Headcount/review on who uses SeaChem Matrix/Pond Matrix in FX5's (or Canisters)

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House 64

House 64

Polypterus
MFK Member
Jun 26, 2006
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An island somewhere......
Wanted to get a headcount and reviews from FX5 owners who use SeaChem Matrix in their baskets. I've read a few threads but some were a little dated and others didn't have too much input. I'm contemplating ordering some of the Matrix for the home aquaria rather than the Pond Matrix because of size. Any and all responses would be appreciated on either Matrix or Pond Matrix. Thank you.
 
Pond matrix would probably be better because it will be big enough to not be able to fit through the baskets on the FX5. I use media bags on all my media but the odd piece falls out here or there. Since they're the same price, might as well go bigger.


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Matrix looks like rocks and seems wayyy less pourus then ceramic. Imo fluval cnodes are perfect for fx5 given the fact they almost interlock and are ridiculously pourus. Im not saying matrix doesnt work cuz bb houses in anything, just seems too dense

#1 S. Vettel
 
I use pond matrix in all of my fx-5's and put it in large bags in my sumps. Never going back to ceramic rings again!
You can get 20L of the stuff on amazon for about $100.
 
Also, I originally used aquarium matrix in my XP-3 and it reduced the flow a little bit (the mechanical, for whatever reason got clogged more quickly) I know its an apples and oranges comparison but I would recommend pond matrix over aquarium matrix.
 
CLW, I have read in one other post that a guy puts the smaller aquarium Matrix in media bags to keep them from slipping thru the basket and ruining the impellers.... the big pond matrix just looks so big! But I know what you mean. Knob, thanks. I've seen the pond stuff on some sites for less than $95 so it's tempting.... I think that's the route I'll take since I'm shutting down my sumps and Kaldnes K1.

F1 Vet, it suppose to be more porus that ceramic rings and not sure if you know, but ceramic rings are suppose to be replaced every 6 months to a year per manufacturer recommendation.
 
I think we probably use a lot more media than we need, but matrix isn't that expensive so why not? I wonder how big of a bioload one FX5 full of matrix could handle. I've only got 4 liters in my 225, was initially gonna buy more but the tank never has any ammonia or nitrite, so...


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I like the Pond Matrix in the FX5, IMO the FX5 is horrible when sponges or filter floss is used but now that mine has only bio I am finally content with the two I have.
 
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