Seachem Matrix Bio Media (1 L)
The buy-it-once biological media: a porous ceramic with enormous high surface area for bacterial colonisation, inside and out. Rinse and reuse for years — it never needs replacing.
- +Enormous high surface area — porous ceramic that hosts biological colonisation inside each piece as well as on the surface
- +Internal pores support anaerobic bacteria too, giving some nitrate reduction a solid rock cannot
- +Rinse and reuse indefinitely — it lasts years and does not break down, so you never rebuy
- +Universal — fits most canisters, hang-on-backs and sumps, and comes loose to fill any basket
- −Light, chalky pebbles are dusty — rinse well before first use
- −Does not come in a media bag; you supply your own
This is Seachem Matrix, a porous ceramic biological media, 1 litre of roughly 10 mm pieces with an enormous surface area (about 700 m2 per litre) for bacteria to colonise inside and out. You rinse and reuse it for years; it never needs replacing.
- Biological filtration in any canister, hang-on-back or sump
- Keepers who want a buy-it-once media
- Tanks wanting some nitrate reduction from the internal anaerobic pores
- Fine mechanical polishing, which needs floss or a pad
- Anyone who wants pre-bagged media, since it comes loose
- Chemical removal of tint or medication, which needs carbon or resin
We separate what the maker claims from what independent sources confirm, what owners report, and where we are drawing an inference. We do not bench-test products.
- Porous ceramic, about 700 m2 per litre of surface area
- Internal pores host anaerobic bacteria for some nitrate reduction
- Rinse and reuse indefinitely; fits any filter
- It is biological media, not mechanical or chemical
- It comes loose, so you supply a media bag
- Very highly rated; the light pieces are dusty and need a rinse before first use
- The default biological media: massive surface area, permanent, and universal. The only chores are a first rinse and supplying a bag
A one-time cost that lasts for years, since you rinse and reuse it rather than rebuy. Rinse in old tank water, not tap, to protect the bacteria colony. Supply your own media bag.
- Rinsing in chlorinated tap water, which kills the bacteria
- Skipping the pre-use rinse, so dust clouds the tank
- Cleaning all your biomedia at once, which can crash the cycle
We do not bench-test this; the assessment synthesises the manufacturer's stated specification and aggregated owner feedback. We give gear and method guidance only. For a fish's specific health or diet needs, consult a veterinarian or an established authority.
No. Matrix is permanent; you rinse it in old tank water and reuse it for years.
Its internal pores can host anaerobic bacteria that give some nitrate reduction, more than a solid rock, though water changes remain your main nitrate control.
No, it is loose media. Add your own mesh media bag to hold it in the filter.