite for?

 

Zeolite helps to trap amonia, nitrate and nitrites...my HOB isn't as powerful as i would like it to be...so i'm using Zeolite for extra "filtration" so to speak but i am looking at getting another filter to add to my tank...

 

Just a stupid question (again). If you are using chemical filtration to remove amonia, nitrates and nitrites, would this not effectively prevent the nitrogen cycle from happening, and thus also prevent the bacterial filtration from working?

Just a thought, I've actually never investigated it. Would be interestig to find out about it.

 

You call that a stupid question? For a moment I was dumbstruck, I would like to know that as well.

 

okay, my tank is cycled, but the water was slightly murky and i wasn't happy with it...it still is slightly murky, nothing to stress about, but i like the water to be clear, the reason for Zeolite was to clear up the water, i don't think it would effect the Nitrogen Cycle, as i the owner of a Pet Store used it in his tanks for 6months...and the water is crystal clear...i would have to investigate that, thanks Zoom, but i'm guessing my filtration needs to be upgraded...

 

I would be careful about following LPS examples. A local LPS in my area swears by under gravel filters as the way to go for any size tank. (What they don't tell you it that they are doing W/C every second day!)

 

okay, thanks for the heads up Zoom, but also to take note of, is that the Zeolite is not a permanent thing, it would be removed after a month or so...so, the bacterial filtration can still continue without the zeolites being present..i also found this on the internet

"Zeolites can also be used in chemical filtration. Zeolite removes ammonia from your aquarium water and can be a fish life saver if you have high ammonia levels. Many first time fishkeepers mistakenly add too many fish to a new aquarium before it has cycled and experience the disappointing loss of their fish. Using zeolite during the cycling process in your aquarium filter can help prevent this from happening but it has the side effect of lengthening the time it takes to complete the aquarium nitrogen cycle."

 

This could actually help speeding up the cycling process, by adding zeolite and gradually remove it as the bacteria grows in the biofilter.

 

I'm speculating here, but doesn't zeolite then lengthen the cycle period because it removes the 'food' your bacteria is supposed to use to grow, that sudden ammonia spike is supposed to stimulate the exponential growth of bacteria to counteract the bloom, increasing your bacteria and ending the first stage of the cycle, correct me where I'm wrong, (i probably am)

it sounds like zeolite does kind of starve your bacteria then as Zoom suggested, thats why the cycle takes longer