{"product_id":"seachem-matrix","title":"Matrix — Biomedia 700 m²\/L Nitrification and Denitrification 500 ml, 1 L, 2 L and 4 L - Seachem","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeachem Matrix\u003c\/strong\u003e is a high-porosity biomedia that provides efficient biofiltration for the removal of nitrogenous waste. It is a porous inorganic solid about \u003cstrong\u003e10 mm in diameter\u003c\/strong\u003e. Each litre of Matrix provides as much surface area — \u003cstrong\u003eover 700 m²\u003c\/strong\u003e — as 170 litres of plastic balls. Plastic bio-materials provide only external surface area; Matrix provides both external \u003cem\u003eand\u003c\/em\u003e internal macroporous surface area. These macropores are ideally sized to support nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria — which allows Matrix, unlike other biomedia, to remove nitrate along with ammonia and nitrite, simultaneously and in the same filter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eMain advantages\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOver 700 m² of surface area per litre — the equivalent of 170 litres of plastic balls\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternal and external macroporous surface — supports nitrifying AND denitrifying bacteria\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eControls ammonia, nitrite and nitrate simultaneously\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompletely inert — will not break down, never needs replacing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRinseable without damaging the filter — most of the bacteria live inside the pores\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes not affect pH — compatible with all types of wet or wet-dry filters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour sizes offered: 500 ml, 1 L, 2 L and 4 L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDirections (Seachem)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUse 250 mL of Matrix for each 200 L (50 US gallons) of water.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eManufacturer's note: this dosage may differ from your packaging. Based on updated studies, Seachem has found that Matrix treats even more water than previously asserted.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatrix may be placed in any kind of filter, and is \u003cstrong\u003eparticularly effective in a canister filter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt is large enough that no filter bag should be required for most applications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt works well in drip tray systems, though the larger Pond Matrix is better suited to those setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse with Stability to establish the bio-filter more rapidly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere to place Matrix in the filter\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeachem recommends water flow through filter media in this order:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMechanical\u003c\/strong\u003e filtration (filter floss, sponges)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChemical\u003c\/strong\u003e filtration (MatrixCarbon, PhosGuard, Purigen)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBiological\u003c\/strong\u003e filtration (Matrix)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery filter is different — consult your filter's manual to find its direction of flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eMaintenance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatrix does not exhaust over time: you should never need to replace it. It can, however, become clogged with detritus and slime — so regular filter maintenance is recommended. The frequency varies from tank to tank; \u003cstrong\u003eSeachem suggests once a month as a good starting point\u003c\/strong\u003e for opening and cleaning a canister filter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eMatrix or de*nitrate?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf Matrix is holding your nitrate steady without bringing it down, the manufacturer explains that nothing is broken — it comes down to \u003cstrong\u003erate\u003c\/strong\u003e. They compare it to a bathtub: fill it with the spigot wide open and drain it through a straw, and it will overflow. To lower nitrate you need the capacity to remove it at a rate greater than or equal to the rate of formation. Two options: \u003cstrong\u003eincrease the amount of Matrix\u003c\/strong\u003e, or \u003cstrong\u003eadd de*nitrate\u003c\/strong\u003e, which removes nitrate more efficiently per volume of product — provided flow does not exceed 200 L\/h (50 GPH). Above that flow rate, stick with Matrix, which supports anaerobic denitrification at higher flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf nitrate is already very high (above 20 mg\/L), Seachem recommends a water change as the most economical approach before putting these products into service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAvailable sizes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e500 ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 L — treats up to 800 L (200 US gallons)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRounding out your filtration\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/stability-250-ml\"\u003eSeachem Stability\u003c\/a\u003e — recommended by the manufacturer to establish the bio-filter more rapidly on fresh media\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/seachem-denitrate\"\u003eSeachem de*nitrate\u003c\/a\u003e — the add-on when nitrate stalls and your flow stays below 200 L\/h\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/seachem-matrixcarbon\"\u003eSeachem MatrixCarbon\u003c\/a\u003e — the chemical stage that comes BEFORE the biological one in the recommended order\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/salifert-nitrate-test-kit\"\u003eSalifert Nitrate Test Kit\u003c\/a\u003e — to measure whether removal is keeping up with production\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Matrix just pumice?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeachem answers this one directly. Both are porous stones, but not every porous stone is the same. Matrix is a specific type, chosen for its extremely high porosity, pore size, durability and inert nature. When you buy Matrix, you are also buying the research that sourced and tested that particular stone, and the assurance that it is safe for aquarium use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow long before Matrix starts removing nitrate?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt depends on the stage of biological establishment of your tank, the placement of the media and the flow rate. Generally you start to see improvement \u003cstrong\u003eafter a couple of weeks\u003c\/strong\u003e, but every situation varies. Stability speeds up colonization.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSome pieces look darker or lighter than others — is that normal?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Matrix has natural variations in colour and size, ranging from very light to quite dark. It is normal to see colour differences from one piece to the next.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Matrix be rinsed without losing the bacteria?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Most of the beneficial bacteria live inside the macropores, protected from rinsing. Rinse with aquarium water rather than chlorinated tap water.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Seachem","offers":[{"title":"1 L","offer_id":38010193477803,"sku":"000116011709","price":17.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"500 ml","offer_id":47561058975915,"sku":"000116011303","price":9.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 L","offer_id":47561059008683,"sku":"000116011808","price":29.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4 L","offer_id":47561059041451,"sku":"19171","price":57.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/7108\/1899\/files\/seachem-matrix-1000-ml.jpg?v=1773617856","url":"https:\/\/reefsolution.com\/en\/products\/seachem-matrix","provider":"Reef Solution","version":"1.0","type":"link"}