Lets talk about Vodka/sugar dosing
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jamie might still be right.
I run matrix in a reactor. Dont underestimate the surface area of matrix. Its possible that matrix is just as good as zeovit at harboring bacteria. As a matter of fact its possible that matrix is a zeolite.
heres what they say about it on seachems website.
Matrixâ"žÂ¢ is a highly porous media designed to provide exceptionally efficient biofiltration for single site removal of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate from freshwater, marine, and reef aquaria. Each liter of Matrixâ"žÂ¢ provides over 160,000 cm2 (170 sq. ft.) of surface, equivalent to over 40 L (10 gallons) of typical plastic ball media!
Aerobic bacteria grow on the pitted external surfaces of Matrixâ"žÂ¢ and convert ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate.
These pores which cover Matrixâ"žÂ¢ are home to anaerobic bacteria.
Anaerobic bacteria convert nitrate into nitrogen gas, which is then expelled at the tank surface
Sound familiar?
John,
Descriptions may be similar, but the materials don't resemble one another.
Matrix is porous and a solid color similar to a glass or a volcanic material.
Zeovit is a mix of colors and sizes and is much smoother. I don't think the Martrix has the adsorbsion or ion exchange capacities of zeo type rocks. My guess is that Matrix has a much larger surface area, and that's a good thing.
Descriptions may be similar, but the materials don't resemble one another.
Matrix is porous and a solid color similar to a glass or a volcanic material.
Zeovit is a mix of colors and sizes and is much smoother. I don't think the Martrix has the adsorbsion or ion exchange capacities of zeo type rocks. My guess is that Matrix has a much larger surface area, and that's a good thing.
John,
Descriptions may be similar, but the materials don't resemble one another.
Matrix is porous and a solid color similar to a glass or a volcanic material.
Zeovit is a mix of colors and sizes and is much smoother. I don't think the Martrix has the adsorbsion or ion exchange capacities of zeo type rocks. My guess is that Matrix has a much larger surface area, and that's a good thing.
Descriptions may be similar, but the materials don't resemble one another.
Matrix is porous and a solid color similar to a glass or a volcanic material.
Zeovit is a mix of colors and sizes and is much smoother. I don't think the Martrix has the adsorbsion or ion exchange capacities of zeo type rocks. My guess is that Matrix has a much larger surface area, and that's a good thing.
Kolognekoral
New member
Well, I was examining some Matrix last week explaining it to a customer at the LFS, where I DO NOT work, and it is an artificial medium, most probobly a glass, such as Siporax. It does have a life span of about 6 months, after which the pores are too clogged to be effective.
I would expect that it works in the same manners as zeoliths, but is not an ion exchange material. Now, that branch gets pretty thin as there are many synthetic zeoliths, such as the ones used in instant cooling beer barrels (very practical application) and I have never seen them. I have assumed they would look similar to natural zeoliths, therefore like a fine gravel-clay. Matrix does not look like that.
I would expect that it works in the same manners as zeoliths, but is not an ion exchange material. Now, that branch gets pretty thin as there are many synthetic zeoliths, such as the ones used in instant cooling beer barrels (very practical application) and I have never seen them. I have assumed they would look similar to natural zeoliths, therefore like a fine gravel-clay. Matrix does not look like that.
Heres the response to a matrix question posted in the FAQ section of seachems website.
Q: I have a few new customers that are telling me that Aquarium Pharmaceutical's product, called Bio Chem Stars - - is better because the same amount Bio Chem Stars compared to Matrix will handle a much larger amount of water.
A: 1 L of Matrix treats 100 gallons and 1 container of the bio chem stars with 20 stars treats 100 gallons. Both cost exactly the same (at Dr. Fosters web site). Also the information on the Aquarium pharm website says the pore size is in the 50-70 micron range and they do not specifically mention denitryifing bacteria... that coupled with the fact that Matrix has a pore size in the 3-30 micron range (and it does support anaerobic denitrifying bacteria) strongly suggests that the bio chem stars only support aerobic bacteria, not anaerobic... so it only does half of what Matrix does.
