Ammo-Carb

Does anyone have an opinion about this particular product? I've read online that it "kills" ammonia and therefore prevents the buildup of necessary bacteria, therefore delaying the cycle or causing a mini-cycle. My LPS suggested it merely neutralizes ammonia, but leaves them in there. The LPS also suggested I wouldn't need a bio-filter then either, which just doesn't sound right. Thanks in advance.

 

Hmm, I don't know anything about this product, but if it states you don't need a filter with it, it really does sound weird. I'd definitely have a filter in my tank. If it neutralizes ammonia, then I guess it prevents the cycle from ever beginning. But that means you'd have to be using this product all the time and you need to know exactly how much to use it. Imagine all the stress on fish from the constant addition of this chemical to your water. If you cycle your tank naturally, you won't need to be adding any chemicals to your tank water (save dechlorinator if you're using tap water). All you'll need to do is regular weekly partial water changes to keep your water clean. And of course, no overstocking.

 

To explain as I understand, it's basically a mix of carbon and I think zeolyte, which goes into the chemical slot of my filter. The zeolyte is supposed to not kill, but alter the ammonia in such a way that it's no longer toxic to the fish while keeping the ammonia in tact enough to keep the nitrogen cycle going.

Has anyone else used this product?

 

This website: https://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~SearchStr~ammo carb~action~view~idProduct~AP2163~idCategory~FIFMCHCM~category~Aquarium_Pharmaceuticals_Ammo_Carb_18oz_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Filter_Media_Chemical_Carbon~vendor~.html describes this product as "A special blend of highly activated carbon - an economical filter carbon for the tropical fish hobbyist. Removes colors, odors & poisonous waste from fresh and saltwater aquariums. Can be used in all filter cartridges."

As long as this product does not mess with Ammonia or Nitrite, but rather works like normal charcoal / activated carbon / zeolite, then you have nothing to worry about. It's the products that mess with Ammonia and Nitrite that are a problem because they may upset the Nitrogen Cycle in a tank.

 

That's it Isabella.
Thank you much.

 

Wait a minute. Look what I found in Dr. Foster & Smith catalogue (they send it to me every once in a while). I hope this helps.