Can Seachem Matrix Remove NITRATES? (The Matrix Experiment)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.ย. 2022
- 4 months ago I substituted the current bio-media in my filters for Seachem Matrix. The goal was to test if Seachem Matrix could reduce nitrate levels in my 210-gallon overstocked African Cichlid tank without changing anything else.
So, can Seachem Matrix remove nitrates? The results are in!
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Postage price to UK is greater than the price of the product. Am not sure if am doing something wrong ;🤔
@@tuttabob Where are you seeing a postage price? If you click the link from my shop it should take you to the UK Amazon website.
Hi Kev, just wanted to suggest you get a lab shaker on your shop. I got a bad shoulder and shaking the nitrate bottles got real tiring. I went online and found a lab shaker used to mix test tubes. (They're also used in tattoo shops to shake ink bottles.) They're not expensive and I found they are the perfect thing to help shake my nitrate test bottles and test tubes without tiring myself out. Just a tip for your viewers that might have problems shaking hard enough or long enough.
@@LeeHarvey81 oh wow, that’s great! Thanks for the tip!
hi Kaveman, my question is about substrate. if I change over to aragonite does that mean I no longer need to add any lake salt or buffer
Thanks a ton for this video! I use Seachem Matrix and was going to change over to the one you were speaking of needing 3 FX6's on a 75 because of all the hype around it supporting anaerobic bacteria. But dang, you need a boat load to get it to do its thing just on a small tank! I saw that my tank would need about 12-13 lbs of that stuff, AND it's outrageously priced. Plus, even the big FX6 trays only hold just over 3 lbs of it. I'm so glad to see the Matrix I'm currently using in both canisters on my tank is proving to do the job! I too have an overstocked tank of Peacocks and Haps. I run an FX6 & a SunSun 704B on a 90g tank. I'm building my own 180g tank to transfer what's in my 90g + a few more added to keep them overstocked & dump the SunSun for another FX6. Then run 2 SunSun 704Bs on the 90 for some South American cichlids. Keep up the great work & videos!
I laughed because you anticipated the haters saying, “He switched the tube. Blah blah blah.” Lol!!!! And that’s why you’re the champ. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💛💛💛💛
lol, I had to think ahead of them 🤣🤣
You are the best out there, thank you for explaining things briefly, and not making it a 2 hr video love the channel big kudos!
Thank you bro! Glad to hear you’re enjoying the channel! 😁💪
It’s amazing 🤩 to see how far kave came from I been watching from u got ur 75 gallon until now seeing this make me so happy for you fam u came along way and we will always support you on this Journey
Thank you for sticking with me all this time. Even through all my “experimental” content! 🤣💪
Happy to hear the “Let’s go!” is back! Great video as always!
HAHA,
Kev I am a seachem matrix user. I use it in my sump and my FX6's. Now I don't run African Cichilds I keep south Americans. I had bought a new home moved and when I torn down the tanks and reset them back up I started using matrix been about a year now and my nitrate levels have been really surprising. Before using matrix I was water changing every Saturday. Now I am able to extend the water changes to every 2 weeks due to nitrate levels being in a much lower range. So I swear by the product it has done me very well in all my tanks.
Thats great to hear! Thanks for sharing your success with Matrix with the rest of us! I'm looking forward to lower and lower nitrates for my guys too! 😊💪
This is the kind of info busy people like to hear. Keeping your fish in the safety zone but trialing ways to minimize WC’s. I’m going to try Matrix on my Sth American tank for sure!
First of all, thank you for your service Kev. Love the channel and content. I'm switching from potscrubbers slowly to matrix in my FX6. I will forever use Seachem and Fluval products. Best in the business. Happy New Year! LET'S GO!!!
Thank you bro! 😁💪
I’ve been doing the same test in 2 125 gallon tanks one with large rainbow fish community tank and one with South American cichlids and have noticed my nitrates are decreasing. But I also added more matrix too the canister filters before test started 3 months ago. Great video keep up
Happy to hear you're getting similar results. Im sure in a few more months we'll both see an increase to the decreases, lol
Your Reviews & shared experience really help!!
