Coral snow alternative

[Proteus]

Just wondering if anybody has used food grade bentonite in place of zeo coral snow. It's a fraction of the cost.

[Myka]

Interesting question, though I think that's a no. :) How long have you been doing it? How much do you use?

[Proteus]

Over a year now. I mix it with ro to the consistency of cream. No real mix ratio.
I add it directly to the return pump as it does clump a little. A lfs does mix it quite a bit more runny and just Adda more though I'm unsure of their mix ratio... Any way I'm adding 10ml to 125 gallons 3x a week. Usually after I blow off the rocks.

I believe I originally found out about it on reef central. It was a thread on finding out what zeo is made of

[Myka]

Since you mentioned bentonite in my tank journal I've been doing some searching regarding it. Not a lot of info really.

[Proteus]

No there's not alot I'll see if I can find the original thread I found.
There are quite a few people that are now doing it in the Edmonton area

[Proteus]

Found this.
I also recall my father in law using bentonite in wine as a clarifier (floculant)
Bentonite clay does not affect your water chemistry. It works because at the ionic level it carries an electric charge which attracts other charged molecules. This attraction "focculates" (clumps) organics and other sub-micon fines around itself, which in turn then is large enough to filter or settle. This is how zeovit coral snow works - this is how the product I posted works. The difference is zeovite charges > $50.00 for 500mls of their product, while what I posted costs <$8.00 for the same amount.

This is nothing new - bentonite clay has been used to clear cloudy water forever. (its even in some of the salt mixes you buy) - it used to be called koi-clay. But suit yourself - good luck.

[Myka]

Interesting. :) I just bought a bottle of CS a month ago though so I'm good for a couple years at least.

[Proteus]

I've never hard a adverse effect from using it. I change out filter socks the morning after I dose it also, and skimmer does pick it up

[Icefire]

I thought Coral Snow was Calcite Chalk? (CaCO3)

[Proteus]

From what I read a little says yes along with Magnisium
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2098589

[Delphinus]

Where can you buy the stuff? At a winemaking kind of place, maybe?

[Proteus]

Where can you buy the stuff? At a winemaking kind of place, maybe?

I checked wine stores and the product is expensive and granular.
I bought off of Amazon and health food stores.
I just checked Amazon and of coarse with the falling dollar it's $35 a pound.
Make sure it's food grade

[Delphinus]

Something like this? But seems way cheaper than #35/lb so maybe it's the wrong stuff? http://www.amazon.com/Grade-Pound-Wyoclay-Bentonite-Cleanser/dp/B011AJ5QRQ/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1452017597&sr=8-11&keywords=food+grade+bentonite

[Proteus]

Yep good deal. Same stuff

[Myka]

So I did a bunch of hunting around. A biologist that I'm familiar with says that bentonite has enough copper in it to be detrimental to a reef tank. He also said he's analyzed Coral Snow and it is a type of clay, but he can't divulge any more information than that. It is not chalk and it is not bentonite.

[Proteus]

Was it food grade that he spoke of

[hillegom]

Proteus, do you have snails and crabs in your tank?
If so, then there is not enough copper in the bentonite you use.
Where do you source yours?
Thanks

[Proteus]

Yes snail, few hermits, seastar, shrimp. Lots of critters

I buy from health foods store. It's food grade as some people eat it

[mrhasan]

Yes snail, few hermits, seastar, shrimp. Lots of critters

I buy from health foods store. It's food grade as some people eat it

Food grade can have copper in it since copper is considered to be a good trace element for health.

[Proteus]

Food grade can have copper in it since copper is considered to be a good trace element for health.

Yes it can.. I did some reading and found that it can contain copper zinc and silver as they are used for antibacterial.
Though it stated that these are treated and added to the mixture.
Not saying mine does or does not. Though I have a healthy tank

[mrhasan]

Yes it can.. I did some reading and found that it can contain copper zinc and silver as they are used for antibacterial.
Though it stated that these are treated and added to the mixture.
Not saying mine does or does not. Though I have a healthy tank

Probably not enough to cure ich so doesn't cause problem :mrgreen: