Here's my conclusion of the matter in regard to the Pond Matrix in my sump:
I agree my comparison has several flaws such as different fish/bioloads, also could have tested water only at a set time(s) per week so to better compare any change in nitrate level over time. My purpose with this post is simply to present the data so that members here might draw their own conclusions. I also give my opinion.
I cannot quantify the nitrate reduction due to the presence of the Matrix in the setup. However, based on my experience with nitrate buildup in my setups over the years with "comparable" bioloads, in conjuction with the slower nitrate buildup in this 750gal setup as evidenced in the Test Readings, I am fairly certain that the Matrix has been a contributing factor in lowering the nitrate.
On an even more subjective note, my personal observation of the 450gal & 750gal setups over the past 8 months of water changes, even before gathering the test results, has revealed a marked difference in the frequency of water changes needed between the two setups. Needless to say, it has been a pleasant surprise each time I went to do water changes in which approximately 50% of those times I discovered that the water change was not needed for the 750gal setup while it was needed for the others. That right there is the final result that really matters to me.
I agree my comparison has several flaws such as different fish/bioloads, also could have tested water only at a set time(s) per week so to better compare any change in nitrate level over time. My purpose with this post is simply to present the data so that members here might draw their own conclusions. I also give my opinion.
I cannot quantify the nitrate reduction due to the presence of the Matrix in the setup. However, based on my experience with nitrate buildup in my setups over the years with "comparable" bioloads, in conjuction with the slower nitrate buildup in this 750gal setup as evidenced in the Test Readings, I am fairly certain that the Matrix has been a contributing factor in lowering the nitrate.
On an even more subjective note, my personal observation of the 450gal & 750gal setups over the past 8 months of water changes, even before gathering the test results, has revealed a marked difference in the frequency of water changes needed between the two setups. Needless to say, it has been a pleasant surprise each time I went to do water changes in which approximately 50% of those times I discovered that the water change was not needed for the 750gal setup while it was needed for the others. That right there is the final result that really matters to me.