Thanks
Mike
Thank you for the support Mike! I really appreciate it! Sorry for the late reply, its been a crazy week 😁
Sweet! Loved how you disclosed the result within the first minute and mentioning that you are seachem ambassador for transparency! Either way i would have still watched the whole video because of how much you have taught me since starting this hobby. And so far 0 death 10 months in. Thank you so much for making informative videos!
Edit: Finished watching the video and i will definitely be swapping my arowana community with 2 florida gars, 1 fire eel and a lima shovelnose x RTC catfish tank to seachem matrix as that tank has nitrates thru the roof
It's my pleasure! Glad you enjoyed the video and found it helpful! 😊
Great video and I have to agree with you. I've been using matrix in most of my overstocked tanks and nitrates have been held in check. This product works great.
Thank you bro, glad to hear you've had success as well!
TBH with you. ..these type of videos are the reason why I subscribed to your channel at the very beginning, keep'em coming bro!
Good to know! Thank you for sticking with me through all the “experimental”content 🤣
You've answered my questions about Matrix that have been a debate in my head for a while. Great video 👍
Awesome! Glad to hear it! 😊
Thanks Kev, for detailed video on Seachem Matrix.
Seachem makes world class products..
What I additionally like in watching your videos is that there is NO NONSENSE, you teach us on the dot.
❤️
Thank you so much! Glad you're enjoying the channel! 😊
Exactly why i love this channel i currently have matrix in my tanks and i was wondering if it actually works and now i see it does work thanks Kev!
My pleasure! Glad you're enjoying the channel! 😁
I just wanted to say I appreciate your in-depth analysis on these solutions. You’ve helped me get my fish glowing with that nourish, vitachem, garlic, zooplankton combination. Recently noticed that all my parameters are perfect- except for high nitrates. I’ll give matrix a shot, seachem has never let me down all these years of using their stuff.
Seachem did say it takes a lot of matrix to notice any difference…
great test KaveMan, I love the validation and proof. I just got back in the hobby of African Cichlids since retiring, your videos are spot on. Seachem has always been a great company, my survival kit since getting back into the hobby Seachem Safe, Prime, Matrix and Tidal 110. I also love that they aren't trying to sell you Matrix every 6 months.
Hi Kev, love all your videos! You have really helped me get started in this hobby, thank you! One unrelated question: I just picked up a 125 gallon tank (72"x18.5"x23.75") and two FX6 filters. Can you explain how I should position my intake and return hoses? I was thinking both intakes on the same side and both returns on the same side of the tank. What do you think? Might be a good topic for a video! Thanks!
What an awesome way to present things. BAM, out of the gate with the answer, then the details. Thank you for showing how it’s done. Subbed
My pleasure! Glad it was helpful! 😁
Best video yet love the character change. 😂 I got 3 African cichlids now because of you 💪🏾💯 I appreciate you Kev !
Thank you sir! I appreciate that! You are the first to mention the character, lol
Before doing the KMA Nitrate Shake workout, I had weak arms. After testing for Nitrates regularly, I can notice a big the difference with the size of my arms just like yours! Now I am looking for a tattoo artist and get some killer ink! Thanks Kev! ;-)
Lol, I literally gave myself a repetitive strain injury thanks to the nitrate tests 🤣
Kev is THE MAN!! I bought a 65 gallon aquarium in January that came with 4 Mbunas. I’ve changed it to peacocks and have 11 total. I have followed Kev’s advice from nutrition supplements for the Northfin feedings, temperature control, battery air backup, adding matrix, over filtration, wave makers, cichlid trace, water changes, etc. and it’s been amazing!! Of course I’m going to change the 65 to a 150 at least. Thank you Kev for your channel!!! I was a subscriber a long time ago!! It is much appreciated brother!!
Thank you bro! Happy to hear how your hobby has come along! Thanks for sticking with me all this time! 😊💪
I’ve had aquariums for years, saltwater and fresh. However, this is my first African cichlid aquarium and I’m having a blast!! I’d love to get an XL shirt brother!! Advertising for you all I can. I’ve shared your info in the Lexington, KY area!
