Seachem Matrix vs Ceramic Rings or both ?

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

I was wondering what to use in my Magnum 350 canister filter.  What would be better Seachem matrix or ceramic rings or both ?

I have read that atrix will not only break down Nitrites but also Nitrate as well.....

Do ceramic rings do the same ?

[linuxrulesusa]

What I've read, the theory is that matrix is porous enough to create 'pockets' where anaerobic bacteria (some of which will consume nitrates) can grow.  On the other hand, the bacteria you need to break down ammonia to nitrite, and then nitrite to nitrate, very much require oxygen. 

So...the question is how effective Matrix really is at providing a place for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to grow?  I don't know from firsthand experience. 

I wouldn't use Matrix as a substitute for water changes, since evaporation etc will contribute to higher and higher levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water.  So you still need water changes to get rid of those dissolved solids...and they can also get rid of nitrates.

So it's basically a balance between frequency of water changes, density of stocking, helpful aids like plants that will (or media that may) consume nitrates.  There are several ways to do it.

Personally, I don't find the added cost of Matrix to be worth it...but that's just me.  Perhaps if I tried it I would find differently.

[Steve]

I have Seachem Matrix media in the baskets of by my Rena filters on my Peacock tank, been running for about 3 months now. The nitrates do stay lower in that tank than my Mubuna tank does (Fluval ceramic rings on the Mbuna tank) but I have twice the filtration on the Peacock tank as I do my Mbuna tank, so hard to say if the media is helping or if it's just the dual filters doing it.  Think I paid around $18 for 2L of the Matrix. It does seems more porous as linuxrulesusa said, but I can't really say if it is better or not though, but so far it seems to be doing it's job well for me.

[linuxrulesusa]

I have Seachem Matrix media in the baskets of by my Rena filters on my Peacock tank, been running for about 3 months now. The nitrates do stay lower in that tank than my Mubuna tank does (Fluval ceramic rings on the Mbuna tank) but I have twice the filtration on the Peacock tank as I do my Mbuna tank, so hard to say if the media is helping or if it's just the dual filters doing it.  Think I paid around $18 for 2L of the Matrix. It does seems more porous as linuxrulesusa said, but I can't really say if it is better or not though, but so far it seems to be doing it's job well for me.

Thanks, Steve.  That's actually cheaper than I thought it was...maybe you got a better deal on it than places by me that sell Matrix.  I got a bag of ceramic rings, enough for an AC110, for around $10 IIRC.

[Steve]

I got mine from Big Al's which was cheaper than anywhere else I found, but I had to pay about $8 shipping as well so gotta factor that in too.

[linuxrulesusa]

I got mine from Big Al's which was cheaper than anywhere else I found, but I had to pay about $8 shipping as well so gotta factor that in too.

Good to know.

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

Just order some Seachem matrix 2L (22.59 ea) from Amazon along with a set of pre-filter sponges (3.59 ea) and (2) AC 110 sponges (7.61 ea).  FREE SHIPPING. Best deal on the Web....

[theoryguru]

The baskets in 1 of my FX5 are filled with Matrix.  Seachem products are excellent and didn't look elsewhere after I found out about Matrix. I got a good deal buying online.
Anyone know where the best price can be found locally?

[Ron]

I can't recall the math at the moment, but years ago I took a course on aquatic ecosystems and applying both formulas and prinicples from those studies I came to the conclusion that's it's basically impossible in a standard freshwater tank with fish to have provide an environment for anaerobic and witness a significant reduction in nitrate as a result.