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OTHER USES OF ATTAPULGITE

Helping Keep Aquarium Water Clean — The Natural Way

Most people think the aquarium nitrogen cycle is simple: fish waste turns into ammonia, then into nitrites, and finally into nitrates. Many also believe plants remove those nitrates from the water.

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While that can happen, plants only absorb nitrates properly when they are healthy and actively growing. If fish nibble on the leaves or disturb the roots, the plants can become stressed and may not remove nitrates effectively. When that happens, nitrate levels can build up in the tank.

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The Missing Final Step

According to Dr Kevin Novak, the nitrogen cycle is only truly complete when nitrates are converted into harmless nitrogen gas. This happens naturally through special bacteria called anoxic bacteria.

These bacteria live in low-oxygen areas — not fully oxygen-free, but not highly oxygenated either. In these conditions, they are able to break down nitrates and release nitrogen gas, which safely leaves the water.

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​Creating the Right Environment

To support these beneficial bacteria, aquarists create what is called an “anoxic system.” This involves:

  • A plenum (a small space under the substrate)

  • A natural clay material

  • Laterite (an iron source)

  • Gentle water movement

 

Where Chandler Cat Litter Comes In

Chandler Cat Litter is made from natural, unbaked clay. Because of its structure, it can help create the low-oxygen micro-environments needed for anoxic bacteria to grow and do their job.

When used in systems such as BCB (Biocenosis Clarification Basket) setups or in canister filters with laterite, our clay has been successfully used by aquarium hobbyists to help stabilise water conditions.

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Chandler Cat Litter is produced by Hudson Marketing Pty Ltd and is available across Australia at Coles, Woolworths, IGA and Bunnings.

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For more information about our products or where to purchase, please contact us directly.

For more information on how to care for you goldfish, visit Goldfish Care

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