All I can say is AWESOME!! This is absolutely the most informative, straight forward video I have seen regarding Seachem Matrix. While I am NOT surprised by the results (I have experienced firsthand the benefits of Matrix), I was curious how it would fare in your setup. Just to be clear did you stick with the same setup in both FX6's? Your other video had the top tray with two layers of filter floss with a purigen pack sandwiched in between them. The other two trays (w/o red inserts) were packed with Matrix in media bags for a total of 8 liters between both FX6's. Thank You for the video!
Glad you enjoyed it bro!! 😊 Both FX6's were packed to the top with Matrix. Dont remember if I had exact same "clear pad/purigen" setup in both. What I can say is through out the 4 months I changed the clear pad and purigen twice as they got clogged in order to prevent detritus passing through and clogging up any of the Matrix.
Thanks for the no bs long term review, I ordered my matrix today
My pleasure! Enjoy that new Matrix!! 😁💪
Bravo Kev! You are the Neo of the aquarium matrix! 😁 Thanks for always getting to the point and keeping it real for the average joes!
lol, my pleasure! Neo's super cool! 😁
Nice work Kev. Just goes to show with the right product & some patience we can improve our aquariums 😎
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! 😊
Keep up the great content Kev!…on your way to 200k! 👍🏻
Thank you my bro! Will do! 😊💪
With every video you do I get more educated in the fish world!! Keep up the great work bro. Love your videos!!LETS GOOOOO!!!
Glad to hear that bro! Always happy to hear that the channel is helpful! 😊💪
I've been waiting so long for this video!!! Thank you. I was going to ask why you haven't posted the matrix update in a while. Makes sense why now.. THANK you
Great timing then huh, lol 😁
Nice that you get to the point...no fluff. Well done sir!
Glad you liked it!
Excellent info!
Anerobic bacteria is a very interesting part of the hobby.
In one section of my sump I originally had inert lava rock with airstones under it & full flow from my overflow.long story short I created a nitrate factory long term.
Since removing the stones, bagging the media & re-plumbing the sump so the flow over that media is diverted to my k1, I've noticed very little nitrate build up.even on a heavily stocked discus tank.low flow, low oxygen bio media definitely works As part of a sump'd filtration setup
I think the most success with growing anaerobic bacteria will always be in a sump. Where you can create that low flow, low oxygen! 👍
I have a species only 180 gallon tank of Frontosas & I’ve only added the Purigen in my FX6 since you did your video talking about it and my nitrate levels dropped even without the Matrix! So I’m definitely going to try it now..
That’s very interesting! Happy to hear that!! 😊💪
I hadn’t understood the point of Seachem Matrix until now - great explanation. Okay I’m going to get some Matrix to add in at my next quarterly FX-6 servicing clean!
Sounds worthwhile!
Glad you found the video helpful!! 😊
Hey Kev I have 5 to 10 parts of nitrate in my 150 gallon hap tank my tank is heavily stocked I have 2 Eheim classic XL 1500 filters and do 3 small multi water changes a week and in my filters I have the no name Chinese bio rings the main key to low nitrates is over filter and adequate water changes that's my 2 cents on it love your vids keep up the good work
Anaerobic bacteria , all test I’ve done over years with a fx 6 or similar cannister filter never had luck because flow rate is to fast. I’ve tried every type of media and no luck . Glad it worked for you..
Have you tried Matrix for 4-6 months without disturbing the canister?
I've changed over to Matrix in all my filters. I also have Tidal HOB filters in addition to my canisters. I've learned so much from your videos. Thank you for taking the time to make and them with us.
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
Man your sooo good at explaining love your vids I also use seacam matrix
Thank you bro! Glad you like them! 😊💪
@KaveManAquatics Hey Kev can you explain the difference between Purigen and Matrix? Not sure if I should continue with sponge/biomedia/ Purigen pillow in my hob's or ditch that and run sponge/biomedia/floss in my hob and run Matrix in a reactor. Thanks for your advice! Love your channel it's like going to Church for me 😎
Glad you finally clarified/verified what I have been saying all along.
