Can Seachem Matrix Remove NITRATES? (The Matrix Experiment)

4 months ago I substituted the current bio-media in my filters for Seachem Matrix. The goal was to test if Seachem Matrix could reduce nitrate levels in my 210-gallon overstocked African Cichlid tank without changing anything else.
So, can Seachem Matrix remove nitrates? The results are in!
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[@KaveManAquatics]

Interested in trying Seachem Matrix for yourself? Purchase from the new KAVEMAN SHOP 🏫 All purchases through my affiliate links help to support the channel 😁 - kavemanaquatics.com/shop

[@tuttabob]

Postage price to UK is greater than the price of the product. Am not sure if am doing something wrong ;🤔

[@KaveManAquatics]

@@tuttabob Where are you seeing a postage price? If you click the link from my shop it should take you to the UK Amazon website.

[@LeeHarvey81]

Hi Kev, just wanted to suggest you get a lab shaker on your shop. I got a bad shoulder and shaking the nitrate bottles got real tiring. I went online and found a lab shaker used to mix test tubes. (They're also used in tattoo shops to shake ink bottles.) They're not expensive and I found they are the perfect thing to help shake my nitrate test bottles and test tubes without tiring myself out. Just a tip for your viewers that might have problems shaking hard enough or long enough.

[@KaveManAquatics]

@@LeeHarvey81 oh wow, that’s great! Thanks for the tip!

[@beverlydurham6638]

hi Kaveman, my question is about substrate. if I change over to aragonite does that mean I no longer need to add any lake salt or buffer

[@BirdLadySpeaks]

I laughed because you anticipated the haters saying, “He switched the tube. Blah blah blah.” Lol!!!! And that’s why you’re the champ. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💛💛💛💛

[@KaveManAquatics]

lol, I had to think ahead of them 🤣🤣

[@razinfishes1918]

Kev I am a seachem matrix user. I use it in my sump and my FX6's. Now I don't run African Cichilds I keep south Americans. I had bought a new home moved and when I torn down the tanks and reset them back up I started using matrix been about a year now and my nitrate levels have been really surprising. Before using matrix I was water changing every Saturday. Now I am able to extend the water changes to every 2 weeks due to nitrate levels being in a much lower range. So I swear by the product it has done me very well in all my tanks.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thats great to hear! Thanks for sharing your success with Matrix with the rest of us! I'm looking forward to lower and lower nitrates for my guys too! 😊💪

[@dhammaboy1203]

This is the kind of info busy people like to hear. Keeping your fish in the safety zone but trialing ways to minimize WC’s. I’m going to try Matrix on my Sth American tank for sure!

[@videoforgeeks]

Before doing the KMA Nitrate Shake workout, I had weak arms. After testing for Nitrates regularly, I can notice a big the difference with the size of my arms just like yours! Now I am looking for a tattoo artist and get some killer ink! Thanks Kev! ;-)

[@earlyjicama4302]

Lol, I literally gave myself a repetitive strain injury thanks to the nitrate tests 🤣

[@xuanzheng1960]

After reading the other reviews, I thought I will give it a try and in the end De*nitrate really works, brings down my 60 gal overstocked freshwater tank from 80ppm nitrate to a constant 10ppm, however it takes a lot more effort, brain and money on top of the product itself to create an ideal environment for it. And I think it's worth it. First you need a few things: 1. A media reactor cylindrical and clear 2. Liquid flow meter 3. Flow control valve 4. A pre-filter 5. An after-filter 6. A submersible aquarium pump 7. Shut-off valves 8. Stainless/plastic hose clamps and strong cable ties 9. Clear aquarium vinyl tubing 10. 50 micron filter pads Then you connect the submersible pump to a shut-off valve, through a pre-filter, then through media reactor, out through the liquid flow meter, through the flow control valve, then finally an after-filter which is a 50 micron polishing pad tied to the end of the tube submerged in the aquarium. You want the flow rate to be at around 35gph consistently. To do that, you will have to adjust the flow control valve once in a while as the pre-filter catches more and more debris while it slows down the flow little by little. A few things need to be taken into consideration: 1. You need a pump that has a flow rate of at least three times of 35gph just to handle the media reactor and pre-filter, then add roughly additional 100gph for 50 micron polishing pad because it slows down the flow significantly. Finally another 50gph as the flow rate gets slowed down little by little in the long run while it catches more and more debris. 2. You need to use your liquid flow meter to read your current flow rate easily and adjust accordingly. De*nitrate takes about 2 weeks for me to work. 3. Do not cheap out on a pre-filter, make it big, in diameter, not in length. The bigger diameter it has, the longer it takes to slow down the flow significantly hence the longer time periods it provides until maintenance. 4. Put a 50 micron filtering pad inside your pre-filter. This will provide longer working time for your media reactor before it gets clogged up by debris which then it would require a complete rinsing of the media itself. 5. It can be pain in the ass when it comes to the tubing size. The best case scenario would be one size fits all when your pump, your pre-filter, your media reactor, your flow meter all require the same tube size, if not, then you would need multi-hose adapter which adds to the work and cost. 6. Always use clamps in every joint to prevent potential leak. Use plastic cable ties or hose clamps instead of metal clamps for underwater applications. 7. Add shut-off valve at the ins and outs of your pre-filter and media reactor for easy maintenance. 8. After every time you rinse your media, add tiny bit of sugar at the bottom and middle of your reactor as the anaerobic bacteria need a carbon source to thrive. 9. Last but not least, your will need an alkaline buffer and aquarium minerals because once water change becomes less and less often, maintaining a healthy PH and vital minerals level becomes more and more important.

[@BuciRadisani]

Can you make a video on it?

[@Sweetnlow19811]

Informative video! I just added some matrix to my 307 canister. You actually don't have to vigorously shake bottle number one. Just a quick shake is adequate. Bottle 2 is the one that needs a good mix 😊

[@KaveManAquatics]

That is correct! Since I cant ever remember which one, I just do both lol

[@gevkias2397]

Thanks Kev, for detailed video on Seachem Matrix. