Benibachi BeeMax and Benibachi Mineral Powder really needed for a Taiwan Bee Setup?

[Otto72]

As the title says are these two products necessary under the substrate for a Taiwan Bee setup? I have read a lot of threads on various forums and lot's of people seem to use this method.
I also read another thread mentioning someone had an issue with foul smelling water after using BeeMax (or both products).
Can the shrimp experts here please give me some more info about these two products or even maybe an alternative two products or is it even needed at all? Thanks guys