Seachem matrix reviews and thoughts please

I think it's good. I think that "Pond Matrix" is the exact same thing for a lot cheaper, though. Look into it, might save you a few bucks.

I'm using lava rocks... much much cheeper and it accomplishes the same goal

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Substrat pro is said to be better. That's what I use because of a sale. There is a thread comparing the surface area of various media somewhere around here.

I am a Seachem matrix fan , pond matrix, you will need to setup a rotation for adding some new while cleaning the old, can clean the old by boiling it. should do 1/4 of it every 3 months or so. so have extra on hand so you always have some extra to put in filter while cleaning the dirty stuff.

What you talking bout Willis?

pops said:

I am a Seachem matrix fan , pond matrix, you will need to setup a rotation for adding some new while cleaning the old, can clean the old by boiling it. should do 1/4 of it every 3 months or so. so have extra on hand so you always have some extra to put in filter while cleaning the dirty stuff.

Click to expand...

matrix needs to be cleaned out every 3 or 4 months or the pores clog up. same as ceramic noodles or any other hard porous media. by doing only part of it you do not lose cycle on the filter. sorry just advise IMHO.

I am not a big fan of either matrix or any other ceramic long term. Yes, they do clog over time. And you can't boil or bleach it out. It clogs with minerals that are a byproduct of the nitrification process. One of the ceramic suppliers, I think Fluval, actually recommends replacing it annually. They don't say why, but it is my guess for the reason stated. I have switched over to Poret foam in all of my filters except my moving bed that uses K1. Poret now offers a foam specifically for MB filters but I have no plans to try it. Poret can only be purchased in the US from Swiss Tropicals. Poret won't break down like ALL other sponge material will over time. It is good for at least 5 if not 10 years. Ever have a sponge filter make it past 2 years?

Some further reading
http://www.seachem.com/support/SpecificSurface.pdf
http://www.swisstropicals.com/library/swisstropicals-poret-foam/
http://www.swisstropicals.com/faq/
http://poretfoam.com/resources/Hamburg Mattenfilter.pdf

Matrix is good but Marine Pure Spheres are better.

Also in relation to replacing ceramic media, I have never had to replace matrix or marine pure, only ceramic noodles, they break up and go all crumbly. Matrix and marine pure don't.

I have never needed to clean either

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