Matrix is a game changer, Matrix along with Pothos is God like water parameters. 😆
I never doubted you brother, just had to verify it myself before recommending it out to the masses! Glad you’re feeling better sir!!! 😁💪
@@KaveManAquatics understood, and yes everyday a little stronger.
Nice! Thank you for your effort, I'm gonna consider to get one for my axolotl since his tank always have high nitrates
That's pretty good stuff. You're the first person I've ever seen get results like that from matrix or any other bio media like the expensive one from across the pond. The result is impressive. Look into anoxic filtration. I use it on all my tanks. I have a 110 gallon with 45 adult cichlids in it. Way over stocked. All my filters are filled with nothing but sponge for biomedia plus I'm using anoxic filtration on top of that. No ceramic or anything like that of any kind just sponge. I do weekly water changes the same as you 80%. This tank is under 30 ppm nitrate using anoxic filtration. It also reduces phosphates.
What kind of Anoxic?
Dr Novak's BCB bags and baskets? Baked clay kitty litter and Iron...
These types of media are also apparently Anoxic.
Low oxygen bacteria that take oxygen from the wastes like nitrates.. And convert them back to harmless gas.. Nitrogen, etc.
@@bubblerings they say they are. I've only seen one video of anyone saying they had reduced nitrate after using matrix or biohome. There are many reviews of both.
Amazing video, thanks!
My pleasure! Glad you found it helpful 😊
Hey, am man's word is his word. Don't listen to those who would question it. I've been using matrix for a while and it works for me. I run a much smaller tank 23 gallons and use a fluval 107. I overstock ( a little) just community tropicals and it keeps my nitrates down to an acceptable level, usually around 40ppm before my weekly maintenance.
Good video confirming what I already knew, but in great detail.
Thank you bro, Glad you enjoyed it!
Love the vids kaveman thanks to you I started the hobby I only use seachem products
I got 2 tanks now a 10 gallon and a 55 gallon
I’m getting mts already
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁 Welcome to MTS lol
What's up new to the channel, great video. You should look into an algae turf scrubber it will greatly reduce the nitrates in your tanks. Btw your LFS is beautiful
Oh hell yeah !!! I put Matrix in both of my FX6's last month, this is great news 😁🤙 That was fast too, I didn't expect the anaerobic bacteria to start getting established so soon. Good Job Jarhead 😉👌
Thank you sir! Glad you enjoyed it! Give it another few months and you'll start to see results as well! 😊💪
Correction: I put Matrix in both of my FX6's in July...woot !!! I have already been seeing dramatic results from the Pothos & Anubias I planted last June (with the Poth-O-Carry). My 27 Juvenile Tanganyikan (carnivore) are growing but still not close to your Malawi's size but I'm confident now I'm not going to have to do 80% water changes when they get big which you know I hate. 25% to 40% is my preferred amount. Again great news Kev, you made my day !!!
@@KaveManAquatics Another big sloppy Army kiss for you Jarhead😘
🤣🤣 You army guys man...gotta love'm!
Ey this is a really good video long time ago I bought seachem matrix and 6 months later my nitrates were almost at 10ppm for a 450liters tanks without plants, so will be nice if you can do an update like 3mobths later when the bacteria colony is full, big fan nice video :)
Im sure I will! With another few months Im sure my nitrates will get even lower! 😊 Glad you enjoyed the video!
Yoo i needed this!!!! Buying it asap
Glad I could help!
@@KaveManAquatics hey, i totally forgot to wash my matrix i put in. Someone recommended me doing a 99% water change?? What would u recommend? 80% ? 50%? Not that serious?
After reading the other reviews, I thought I will give it a try and in the end De*nitrate really works, brings down my 60 gal overstocked freshwater tank from 80ppm nitrate to a constant 10ppm, however it takes a lot more effort, brain and money on top of the product itself to create an ideal environment for it. And I think it's worth it.
