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.
⚙️ 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
Tags
- 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.
