Matrix (and siporax) questions, to keep from derailing Sahin's thread.....
- Thread starter pstank1
- Start date
slavetonet
New member
It's all Biggles Andrew's fault.
I have just bought more sera siporax mini.
Currently have 2 x 800ml bag running for a month.
Just ordered another 7 x 800ml bag to add to the system.
It's going to be an overkill for a 400 litres reef tank.
Going to switch off to this method from AIO bio pellets - in a reactor.
I have just bought more sera siporax mini.
Currently have 2 x 800ml bag running for a month.
Just ordered another 7 x 800ml bag to add to the system.
It's going to be an overkill for a 400 litres reef tank.
Going to switch off to this method from AIO bio pellets - in a reactor.
moatdaddy
New member
I bought matrix and it feels like lava Peebles, well about 50% did. Rest just feel like regular small rocks. I don't know if its as good as spirlia or marinepure. Will do a marinepure block probably. Its a new system setup. Once running I will show more detail on how I plan to stage and rotate clean the biofiltering rocks.
MichaelW
New member
I also got some matrix and there are defiantly 2 or 3 different types of rocks in it. Some like you say almost look like lava rocks (black) some look like normal pebbles and then some are the nice light gray I thought they were supposed to be. I havnt put them in my system yet. Didn't know if the black and pebble type ones were just bad ones that got mixed in or something?
Electrobes
Montipora type guy
For those of you using Matrix, I found and use this container (I took off the handle, it easily comes off) in my sump, it holds the Matrix just fine (Holds about 3-3.5L of Matrix.. I am waiting for more to arrive.):
https://m.bedbathandbeyond.com/m/pr...a Clear Small Clear Storage Basket/1013312184
The Matrix is too the left. Sorry for the bad pic.. I was in the middle of cleaning out my skimmer.
https://m.bedbathandbeyond.com/m/pr...a Clear Small Clear Storage Basket/1013312184
The Matrix is too the left. Sorry for the bad pic.. I was in the middle of cleaning out my skimmer.
MichaelW
New member
For those of you using Matrix, I found and use this container (I took off the handle, it easily comes off) in my sump, it holds the Matrix just fine (Holds about 3-3.5L of Matrix.. I am waiting for more to arrive.):
https://m.bedbathandbeyond.com/m/pr...a Clear Small Clear Storage Basket/1013312184
The Matrix is too the left. Sorry for the bad pic.. I was in the middle of cleaning out my skimmer.
Thanks for the tip. That's the kind of thing I'm looking for to put mine in. Do you know what it's made from? Hopefully nothing that can leach into tank?
Electrobes
Montipora type guy
It looks to be acrylic, but I honestly don't know. I don't believe it to be harmful.
Sorry for the derail.
After reading about the benefits, I'm planning on introducing siporax to my upgrade which isn't set up yet.
My question: Should the siporax be cycled seperate from the tank or can I introduce it to an existing setup and not be concerned about the siporax cycling?
The upgrade is approx 120gallons plus sump.
Sorry if there was a better place to research this.
After reading about the benefits, I'm planning on introducing siporax to my upgrade which isn't set up yet.
My question: Should the siporax be cycled seperate from the tank or can I introduce it to an existing setup and not be concerned about the siporax cycling?
The upgrade is approx 120gallons plus sump.
Sorry if there was a better place to research this.
MichaelW
New member
This is what I was going to do.. But havnt yet...other idea is much easier.
tripdad
Frustrated Stick Gardener
Siporax won't cycle, it is just a glass medium so is inert. You can add it at any time and let it start seeding with bacteria. It is simply a place for bacteria to grow.
M007
Acro Whore
^+1, I had no issues adding straight into my 3 year old system :thumbsup:
rovster
New member
I've been loosly following and posted early on. I started with about 1.5L of siporax in a reactor and have since added another 3Lin bags. I am carbon dosing but lower than most. My nitrate was in the 10-15 range and now it's 1 or less and I'm adding some so it doesn't bottom out. Don't know how much credit to the siporax but I've also cut back slightly on the feeding. I also add Prodibio Biodigest every other week.
Electrobes
Montipora type guy
Out of curiosity why do you add more bacteria?
nemodan
New member
The point is to keep a balance in the bacteria population and type. I have read that the type of bacteria in the tank can shift or change allowing undesirable Bacterias to grow more in number than some particular good Bacterias strains.
Unless all that is a well assemble marketing strategy by all the companies that sells bacteria suspensions, then it make sence to periodically seed the tank with one of the commercially available products, like Biodigest from Prodibio or Pro Bio S from Aqua Forest or etc .....
Unless all that is a well assemble marketing strategy by all the companies that sells bacteria suspensions, then it make sence to periodically seed the tank with one of the commercially available products, like Biodigest from Prodibio or Pro Bio S from Aqua Forest or etc .....
rovster
New member
This is something I was doing before the Siporax. I had a crazy bacterial bloom that wiped out all my acros about a year ago. Since then I've been adding the BioDigest just for my peace of mind that I'm getting good bacteria in there. When I was carbon dosing my previous tank, I would add MB7. Do I think its necessary? Probably not. But its one of those things I've just incorporated into my "routine" and just feel more comfortable continuing.
Electrobes
Montipora type guy
On a related note I just purchased some BioDigest, and it was after reading and debating with myself this article: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/3/aafeature
I bought the 30 pack, which should last me about seven months or more. This should be enough time to see whether it makes a difference or not. I will continue to use Vinegar as the carbon source.
I did receive my extra 2L of Matrix, but can only use about 1L of it to add to my current 2L in my sump. I'll have 3L to 3.5L total after all is said and done.
I bought the 30 pack, which should last me about seven months or more. This should be enough time to see whether it makes a difference or not. I will continue to use Vinegar as the carbon source.
I did receive my extra 2L of Matrix, but can only use about 1L of it to add to my current 2L in my sump. I'll have 3L to 3.5L total after all is said and done.
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