Opinions on Seachem Matrix

[jsodwi]

I want to increase the bio filtration in the 180g sump. I want to go with more submerged media as I don't have anymore room for bioballs, nor do I want to shut down filter and revamp the whole thing. I have plenty of room for submerged media. I have some now but was thinking of throwing 4 liters of Matrix in. Any opinions on this stuff? It looks pretty good from what the labels say.

 

[Jc1119]

For a sump, matrix might be a little unmanageable. You might want to try pond matrix instead. Larger size makes it perfect for sumps.....

IMO both work fantastic. I've used matrix in canisters for years now with great results and im planning on putting about 12 liters of pond matrix in the sump for my next project.

 

[Spiritofthesoul]

Do it!

I have 3L of matrix in my canister and they work AWESOME

 

[Conner]

I just added 2L of matrix to a new canister filter I set up, and while I though it looks pretty much like ultra-light (weight) pea gravel, it seems to be a quality product. I'm going to add another 2L to a second canister that is currently running the next time I take it down to clean.
For the price, a 4L bucket of matrix is a pretty good deal IMO.

 

[buddha1200]

great stuff.

 

[jsodwi]

Thanks i was planning on putting it in nylon bags so its not just dumped in the sump but for the 4l it seems like a good pricee

 

[Conner]

It is a good price. Putting it in bags helps (I used cheap nylon zip closure bags). And make sure to wash it really well first, the stuff is dusty as hell.

Plus, the 4L tub that it comes in was one of the hardest dang containers I've ever had to pry open. I swear they design it so you can't get in...

 

[Carefree_Dude]

a pet store employee told me that matrix removed nitrates as well. is this true?

 

[Laticauda]

It is a good price. Putting it in bags helps (I used cheap nylon zip closure bags). And make sure to wash it really well first, the stuff is dusty as hell.

Plus, the 4L tub that it comes in was one of the hardest dang containers I've ever had to pry open. I swear they design it so you can't get in...

You have to remove the strip around the edge first. Kinda like a milk jug's top. After I removed that, the four lips on the lid made it really easy to take it off...and I'm a girl.

 

[Jc1119]

a pet store employee told me that matrix removed nitrates as well. is this true?

Supposedly it can reduce them. Especially the pond matrix. Seachem says it has to to with the size of the media being large enough for anaerobic bacteria to colonize the inside while aerobic colonized the outside.

To me, it sounds like marketing, but honestly my nitrates have always been pretty low since I started using it, so there may be some truth to it. They also make a media called De-nitrate which is sized between Matrix and Pond Matrix which supposedly works well.