Reddit reviews Seachem Matrix Bio Media 1 Liter

Thanks!

i use seachem matrix and put it into mesh bags. then put a foam filter in front to get the larger crap (literally). I have this already working in my 46 and i always have extra media ready just in case i need to setup a new tank. In this case, most if not all the media will come to the 125 since the fish are moving, and i will add more matrix to seed to put back in the 46 when im ready.

1L will do 100 gallons, and i already have 2L in my 46 so it's an easy move, but i may get another 1L.

its stupid cheap too and works like crazy.

you can also add a fine filter to polish the water, and i throw one in once a week to get all the particles floating around, but i dont keep it in there full time.

Seachem:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002A5VIO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

bags:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013JKNRUW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

seachem matrix

So here's the proprietary pre-cut pads, course and fine I'd recommend the 6+2 option. If you're getting those I'd put the two blue coarse pads in the bottom of the lowest tray and put two fine on top of it (it should hold 4, but from research not all those pads are cut to the same specifications).

If you are handy with a pair of scissors or have a foam knife, you can always try cutting your own from sheets of foam. You search for the PPI (pores per inch) and get a few sheets of different PPI aquarium foam, the lower the number, the coarser the mechanical filtration. You could do 10ppi 20 ppi 30 ppi, or just 20 and 30. It's up to you really. Remeber if cutting foam by hand it's best to be a little too big than a little too small to prevent bypass.

In your next filter I'd put 1-2 more of the white pads, then you can either put a chemical media there or extra biological media. There are lots of options, I'll give you the names of them and instead of linking them, I'll include their general purpose in the aquarium.

Activated Charcoal - Used to adsorb organic molecules and medications. Works best for meds and to remove tannins. Quickly becomes deactivated so it's best when used as needed--don't just leave it in the filter.

Seachem Purigen - A rechargeable resin that absorbs organic molecules which lowers the ammonia production and therefore the bioload of the tank. It has very small beads, so you definitely want to get a fine mesh bag (e.g. Seachem's The Bag) if you're going to use it. I have it in every tank I keep. Some people have issues recharging it, just follow the manufacturers directions and you should be fine. Not as good at Tannins or medicine removing as Charcoal

Phos-Ban (or other phosphate absorbing resins) - Absorb extra phosphates and also silicates from your water column. Helps to fight algae. Works best when placed in a reactor, however, you will see some benefit even in a bag...and like all other chemical media you'll want a bag.

Ammo-Lock (or any ammonia adsorbing media like zeolite etc) - I keep some of this around in case I have an emergency cycle. Absorbs ammonia so can help to protect your fish if poop hits the proverbial fan.

For Biologic Media, you can just pick one of these:

Seachem Matrix

Eheim SubstratPro

I'm surprised actually how close they are in price right now, the Eheim is usually 40% more expensive. At those prices I'd probably lean towards the eheim.

There are lots of other brands, and with a tank your size a full liter of any of them would be more than enough. Remember, bio media doesn't mean you'll have an increase in the number of beneficial bacteria, just that they'll spread out more and become more effective.

Hope that helps.

Weelllll...the best setup is the biggest you can afford. The bare minimum for 2 fancies would be a 40 gallon breeder, but the more space you can give them the better. If you live in the US you can get a pretty awesome discount on aquariums up to 75 gallons (varies by store) fairly often when they do "Dollar Per Gallon" sales. Petco does the most frequent DPGs but Petsmart and Pet Supplies Plus also do them. Petsmart sometimes just has heavily discounted sets also. Anyway, $40 is the least it will cost if you buy a new tank, but maybe you can find a great deal for a secondhand tank on a resale site if you prefer that route.

Filter...maybe go with a SunSun as they're quite cheap for their quality. I use this one and while the UV sterilizer is generally unnecessary I guess it might be helpful in an ich outbreak or something. It's actually slightly below the 10xph flow rate for my 55g so I supplement it with a HOB filter that I keep spare media in in case it's ever needed. For media in the canister I have sponges of varying coarseness, generic ceramic rings (for nitrifying bacteria), and Seachem Matrix (for nitrate-consuming bacteria).

The best water tester is the API Freshwater Master Test Kit. It may seem expensive at first glance, but it's actually cheaper over time - AND more accurate than strips. For water changes, since I don't have a faucet that can support a Python auto-changer, I use a pump stuck to the bottom of the bucket to push water up through spare tubing. Saves me the trouble of lifting heavy buckets or trying to gradually scoop the water out.

The best foods are New Life Spectrum, Repashy, Saki-Hikari, and if you need a cheaper option Omega One. You should also supply plenty of leafy greens; the fiber is very good for their digestive tract.

No worries, I mean this stuff:

https://www.amazon.com/Seachem-Matrix-Bio-Media-Liter/dp/B0002A5VIO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496783855&sr=8-1&keywords=seachem+matrix