Q: I have a few new customers that are telling me that Aquarium Pharmaceutical's product, called Bio Chem Stars - - is better because the same amount Bio Chem Stars compared to Matrix will handle a much larger amount of water.
A: 1 L of Matrix treats 100 gallons and 1 container of the bio chem stars with 20 stars treats 100 gallons. Both cost exactly the same (at Dr. Fosters web site). Also the information on the Aquarium pharm website says the pore size is in the 50-70 micron range and they do not specifically mention denitryifing bacteria... that coupled with the fact that Matrix has a pore size in the 3-30 micron range (and it does support anaerobic denitrifying bacteria) strongly suggests that the bio chem stars only support aerobic bacteria, not anaerobic... so it only does half of what Matrix does.
Kolognekoral
New member
Love it!
I forgot you compared the twoOnlyCrimson
New member
Haha, 1 for you and 1 for me.
I too was wondering this. As zeolith is composed of many differing ion exchange materials there is a strong probability that one of these is essentially depleting potassium. I don't know if these zeoliths are mixtures, if so, the one producing potassium may not produce enough for the others that are uptaking it. Just a thought.
Furthermore, I do not believe I have a potassium deficiency within my tank. Use of vsv has proven itself useful in efficient production of skimmate, reduction of N/P, and coral coloration. The coloration though is not washed out as in zeovite tanks, which is attributed to a lack of potassium within the water column (NSW has a potassium level of 388ppm). Bacteria would take up potassium and if skimmed as complete organisms would take that with them. But lets think of the potassium being added through food additions? This must come close if not outweigh the skimmate?
Kolognekoral
New member
Other than bananas, I know of no other food high in potassium. Fish flesh does contain quite a bit and may be the main source for marine carnivores. It seems to be a basic metabolite that in aquaeous environments is absorbed directly from the water and not ingested ny most smaller reef organisms. Upon examining fish food labels I find no mention of potassium, although other basics are listed. I can't beleive there is none in the food, but maybe not enough to end up on the label, or just not considered a selling point. Without good data, we can't assume one way or the other. Damn!
The zeovit zeolith is a mixture, but of what , I do not know. Mixture could refer only to the sizes or the composition or both.
The zeovit zeolith is a mixture, but of what , I do not know. Mixture could refer only to the sizes or the composition or both.
PSam
Active member
I guess a little off topic lol, but lots of foods have much higher levels of potassium than bananas (potassium per gram of food), fish included. A baked potato has 2x the potassium of a banana. Half a filet of Halibut is also 2x a banana. But like you mention, fish is high in potassium but doesn't end up on a fish food label... is it because the amount is negligible after processing, or that it's just not taken into consideration?
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miwoodar
Likey the bikey
I'm off to the store to buy bananas and potatos. I'm thinking that I will start with 1 banana per 25 gallons thrice per week and 2 potatos per 25 gallons on the off days.
Hmmm, maybe not :lol:. Maybe after I get a test kit for potassium though. :spin2: This is the lounge, right?
Zedar, any new pictures of your corals?
Hmmm, maybe not :lol:. Maybe after I get a test kit for potassium though. :spin2: This is the lounge, right?
Zedar, any new pictures of your corals?
Canarygirl
New member
I read a post by someone once who put banana slices into their tank, tied to a rock with a rubber band, for their tangs to eat. Bananas being high in potassium was the reason given for doing that (honest).
Kolognekoral
New member
Psam, yeah, there are other foods with high K+, but mashed potatoes are tough to feed an aquarium! 
I was thinking of what to feed the fish with K+. Canarygirl hit it! I feed bananas to my Zanclus in particular, but all the fish seem to like 'em 
:bounce2: :bounce1:
Boy, we are getting a bit off-topic:artist:
I was thinking of what to feed the fish with K+. Canarygirl hit it! I feed bananas to my Zanclus in particular, but all the fish seem to like 'em :bounce2: :bounce1: Boy, we are getting a bit off-topic:artist:
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