First you need a few things:
1. A media reactor cylindrical and clear
2. Liquid flow meter
3. Flow control valve
4. A pre-filter
5. An after-filter
6. A submersible aquarium pump
7. Shut-off valves
8. Stainless/plastic hose clamps and strong cable ties
9. Clear aquarium vinyl tubing
10. 50 micron filter pads
Then you connect the submersible pump to a shut-off valve, through a pre-filter, then through media reactor, out through the liquid flow meter, through the flow control valve, then finally an after-filter which is a 50 micron polishing pad tied to the end of the tube submerged in the aquarium. You want the flow rate to be at around 35gph consistently. To do that, you will have to adjust the flow control valve once in a while as the pre-filter catches more and more debris while it slows down the flow little by little.
A few things need to be taken into consideration:
1. You need a pump that has a flow rate of at least three times of 35gph just to handle the media reactor and pre-filter, then add roughly additional 100gph for 50 micron polishing pad because it slows down the flow significantly. Finally another 50gph as the flow rate gets slowed down little by little in the long run while it catches more and more debris.
2. You need to use your liquid flow meter to read your current flow rate easily and adjust accordingly. De*nitrate takes about 2 weeks for me to work.
3. Do not cheap out on a pre-filter, make it big, in diameter, not in length. The bigger diameter it has, the longer it takes to slow down the flow significantly hence the longer time periods it provides until maintenance.
4. Put a 50 micron filtering pad inside your pre-filter. This will provide longer working time for your media reactor before it gets clogged up by debris which then it would require a complete rinsing of the media itself.
5. It can be pain in the ass when it comes to the tubing size. The best case scenario would be one size fits all when your pump, your pre-filter, your media reactor, your flow meter all require the same tube size, if not, then you would need multi-hose adapter which adds to the work and cost.
6. Always use clamps in every joint to prevent potential leak. Use plastic cable ties or hose clamps instead of metal clamps for underwater applications.
7. Add shut-off valve at the ins and outs of your pre-filter and media reactor for easy maintenance.
8. After every time you rinse your media, add tiny bit of sugar at the bottom and middle of your reactor as the anaerobic bacteria need a carbon source to thrive.
9. Last but not least, your will need an alkaline buffer and aquarium minerals because once water change becomes less and less often, maintaining a healthy PH and vital minerals level becomes more and more important.
Can you make a video on it?
Love your videos!
Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪
BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - aquabuildr.com
Awesome video. Can't wait to see my results in a month or two
Thank you bro! Make sure to let me know 😁
@@KaveManAquatics no problem :)
I have been using a JBL 902 filled with pumice for almost 2 years now . First year it was on a 57 liter tank and now it's on a 200 liter tank . I have to dose extra NO3 as fertiliser for my plants . It does work but anaerobic bacteria takes a while to get settled . I opened my filter after two years for a rotor clean and that's all .
I added 2L Matrix to my 92G planted fancy goldfish aquarium 5 months ago. I have 5 1 year old goldfish in it and my nitrate level is about 13ppm after a week. I'm excited to see if it reaches further down.
Very Nice!! 😊💪
I knew it would work! I also did the test on my 200L tank, using 3 Liters of Sera Siporax and after a few months, the nitrates went down from about 30 to 5mg/L with a weekly 15% water change. I did a little video on my channel showing how I’ve set up my canister filter and the mechanical filtration I use. Cheap and very efficient! Love your vids bro 🤜🤛
Thanks bro, always good to run your own tests and get results too! Appreciate you joing the membership bro! Welcome! 😁
@@KaveManAquatics Thanks bro, keep it up! 👍 😁🤜🤛
Hi! As usual, great video with great information.... Just one comment on Seachem Matrix... I bought a 4L bucket back in May and I paid $35 in Amazon.... as I am replacing the biomedia in all my canisters, I went to order another 4L bucket and guess what... it is now $42... it was $45 a week ago!!! Crazy!!!!1
Inflation bro…even bio-media goes up 🤣
Sure.... Corruption = Inflation.....
I wish I seen this video earlier. But having seen it, I went out and got me some Matrix. I filled up a whole top tray of my 407 and lets see what it can do 😁 Thanks for that video!
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
@@KaveManAquatics Very much so!
Oh man, I would LOVE one of those AquaSpin Photometers. No more kits, dye, tubes, spilling....its awesome! I cant afford 2K, so I guess it is the AP Master Kit for me for quite a while.
