Does Matrix need Replacing

[ACTcichlidlover]

Hi everyone,

For all those who use Matrixi in their filters, do you replace it every 1 or 2 years or just rinse it in aquarium water every time you clean the filter?

 

I have seen a youtube video and the person whose uploaded the video was advising that matrix only last 18 months to 2 years at most.

 

Just after opinions from you knowlegable fishkeepers.

 

Steve

 

[mjoconr]

This is a post which includes an offical responce from Seachem. http://www.seachem.com/support/forums/forum/general-discussion/1897-matrix-performance-deteriorates

I've had the same 15kg I purchased 4 years ago in my tanks and if anything the filtration is better.

Mike

[ACTcichlidlover]

Hi Mike,

Thank you for your reply.

I had read the Seachem forum response on this issue but noting they own the product their opinion could be biased, although advising fish keepers to purchase more product every 2 years would not hurt their sales :-)

I was keen to know if other fish keepers had replaced their matrix or not and I appreciate your advice.

Steve

 

 

 

[mark_82]

Hi Steve,

You should never need to replace matrix as it never breaks down. I've had mine for years. Just give it a quick rinse in aquarium water when you do your filter maintenance.

Mark

[ACTcichlidlover]

Thanks for your advice Mark.

 

Much appreciated.

 

Steve

[Ageofaquariums]

Old matrix loses some of its internal surface area just because of mulm build up. Almost every single biomedia in the hobby has the same issue. So yes, you can keep adding new bio media to ensure theres huge amounts of surface area for new microbes to colonise.....  but as long as you have a bio filtration bacteria colony thats in ballance with the waste produced by your fish, all is good   Even a scunged up old ceramic ring still has a rather decent surface area, matrix is even better and heck continuum and marine pure have produced even more crazy media.

[ACTcichlidlover]

Thank you for your reply AOE.

 

Looks like there is no need to throw out old matrix and that it, like every other bio media just needs to be cleaned in aquarium water every few months.

 

Thanks to all