I keep all bare bottom tanks. I am thinking about putting scant layer on the bottom just as a place for some reserve bacteria to grow. I thought I read somewhere of using matrix as gravel. Anyone doing this? Other then price any cons?
Seachem matrix as gravel
- Thread starter Charney
- Start date
The only issue I can think of is that over time, those pores that harbor bb will get clogged, and then those matrix will harbor about the same amount of bb as regular gravel. Unless, you're willing to regularly take them all out and blast them with the garden hose.
The only potential issue I can see if that the media is fairly brittle. IDK how long it would hold up getting stirred around and beat up with a gravel vacuum.
In my tank I have dropped a few matrix into my bare bottom tank. To me I'm not sure if it made any difference but while moving.. I didn't have time to setup my sump so all my matrix were just baged up so I just dropped them all 6 bags (30L) into my 2 tanks..
I kept a pond plant pot full of it for years in one of my tanks and pond. I had it so if I needed it for a new tank or quarantine or something I had it ready. Doesn't break down real easy. I had the same stuff for like ten years and when I sold fish I would give some to the person and throw it in the bucket with the fish.