Would be great if we could all have one...but yea, its wayyy to expensive!
Great news brother kev
A few weeks behind you
Hopefully will have similar results in coming weeks. Nice work great video 😎🍀👍🏼🍻
Thank you my bro! Glad you enjoyed it. Looking forward to your results as well. In a few more months I expect to get even lower nitrate levels 😊
@@KaveManAquatics hope so too
I'll keep you posted. The more proof the better. Enjoy ur weekend brother 🍻
Totally agree! Cheers my bro! 🍻
Thank you for the info on 40 ppm water change requirement. You go by with nitrate
Thanks for the knowledge. You are making me see just how many mistakes that I am making and how much unnecessary money that I am spending. I currently have a 75 gallon with a Tidal 110, SunSun 304B, Fuval 407 and a Hygger double sponge filter. I presently only have matrix in the double sponge filter. Where do you suggest I put the Matrix for the best results?
Add matrix to both canisters. The HOB is optional. You only have to do it once and never again. Keep it clean and dont let it glog by always have a fine mechanical pad before the bio media. 😊
I've always used matrix for years I love it I just filled my fx4 with biohome two days ago first time using it ....bit pricey but I figured I try something different....well see how it goes
Which is better according to you? Biohome or seachem
@@gulag8040 honestly when the time comes to setting up a new filter I'm gonna be going back to seachem matrix.....not to say the biohome is bad as of now iam leaning towards matrix I been fish keeping for over 20years I know my parameters my tanks my routine I just have a general feel and I'd say not only does seachem seem slightly better the price is way lower ......hope this helps have a good one
@@johnjrkean7008 thanks for the information
Time to buy me some more Matrix 😅
Good stuff Kevin !
Thank you my bro! Glad you enjoyed it! 😊💪
I need to buy some for my Oase BioMaster 350. Didn’t know it takes months to build beneficial bacteria
I know everything you say is true. There are also some glass media that also provide good anaerobic growth as well. One thought on your nitrates if you take a HOB filter, put no media in it, but grow plants in it, the nitrate loving plants should help remove nitrates as well.
Thanks for the info Kevz. Now you’re going to convert me to use from pot scrubby to matrix! I currently have 1 fx6 in my 125g and thinking of adding another one, and would be adding the matrix there. How long should I replace the existing pot scrubby to full matrix?
Give your new filter at least 2 weeks to get seeded with BB then you can switch your older filter to Matrix. But I would also dose with Stability to help new beneficial bacteria growth in both canisters!
Using Matrix even in my 78l community tank, with asian little cyprinids and neos. It’s the best biomedia available with neomedia from aquario, but Matrix is durable so it’s a +. Green Aqua is a great user of it. I did put 1l of Matrix in my e402 even though it’s a lot, and might be overkill, I will put 4l in my new biomaster filter even if it’s for raw 78l tank.
Great results! I started adding Matrix or de*nitrate in all of my filters, about a month ago. I'm running one or two canister filters, depending on the tank, and internal Magnum or Yochaqute filters filled with de*nitrate, and a large HOB in all three of my tanks. I'm glad this product actually works. Another thing I do is add a mesh bag of barley pellets to the HOB filters. I don't see many aquarium keepers using barley, but those who have outdoor koi ponds use them. The barley pellets help control algae growth and nitrate levels. So far, the Nitrate levels are 40(+/- 5)ppm or lower, the week I perform 60%-80% water changes. My tanks are not over stocked and I limit feeding to once a day. This allows me to perform water changes every two weeks. During the weeks I am not changing water, any needed filter maintenance activities are performed, such as changing polish filter pads or swapping out barley pellets.
What are barley pellets and what is the relationship between the pellets and algae ?
@user-dj4sy5yv9e Barley straw or pellets are often used in ponds to curb algea growth. They don't stop it entirely, but they keep it controlled. I decided the pellets were not great in my aquariums and I am sticking to the use of Algone pouches. These are designed for aquariums and contain barley straw. I put them in my HOB filters and they really keep the algea growth down to a minimum.
When I open my aquarium shop, I'm definitely getting one of those digital water testers.
