Denitrifying with Pond Matrix a real possibility???

[nossalucard]

Can anyone TRULY SAY( from PERSONAL EXPERIENCE) that using a large amount(4+ liters) of pond matrix WILL WORK to help denitrify, if a large canister filter (which is pre-filered and output reduced with ball valve) is filled with it and left undisturbed for 3+ months?

I keep seeing all these videos, but my OLD SCHOOL experience KNOWS BETTER... but I WANT to believe....

I have plenty of spare canisters I could use (3 new even), but was contemplating using a SUNSUN 304B I'm not currently using. I just don't want to get my hopes up. I'm trying to be *optomistic* but 20+ years in this hobby tells me otherwise....

Opinions, or shall i say EXPERIENCES GREATLY APPRECIATED....

 

[jwh]

I use it, and I don't believe it's that different to other similar media, e.g. ceramic rings. It is a base for bacteria to grow on, but the bacteria will grow on any rigid surface. I'm not convinced about the porosity of this media adding the surface area claimed, I think a lot of these pores clog up/ and or water doesn't or can't flow through it and adds little extra surface area in reality.
My 2c worth....

 

[DDK]

I'm quite experienced with denitrifying bacteria. I say no. Only place denitrifying bacteria is created is where there is no oxygen present. This means deep inside clogged ceramic media, gravel beds at least 5 inches deep and the amount of denitrifying bacteria that is produced is minimal as these area's in the tank nearly dont exist.

The reason why you can have 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite is because oxygen in the tank is very accessed without even trying. This means aerobic bacteria can grow to a amount where it can keep the levels at 0.

But not to bash on seachem as I use many of their products, matrix is straight garbage. Its just regular punice stone. Don't believe me? Go to your rock yard and see if they have pumice, if they do grab one and just feel the texture and weight of it. The reason why seachem can charge 15 times the price for it is because they "make sure everything is aquarium safe". In other words they put it through a metal detector. Biggest rip off next to aquarium salt.