Seachem Matrix Bio Media 1 Liter

I used the whole thing for my 40 gal because my 10 gal has about 1/4 of it. This is a good product. I will most likely add more and take away 10 lbs of live rock. Water parameter are too good.

I purchased this and the DeNtrate one and the only difference seems to be the size of the stones. If you are putting this in a refillable media cartridge, then the DeNitrate is probably better. But, if its going in a mesh bag or something similar, then this Bio Media would be my preference. Both seem to work just as well.

I use this in my fluval fx4 and it’s great

Seachem Matrix is a great natural medium for colonizing both nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria so important for good water chemistry and the health of ones aquarium inhabitants. I noticed many users have complained about receiving an adulterated product, and frankly I thought I had received one as well. I called Seachem and got the scoop. Heres what I found out: Matrix is a natural, mined product. The mineral has natural variations in size and color. When mined, black Obsidian is sometimes included in the take. The Obsidian is removed by hand before packaging, but some slips into the container from time to time. The packaging does not have a tamper-proof seal beneath the lid. When you open the jar, you immediately see the product. Matrix is sold by volume and not by weight. A minimum weight is listed in the literature (e.g.: 1 liter of Matrix = 400 gram net weight) but this is required by law, and has nothing to do with the actual weight of the product, which can vary greatly due to Matrix absorbing moisture from the air, for example. The 1 liter of Matrix I received weighted 967 grams out of the jar. When you receive Matrix, expect it to vary in color, size, and that there may be a few dark or black rocks in the jar. Now for the actual use. Matrix provides a tremendous amount of surface area. The outer surfaces and crevices provide a very hospitable environment for the aerobic (oxygen consuming) nitrifying bacteria that make up the bio filter so critical to breaking down Ammonia to Nitrite, and Nitrite to Nitrate. Its benefit doesnt stop there. At the end of the aerobic portion of the Nitrogen Cycle, nitrate is left to build up in the water column, and is one of the major pollutants that dictate the frequency and quantity of water changes. Nitrate can be reduced to Nitrogen gas - but this is an anaerobic (oxygen deprived) process requiring another type of bacteria. Nitrate laden water seeps into the core of Matrix after having been stripped of oxygen by the aerobic bacteria on the mediums surface. This oxygen-poor environment is perfect for colonizing anaerobic bacteria that consume Nitrate and release inert Nitrogen gas. This final step in the Nitrogen Cycle helps control the buildup of Nitrate in the aquarium, contributing markedly to the long term health of its inhabitants.

I purchased these in hopes of helping reduce my high tap water nitrate problem for my 75G. I used it for a good while but found that Id need more then I had space for. In order for it to properly remove nitrates. It ended up just being a good place for bacteria to live but not much more. This stuff has an expiration date becuase after awhile the pores that are supposed to help in the stone become clogged. Once they become clogged its not as efficient as it should be. Overall, Id recommend these to help lower nitrates but only if you have alot of it.

After reading the feedback from other buyers I can only say Ive lucked up with receiving a full bottle. By no means am I as experienced in the hobby as everyone else so I may not know about the actual performance of this product but through reading I do expect to enjoy some benefits from this.

This may be no better or no worse than any other filter media. Yes it is just pumice, but Seachem has tested it for pore size and reactivity, it shouldn’t alter water chemistry. 1 liter should be enough to fill one tray in a large canister filter.

These works great at removing ammonia and nitrite. Remember the end product is nitrate at the end of the nitrogen cycle which is actually not broken down by beneficial bacteria but by plants. Ammonia - toxic to fish Nitrite - toxic to fish Nitrate - tolerable by fish even at semi high levels If you have plants in your aquarium and use sachem matrix it would greatly reduce water changes. I actually change water 6 months- 1 year in my 135 gallon tank and only 20-30% as a result of not chemical buildup but by mineral deposits left by water evaporation. These makes water crystal clear. Make sure to test your water every 2-4 weeks to make sure your water parameters are good. Petco has free aquarium water testing Take a look at the nitrogen cycle here: [...]

It says you need 1liter for 100 gallons...so I put 1.5 in my 46 gallon! I have never shown ammonia or nitrite since the week I started my aquarium, and even then using this stuff in conjunction with their Stability rapidly established my media and has been running tip top ever since. I constantly clean the outside of the media in my change bucket to keep algae off the bag and I have yet to have a mini-cycle, which shows just how deep in the rocks these bacteria are. Only bio-media I will ever buy for my aquariums, period.

There simply is no better bio media on the market. Heck, there is no other bio media even close to matching the quality of Matrix. Each piece is light weight and holds about an infinite amount of tiny holes for bacteria to colonize. The holes closer to the center of each piece are perfect for creating an anerobic environment for bacteria to colonize and digest nitrates. The holes closer to the edge of each piece, which are where the majority are located, are perfect for aerobic bacteria that consume ammonia and nitrites. All this results in better water quality is more capacity for livestock. Dont buy another brand of bio media, as it will be subpar to Matrix.