help decide pond matrix vs matrix

[anarekist]

which one would be the better choice to throw in a canister filter (cascade 1200)?

also got these in an attempt to put a dent in nitrate levels

 

[brich999]

Either will work, you will fit more matrix since it's smaller

 

[ChiPerf]

^ yep.

 

[Jc1119]

X2

I like Pond for sumps in laundry bags and regular in canisters.

 

[anarekist]

hmm what kind of laundry bags?

 

[framcosco]

which one would be the better choice to throw in a canister filter (cascade 1200)?

also got these in an attempt to put a dent in nitrate levels

either will work but if your main focus is to get rid of nitrates then this will not work. yes you are adding more biological filtration/media for the AEROBIC bacteria to grow on, but you will never have anaerobic bacteria in a canister filter due to the necessity to have a low to no oxygen environment for the anaerobic bacteria to grow -- meaning water with no oxygen. You can reduce nitrates by adding plants to your setup or buy/build a de-nitrator. look at this DIY: http://freshwatercichlids.com/do-it-yourself-coil-denitrator. They do work. But it's a bit tricky to dial in perfectly and you do have to check the water often to make sure it is not producing sulfur. There are gimmicky ones that you have to "feed" and or use media that has to be replaced over time... STAY AWAY FROM THESE. in my opinion they pose potential hazards to your tank if done wrong. the basic de-nitrator without feeding will work,... just takes a bit longer for the anaerobic bacteria to establish/grow.

 

[Jc1119]

hmm what kind of laundry bags?

the lingerie kind!! lol

got em at target for about 3 bucks

 

[ChiPerf]

Man I love that tank.

 

[dasani]

either will work but if your main focus is to get rid of nitrates then this will not work. yes you are adding more biological filtration/media for the AEROBIC bacteria to grow on, but you will never have anaerobic bacteria in a canister filter due to the necessity to have a low to no oxygen environment for the anaerobic bacteria to grow -- meaning water with no oxygen. You can reduce nitrates by adding plants to your setup or buy/build a de-nitrator. look at this DIY: http://freshwatercichlids.com/do-it-yourself-coil-denitrator. They do work. But it's a bit tricky to dial in perfectly and you do have to check the water often to make sure it is not producing sulfur. There are gimmicky ones that you have to "feed" and or use media that has to be replaced over time... STAY AWAY FROM THESE. in my opinion they pose potential hazards to your tank if done wrong. the basic de-nitrator without feeding will work,... just takes a bit longer for the anaerobic bacteria to establish/grow.

thank you for the good info and that link.

 

[anarekist]

cool thanks frank. gona look more into this as i set up the new tank.