Zeolite as surface media?

[FranklinDattein]

Hi everyone,
A fellow reefer gave me 5l of zeo-ligh from Fauna Marin, a zeolite media that I have no use for.
I have a new tank on the way and will have to buy more surface media.
Can I use the zeolites as surface media instead?
Would it prevent cycling of a new tank by stripping ammonia?
What side effects should I keep an eye for?

My understanding is that it can allegedly trap ammonia ions in its small pores, which would be undesirable in my case.
Whoever, it looks the same as other media based on pumice, like seachem matrix, which I have used successfully for many years.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I can’t see any benefit from using it except as a simple bacteria substrate. It is likely fine for that.

 

[FranklinDattein]

For completeness, I have been running 5 liters of Zeolite in 1300l for two and half months and the recent ICP came with elevated Barium at 133ug/l.


Upon further research I stumble upon these links for anyone looking for more info:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/high-barium-and-zeovit-media.1012652/https://en.oceamo.com/reaktormedien/

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

FWIW, i personally wouldn't worry much about barium. It's not very toxic or soluble (limiting any possible rise). :)