Activated carbon and zeolite

Added 25.1.2026 12:04.24 Views count 31

Activated carbon and zeolite are often used in garden ponds as part of the filtration system. These are mineral and chemically active materials that significantly contribute to water clarity, odor reduction and the removal of harmful substances. Although they are not a biological filter like biofoam or Japanese mat, they supplement filtration and help maintain a healthy ecosystem.

Activated carbon and zeolite

⚙️ HOW ACTIVATED CARBON AND ZEOLITE WORK
1️⃣ Activated carbon

Adsorbs organic substances, toxins and water discoloration.

Removes drug residues, chemicals and odors.

Works quickly, but is only effective for a short time - it becomes saturated over time and must be replaced.

2️⃣ Zeolite

A mineral filter with a high ion exchange capacity.

Removes ammonia and heavy metals, which significantly reduces water toxicity.

Has a longer lifespan than activated carbon and can be regenerated by rinsing or salt water (depending on the type).

3️⃣ Combination of coal and zeolite

Coal removes organic pollution, odor and water color

Zeolite removes ammonia and some mineral impurities

Together, they provide comprehensive chemical filtration

🏠 CLAIMS AND PLACEMENT
💧 Water

Suitable for most garden ponds:

Temperature: 4–35 °C

pH: 6.5–8.5

GH/KH: as needed

⚙️ Environment

Place in:

pressure and chamber filters in separate filter compartments

use in biofilters or external filters

Never place them directly on the bottom of the pond, so as not to dissolve or clog with mud.

🧹 Maintenance

Activated coal: replace every 2–4 weeks (saturates quickly).

Zeolite: rinse every 1–3 months and regenerate as needed.

Do not use chemicals to avoid damaging the effectiveness of the materials.

🧠 CHARACTERISTICS

Passive chemical filter – does not interact with fish or plants directly

Safe material if intended for aquariums and ponds

Works only by chemical or physical filtration, not biological

🧱 TYPES
1️⃣ Activated carbon

Granulated – most often used in filter cartridges

Block – suitable for pressure filters or bio-chambers

2️⃣ Zeolite

Industrial mineral – high ability to bind ammonia and heavy metals

Granulated or powdered – depending on the type of filter and pond volume

3️⃣ Combined filters

Some filter cartridges contain a carbon and zeolite layer for complex chemical filtration

🩺 IMPACT ON POND HEALTH
POSITIVE

✔️ cleans water from chemical contaminants
✔️ removes odor and discoloration of water
✔️ reduces the level of ammonia and heavy metals metals
✔️ supplements biological filtration and protects fish

NEGATIVE / COMMON PROBLEMS

❌ activated carbon quickly becomes saturated and loses effectiveness
❌ incorrect dosage or clogging reduces effectiveness
❌ excessive use can disrupt the mineral balance of water

⚖️ ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
👍 ADVANTAGES

✅ fast chemical filtration
✅ removes odor, color and toxins
✅ zeolite removes ammonia and heavy metals
✅ supplements biological filtration
✅ easy replacement and maintenance

👎 DISADVANTAGES

❌ short-term effectiveness of activated carbon
❌ incorrect use can disrupt the chemical balance
❌ requires replenishment or regeneration
❌ does not remove biological impurities

🛒 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE

Purpose: carbon - color, odor, organics; zeolite – ammonia and heavy metals

Granule size: suitable for the filter chamber and filter type

Life span: coal 2–4 weeks, zeolite 1–3 months (can be regenerated)

Quality: designed for aquariums and ponds, non-toxic and safe

Combination: for larger ponds and koi ponds we recommend using both layers at the same time

📌 Tip: Zeolite is more suitable for long-term maintenance of water quality, coal is used more for quick removal of odors and water color.

🧭 PRACTICAL TIPS

Rinse in pond water before inserting

Use separate filter compartments to avoid mixing with biological foam or mat

Never use activated carbon for a long time - it will saturate and lose its effectiveness

You can reuse the zeolite after rinsing

📌 SUMMARY

Activated carbon and zeolite are important parts of the chemical filtration of the pond.

Carbon removes organics, odors and color of the water

Zeolite removes ammonia and heavy metals

Both complement biological filtration and contribute to fish health

Proper use and maintenance are the key to effective filtration

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