Seachem Matrix 500 ml (SC11303)

Seachem Matrix 500 ml

Matrix(TM) is a high porosity biomedia that provides efficient biofiltration for the removal of nitrogenous waste. Matrix(TM) is a porous inorganic solid about 10 mm in diameter. Each liter of Matrix(TM) provides as much surface (>~700 m2) as 170 liters of plastic balls! Plastic bio-materials provide only external surface area, whereas Matrix(TM) provides both external and internal macroporous surface area. These macropores are ideally sized for the support of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria. This allows Matrix(TM), unlike other forms of biomedia, to remove nitrate along with ammonia and nitrite, simultaneously and in the same filter.

Matrix(TM) is completely inert and will not breakdown. It need not be replaced. Since the majority of the bacteria are internal, Matrix(TM) may be rinsed when needed without damaging the filter. Matrix(TM) is compatible with all types of wet or wet-dry filters.

Sizes: 100 mL 250 mL, 500 mL, 1 L, 2 L, 4 L, 20 L, 100 L

Use 500 mL of Matrix(TM) for each 200 L (50 gallons*) of water. Matrix(TM) may be placed in any kind of filter, and is particularly effective in a canister filter. Matrix(TM) is sufficiently large that no filter bag should be required for most applications. Matrix(TM) works well in drip tray systems, but you may find that the larger Pond Matrix(TM) is better suited for such applications.

Two competitors, Eheim (Substrat Pro) and JBL (MicroMec) have advertised their own biological filter media (in both cases, sintered glass) and are claiming larger specific surface areas than our claim for Matrix.

For biological filter media, specific surface area (measured as surface area per gram of material, or surface area per some specified volume of material) is very important. These products provide surface sites for bacteria to attach and do their work. The greater the surface area per gram of medium, the greater the number of bacteria that can attach. Thus a high specific surface area is desirable.

There is a second consideration, and that is the size of the pores in the medium. Generally, with very large pore diameters, we have smaller specific surface area, so that is not good. This generally rules out pores above 10 microns in diameter. But we can go too far in the other direction. If we have a very large number of very, very small pores, then our specific surface area number will be phenomenal, but the medium will not work very well as a biological medium. This is due to physical limitations, specifically too small a volume to support bacterial growth, and the decreasing efficiency of fluid transport (necessary to carry nutrients to the bacteria and waste away from the bacteria) with very small pore sizes. (Small pores still play important roles in physical and chemical processes, such as adsorption.)

BET surface area measurements indicate that Matrix(TM) contains nearly 10 times the specific surface area of Substrat Pro, and more than 20 times the specific surface area of MicroMec. Practically all the specific surface area of both Substrat Pro and MicroMec are in the range of pore diameters to be biologically useful, while some of the surface area of Matrix is in pores that are reserved for physical and chemical processes, not biological processes. Estimates from two different pore geometries indicate that Matrix contains between 4 to 4.5 times the biologically active surface area of Substrat Pro, and between 8 to 9 times the biologically active surface area of MicroMec.

Use 500 mL of Matrix(TM) for each 200 L (50 gallons*) of water. Matrix(TM) may be placed in any kind of filter, and is particularly effective in a canister filter. Matrix(TM) is sufficiently large that no filter bag should be required for most applications. Matrix(TM) works well in drip tray systems, but you may find that the larger Pond Matrix(TM) is better suited for such applications

We are more than happy to ship Australia wide. When you place an order we guarantee that your items will be shipped within 2 working days. If, for reasons beyond our control, we are unable to ship your order within 2 working days, you will receive an email informing you of the estimated delivery time-frame. At Aquarium Spare Parts we aim to ship your orders as efficiently as possible. If you have any queries or concerns regarding shipping time-frames or costs, please feel free to email us.

Due to the nature of the parts that we have available, it is difficult to calculate some shipping prices (as your order combinations vary). We do our best to provide you with accurate shipping prices, however if you are concerned about the shipping price - please contact us and we can double check it for you. All orders are shipped via Australia Post unless specified otherwise.

At Aquarium Spare Parts we strive to ensure that you are satisfied with the items that you receive. We do this by providing as much detailed and accurate information about the products that you are purchasing. We want you to love what you have ordered. If something isn’t quite right or if you’re not satisfied with the items that you have received, we want you to let us know. We encourage you to do this as soon as possible.

It is our intention to ensure you are satisfied with your entire online experience.

If you find you are not satisfied with an item that you have received, you are welcome to return it to us. We accept returns within 365 days of purchase when the item is in its original condition, with packaging & labels, unopened and unused. This does not include food, live plants or any other perishable items.

All returns within the 365 day period are required to include your receipt. Once we have received and accepted the returned item, a credit will be issued. Shipping or return shipping prices are not included in the refunded price.

You need to include the Return & Exchange Form along with the item(s) you are returning in their original condition and any packaging that came with it. Please note that whilst individual packaging can be opened, the box or container must not be ripped, damaged or the seals removed in order to be eligible for a refund or exchange.