Just a warning, but that thing aint cheap 😁
@@KaveManAquatics I saw, but I think it'll be worth it.
If you decide to go for it, I'd appreciate if you used my affiliate link 😊
- amzn.to/3AON8UY
- kaveman-aquatics.myshopify.com/products/lamotte-3581-mobile-waterlink-spin-touch-lab
Love your videos, just one question. How come your Aquarium is so clean from algea despite the high nitrates? I have a big problem in my tank with algea despite having a low amount of nitrates.
Algae can grow for other reasons besides having high nitrates. Lights and phosphates contributes as well. I also have a pleco that helps to eat the algae when it grows.
My book on getting crystal clear water can definitely help! 😁 It's short, to the point, and covers all the causes and solutions for cloudy and green water from algae growth. Comes in eBook and Paperback. I promise You won't be disappointed! Check it out here - bit.ly/clearH2O
I've only used matrix so I have nothing to compare... but it would be great to have a LFS anywhere near my area
🏆🏆🏆🏆Excellent video!
Thank you! 👍
Glad to see that Matrix does really work! ...I know exactly which other media you were referring to🤣
Glad you know 😁
one of the best videos I have ever watched . Straight up YEP IT WORKS, PEACE!
Good one !!
Thanks ✌️
Have you ever tried marine pure bio media?. It works pretty damn good too, although it gets very brittle over time cause of its porosity
Thank you for the video...do you have a review for Hydra Ocean Free depurator? I wonder it does wok
Good testing and video. It's a shame you didn't test the sponge scrubber filter with the electronic testing as I think that's always going to be more accurate than the API master test kits.
Great camera quality
Thank you! 😊💪
Can’t wait for matrix, my next filter clean i m replacing Fluval with matrix.
Nice!! 😁💪
Hold the tube away from the book a bit glad to see you finally got them down bro I have matrix but not currently using it
Taking notes on your channel for my first tank I’m thinking 30 gallons but not to sure salt or fresh water any advice would be appreciated thanks
A natural way to lower nitrates is to have a separate tank full of water plants. Just route the water into that tank and back again. Water flow can be a fast drip. The nice thing about a separate tank for plants is that you can keep light on or off separately from the fish tank lighting. You don't need to clean the plant tank because no fish poop gets in there.
Very similar to a refugium in a sump. Great option if you have the space available for it. Thanks for sharing that tip.
That’s easy with fresh water to keep nitrates down. Saltwater is more difficult because plants are harder to find that actually reduce nitrates. There is sea lettuce, macro algae mermaids fan. But it’s hard to find those in bulk. That’s one nice thing about fresh water is plants help a lot with nitrates. Salt you need a lot of filtration and media
@011011 I tried mangroves, but my trigger fish would eat em, I didn’t have a sump on that aquarium at the time so that wasn’t a option either.
@011011 yes sir
Any pictures of the set up? Mainly how to direct water from fish tank to the separate plant tank and back.
Thanks for the detes kev 🧐
My pleasure bro! 😊💪
Hello
I have a Fluval 206 for my 45g tank, and i used around 500grams matrix, rest are active carbone and some biomax, you believe i have to replace the other media or just leave it like it is?
About the API Nitrates test, instructions say to shake bottle #2 for 30s but not for bottle #1. I've been doing it that way and was wondering if I read wrong. However, great video to proof matrix is one of the best filter media in the market. I currently have matrix in a few of my tanks and they're doing well.
WOW BRO! You just made me go and double check and you're right! It only says you need to shake bottle #2. But, it doesnt hurt to shake both bottles either 😊
@@KaveManAquatics you’re also supposed to shake the test tube “several times” after just adding the first 10 drops. Check step 2 :)
@@robertjohnston25 that's what I read also. After the first 10 drops you are supposed to shake for either 30 or 60 seconds. Don't know if it makes a difference or not.
@@papasmerf6453 I noticed a difference personally. I was getting much lower readings when I wasn’t doing it. But it didn’t seem to matter in this video, maybe he shakes it harder and it doesn’t matter 😅
Second 9:29 ..... When camera hates you.... lol. j/k I do believe you anyway.
