Laterite, bentonite...subtrate questions

[bitbot]

Hi all,

I know the use of laterite kitty litter has been debated in the past. I looked at some brands at the supermarket today, and a couple of them said they used bentonite clay. Maybe that's what they use here in Australia.

Does anyone have experience with bentonite as a substrate, who can comment on safety for fish, ease of use, clouding, aesthetics (I gather it is grey rather than red)?

 

[mel_20_20]

Wow, I don't know the answer to that but I'm eager to hear from someone who does know and can tell us. I read about a biotope for dwarf puffers and it mentioned using laterite, about which I know nothing at all. I'm interested in hearing about it, and the other substrate, too.

 

[247Plants]

Laterite is an iron and mineral rich clay that is very soft. I dont think they make a kitty litter out of it.

Bentonite is made of weathered volcanic ash mainly consisting of montmorillonite, which is a much harder and porous and hard like a rock.

 

[bitbot]

Thanks 247,

so it sounds like they are very different.
I've looked at this old thread (among others), which does refer to the idea of cat litter made from laterite (although inconclusively).
btw I know nothing about geology.