New question.

[demfish]

I have been reading again... Was wondering if anybody else has heard this...Ammo-chips will absorb ammonia, but if you add salt it will all get released again. This was on a well known fish site.

[Carl]

Dec 28, 2008 9:40:34 GMT -5 demfish said:

I have been reading again... Was wondering if anybody else has heard this...Ammo-chips will absorb ammonia, but if you add salt it will all get released again. This was on a well known fish site.

Yes this is correct, but only in amounts over 1.010 (or higher) specific gravity, which 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons does not even come close to.

I have more information about Ammo Chips (Zeolite) as well as most other filter media in this article (the Ammo Chips are in the Chemical Filter media section):

Aquarium Answers; Filter Media Types

Carl

[demfish]

Thanks Carl, better to always ask. As we all know, not everything we read on the Internet is not always true...

[Carl]

Dec 28, 2008 11:15:03 GMT -5 demfish said:

Thanks Carl, better to always ask. As we all know, not everything we read on the Internet is not always true...

Your welcome!

I hope that I as well am clear when I too am simply posting opinions that may be based on good observations, experience, etc.

Often what is posted on the internet or told to unknowing customers asking questions at LFS is not fact, but someones opinion that may not even have good evidence behind the comments.
However often well intentioned persons will make comments such as I have observed of late in many other forums about Melafix claiming that it should not be used with Bettas as it will/may kill them. This is based on observations of isolated incidences, but not in scientific facts. I too have my own theories, but have to admit that these are theories, not facts. What I can say is that Melafix does NOT kill Bettas in most cases of treatment.

I know my previous paragraph was off subject somewhat, but I was basically trying to make the point that often many in this hobby/industry confuse theories or other anecdotal information as facts. Yes there are MANY provable facts that many choose to ignore, however much of what we have to do in this hobby is to make educated guesses that are often fact based, but are still guesses. This of course includes my comments as well.

Reef Keeping, lighting, chemistry, stunting, medications are just a few areas to be really careful as to information presented are often opinions or anecdotal information is presented as facts or often worse facts are totally ignored (often in what medications can and cannot do)

Carl

[8 in the Corner]

Dec 28, 2008 9:40:34 GMT -5 demfish said:

I have been reading again... Was wondering if anybody else has heard this...Ammo-chips will absorb ammonia, but if you add salt it will all get released again. This was on a well known fish site.

Ammo chips are just an extra expense that you need not have. They do work, but doing weekly or bi-weekly 30-40% water changes instead, removes ammonia (along with nitrites and nitrates) quite nicely and costs nothing out of pocket until the water bill comes due.

The specific gravity that Carl mentions is almost pure sea water (1.0125 is, I think) and unless you have a marine tank set-up you don't need to worry.
8