I have been watching your videos for help on keeping my African Cichlids. Thanks for your videos!!
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
I just switched to biohome ultra media from the fluval. Is matrix superior? Or are they about equal?
thank you. i was thinking if i should go for biohome or seachem matrix... but i will go for matrix after i wathced this video.
Glad I could help! 😊💪
It's sad that I had no one suggest to me seachem matrix was so effective (either they did super expensive stuff or cheap sh*t which needs to be replaced after few months) , I didn't know too that matrix is not that expensive either, burnt a hole bigger than my tank in my pocket, had I known would have invested in matrix instead, still would add some matrix also later (due to my overkill nature), youtube needs to promote your videos more 😔. Great work, Great channel, God Bless
Many of us get caught over spending on stuff we dont need or stuff that doesnt work in this hobby. Myself included. But it's part of the journey. Just continue to educate yourself! 😊💪
How does seachem matrix compare to Fluval biomax bio rings? Which is the better performer? I currently have a ton of dluval bio rings in my fx6 but interested in trying the matrix
Kev, do you maintain the regular water flow over the Matrix or do you slow it down? I've seen where the slower the water flows the quicker the anaerobic bacteria will develop.
That makes total sense as they require low flow as well. But no. I didn’t change my flow rates at all during the 4 month period 😊
Hi Kaveman,
How mani ciclids do you have in the 210 tank?
Thanks for all your tips, they do help me alot greetings
Erkan from The netherlands
Somewhere between 60-70 😁
Hi bro, my seachem matrix turned green (looks like algae but not removable even brush it), is it normal and still able to use? I put it in a fluval canister filter.
Really great information. One question whats the name of that unit that the store used to test the water. I must have one. Thanks alot kev. Peace
Its called LaMotte 3581 Mobile WaterLink Spin Touch Lab. But, it aint cheap bro! FInd it in my shop here - kaveman-aquatics.myshopify.com/products/lamotte-3581-mobile-waterlink-spin-touch-lab
@@KaveManAquatics thanks kev. Yeah i figured it ain't cheap that's ok. I have another question. I bought a bucket of that matrix obviously i have bio media already in my filters. What's you're opinion for the best way to integrate it in my filtration to eventually switch it out with the established media in there so as not to put my fish in danger. Even though I've been keeping fish in like forever i really value you're knowledge. Thanks bro for you're time.
P.S. KEV I figured it would be about 2,000 so a little over a grand not to bad. Do you have one?
Bro you got me almost left to your next video then seen the play bar on the bottom and was like hold up. But waite there more 😆
🤣🤣🤣 Glad you stuck around!
@@KaveManAquatics yabudy lol . I'm bendge watching all your videos.
👊 ✊️
@@KaveManAquatics can to much air exposure kill beneficial bacteria? Say I'm doing tank cleaning and have my bio material sitting out to long or I get distracted and my wife wants me to go do somthing and I leave it out for 30min will it still be ok?
Thank you my brother.
Watching your
Clean Your 07 Series Canister Like This - (Proper Media Setup
Video now. From 2years ago ❤️ 👊 ✊️
Not from too much air no. But they can die if your media drys out. make sure to keep it wet.
My Bio Filter is Matrix and its running for 2 years ^_^ with no problem in a saltwater tank .
Nice!! 😁💪
If you want to reliably eliminate nitrates from your overstocked tank without doing tons of water changes or buying super expensive media, set up a refugium or even overhead sump with live plants (so the cichlids can't simply eat and destroy them)
my malawi cichlids keep eating the roots of pothos...😡
@@globalzero that's why you need to put it in a filter, refugium, sump etc so they can't get it
Hey there fish man !!
It's a shame that you didn't do a fish shop reading befor doing the aftertaste ( unless I missed that )
Question does the 5 minutes waiting time INCLUDE the 2 minutes of youtube advertising?? Lol 😛
GREAT video as always fella
Last thing I would like to clarify please
I gave a 260lt (70 usg) tank with an fx6 ... how much would I need to put in my filter ?
Keep it up " fish man" 🤘
Thank you bro! All you need is whatever your current filter can hold 😊