I certainly used zeolite in the setup stages of my new aquasoil tank to reduce ammonia. Zeolite works great, and I dont think it really has any impact on trace minerals or Fe. Carbon might, but only a little bit--not really noticeable, and is still useful in the setup of new tanks. After the zeolite has been exhausted in a few weeks, it will have been colonized by beneficial bacteria, and become great bio-media (The same with the carbon). At this point, the plants should be established well enough to take care of any ammonia that might occur.

Aquasoil really leaches a lot of ammonia and organics(DOC) into the water of a newly setup tank. Zeo-Carb is perfect for this. Zeolite for the ammonia, and activated carbon for the dissolved organics.

I think that the continued use of zeolite & zeocarb would be great in fish only tanks, and only really be useful in the startup phase of new plant tanks.

Great point, MediaOne.

-Mike B-