BRS Bulk Premium ROX 0.8 Aquarium Carbon or Seachem Matrix Carbon

[Billybatz9]

Hey guys,

Not sure which carbon to go with.. Can I get some advice? Thanks

BRS Bulk Premium ROX 0.8
Aquarium Carbon

or

Seachem Matrix Carbon

 

[downbeach]

This is a no brianer for me.
1 Gal. ROX 0.8 BRS = $42.99
vs
4L(1.057 Gal.) Seachem Martix = $73.11

 

[Billybatz9]

This is a no brianer for me.
1 Gal. ROX 0.8 BRS = $42.99
vs
4L(1.057 Gal.) Seachem Martix = $73.11

Do you use it? How long does it last you?

 

[Crooked Reef]

I use brs, but not the rox. How are you planning on running it? In a reactor or just passively in a bag in the sump?

 

[Billybatz9]

I use brs, but not the rox. How are you planning on running it? In a reactor or just passively in a bag in the sump?

I have a 29g biocube. SO in a bag in one of the chambers.

 

[Crooked Reef]

Oh wow. A gallon will last you for a long time. I run a half cup in a bag in my sump and replace it every 2 weeks. I probably don't even have to do it that often. My tank is 65 gallons with about 20 gallons in the sump.

 

[Billybatz9]

Oh wow. A gallon will last you for a long time. I run a half cup in a bag in my sump and replace it every 2 weeks. I probably don't even have to do it that often. My tank is 65 gallons with about 20 gallons in the sump.

I wish I would have gone bigger like yours, but I dont have that much money. lol. Which carbon do you use exactly? And does it work for you good?

 

[Crooked Reef]

BRS calculator says for a 29 gallon system you would use 2 tablespoons. There are 256 tablespoons in a gallon. Assuming you change it every two weeks that is over 4 1/2 years worth of carbon.

 

[downbeach]

Do you use it? How long does it last you?

I did use it. I had a 180 and ran 1 1/2 cups of it in a reactor. I replaced it once a month, so a gallon would last me about a year.

 

[Crooked Reef]

I use their lignite. Never had any issues with it. I would start at half the dose for the first month and then jump up to the full dose. A lot of people don't run it all the time but I do to keep down on allelopathy.

 

[Billybatz9]

I did use it. I had a 180 and ran 1 1/2 cups of it in a reactor. I replaced it once a month, so a gallon would last me about a year.

Oh cool. Thanks. You don't use it anymore?

 

[downbeach]

Oh cool. Thanks. You don't use it anymore?

I had to break the tank down in June due to health reasons.

 

[tmz]

I use the rox 8. Have used the matrix Both are excellent. Size of the matrix is more covenient but it's pricier. Lignite is pretty dusty and grinds up to fines a little too easily for my taste. The rox 8 is denser, 1 gallon volume of rox wieghs 7lbs. One gallon of lignite weighs 4 lbs. About 40% less rox is needed than lignite for the same sorbing effects ,IME.

 

[Zer0.]

Ive been using the matrix. I do like it but as others mentioned its pretty expensive.

 

[ReefDabs710]

How often would one change out matrix if running it in a hob filter... Haven't changed mine in months, about 8 months when I moved my system to asheville

 

[Mark426]

How often would one change out matrix if running it in a hob filter... Haven't changed mine in months, about 8 months when I moved my system to asheville

Every few weeks is when I change mine. That seems to be the average with most folks.

 

[tmz]

Personally,I change any gac I use (rox or matrix or others in reactors,canister filters or hob filters) at least once a month. More frequent changes with smaller amounts might be better.

 

[ReefDabs710]

I thought the point of matrix was to build up beneficial bacteria and to not disturb it, if you change once a month would be pointless right?

It's like throwing out live rock for new each month

 

[A sea K]

I just looked at their calculator and less of the premium rox is needed than the lignite however the change interval (2 weeks ) is the same for both. Judging by the performance video @ BRS I would expect the change interval would be longer (3-4 weeks) if using the rox over the lignite. I didnt do the math but I would suspect not much advantage monetarily using the rox vs lignite.
I need to get some carbon soon and still unable to determine which is the best way to go.

 

[Mrramsey]

I just looked at their calculator and less of the premium rox is needed than the lignite however the change interval (2 weeks ) is the same for both. Judging by the performance video @ BRS I would expect the change interval would be longer (3-4 weeks) if using the rox over the lignite. I didnt do the math but I would suspect not much advantage monetarily using the rox vs lignite.
I need to get some carbon soon and still unable to determine which is the best way to go.

For what it's worth, I am getting my BRS dual reactor setup. I chose the lignite carbon. I just didn't see the advantage to the rox other than fewer fines. I think the IRS indicates that the lignite carbon performs marginally better than the Rox.