The adsorption of basic dyes from aqueous solution onto granular activated carbon and natural zeolite has been studied by using a fixed bed column. The design procedures for fixed bed adsorption columns have been investigated for two basic dyes, Maxilon Goldgelb GL EC 400% (MG-400) and Maxilon Shwarz FBL-01 300% (MS-300). The effects of process variables such as bed height, volumetric flow rate, and dye concentration have been investigated. The results have been used to predict the effect of parameter changes on the system by using the bed depth service time (BDST) approach. The performances of the column charged with the natural zeolite were compared with those of the column charged with activated carbon.