Korallen-Zucht ZEOvit Filter Media: Chemical Filter Media for Coral Reef Aquariums

*	Highest quality zeolite media for low-nutrient coral reef aquariums

*	Permanently absorbs ammonium & ammonia from aquarium water

*	Forms the foundation of a ZEOvit low-nutrient reef aquarium system

Take the first step in employing the ZEOvit system for brilliantly-colored coral reef aquariums. Korallen-Zucht ZEOvit Filter Media is a balanced mix of three different natural zeolites of the highest quality selected to form the foundation of a ZEOvit low-nutrient reef aquarium system. ZEOvit Filter Media permanently absorbs ammonium (NH4+) and ammonia (NH3), the first two chemicals in the nitrification cycle, to prevent the formation of nitrite (NO2) and nitrate (NO3).

Proper use of ZEOvit Filter Media promotes very clear aquarium water as well as aquarium conditions that support brilliant natural coloration and growth of all corals. Use ZEOvit Filter Media in conjunction with Korallen-Zucht ZEObak Microorganism Solution, ZEOFood7 Bacteria and Coral Food and ZEOstart3 Phosphate and Nitrate Reductor to remove phosphates and nitrates to form a stronger foundation of the ZEOvit low-nutrient reef aquarium system. Use ZEOvit Filter Media with a media reactor at a flow rate no greater than 100 gph.

Goal for the ZEOvit low-nutrient reef aquarium system
The purpose of the ZEOvit system is to create a low nutrient, near natural levels, environment. The goal is to reduce measurable levels of nitrate (NO3) and phosphate (PO4) without lowering the levels of important minerals, like calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K+) and carbonate hardness (KH), such that addition of these trace elements is minimal.

Downloadable General Guide for the ZEOvit System PDF.
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Please click "More Information" for dosing directions and important information regarding use.

Dosing:

Amount to be used in newly-established tanks with fresh water and live rock (non-stocked):
- Use 1 liter ZEOvit per 100 gallons net water volume with two exchange intervals of 4 weeks each. Subsequent dosing should follow that designed for tanks that are nutrient poor and running stable with ZEOvit system. Water flow through the media should be between 50 and 100 gallons per hour.
Amount to be used in tanks with high-nutrient load and in tanks using ZEOvit for the first time (already stocked):
- Use 1 liter ZEOvit per 150 gallons net water volume with exchange interval of 6-8 weeks. Subsequent dosing should follow that designed for tanks that are nutrient poor and running stable with ZEOvit system. Water flow through the media should be 50-60 gallons/hour per 1 liter of ZEOvit during the first few weeks.
Amount to be used in tanks, which are nutrient poor and running stable with ZEOvit system (already stocked):
- Use 1 liter ZEOvit per 100 gallons net water volume with exchange interval of 6-12 weeks. Water flow through the media should be 50-100 gallons/hour per 1 liter of ZEOvit.

NOTE: It is important to have sufficient water flow through the filter material (200-400 liters per 1 liter of ZEOvit). The manufacturer recommends not exceeding the maximum flow rate of 100 gph per 1 liter of ZEOvit, which could undoubtedly have a negative impact. High water flow through the media in already stocked tanks, especially during the start up of this system, has shown to cause slow tissue loss in SPS corals. The manufacturer recommends a lower flow rate through the media during the first few weeks of introduction of this method to a tank already stocked with corals. The effectiveness of this system in reducing nutrients could result in changes that are to abrupt when higher flow rates are used. However, corals need time to "adapt" to these new nutrient conditions.

The manufacturer also recommends against use of phosphate absorbers, no matter if iron or aluminum based, when using this system. The system by itself is able to lower and maintain low levels of PO4 very effectively.

The amount of ZEOvit used is 1 liter per 100 gallons of water. It is important not to exceed this recommended amount, because excessive amounts of ZEOvit could have a negative effect on SPS corals and lead to tissue necrosis and therefore coral death. Signs of overdose are tissue loss starting from the coral tips or the complete loss of all tissue within a short period of time (i.e., rapid tissue necrosis, RTN). This problem occurs usually because of the rapid change in nutrient conditions in the tank. As mentioned above, corals need time to adapt to changes and an overdose does not allow for gradual changes. In order to calculate the required amount of material, take the gross water volume of the total system and subtract approximately 20% for an average decorated tank to come up with the net water volume. Use this net water volume to determine the required amount of ZEOvit.

The manufacturer recommends using only 60% of the required material for the first interval if your corals display high levels of zooxanthellae (i.e., dark brown with dull tissue appearance because of unnaturally high nutrient load). Rinse the ZEOvit material very well with fresh water before use so that fine particles created by abrasion during transportation are removed. An initial cloudiness in the water during introduction of new material is not harmful to living organisms and usually disappears within an hour.

It is important to clean the material daily to maintain optimum performance. The ZEOvit filter, specifically designed for the system, makes it possible to accomplish this task within a minute. The ZEOvit filter system consists of a cylindrical tube in which water from the tank flows from the bottom to the top. The ZEOvit material is placed on top of a perforated plate, which is connected to a PVC rod. To clean the material, push and pull the rod (about 2-4 inches) approximately 10-15 times. Keep the filter pump running during this cleaning process. If possible, the manufacturer recommends doing this cleaning once or twice daily. It is not detrimental, if you are unable to perform this task for several days. Return to the regular cleaning schedule as soon as possible.

General Information
Korallen-Zucht ZEOvit Filter Media consists of three different zeolites. These zeolites were chosen because of their ability to reduce certain toxins in a balanced manner. The functional life of the mix is limited and has to be exchanged every 6-12 weeks depending on the tanks nutrient load. The replacement of old zeolite material with new can be conducted in a single session. The useful life is directly related to the tanks nutrient level. The higher the load of organic compounds (phosphate - PO4 and nitrate - NO3), a shorter interval for material exchange is required.

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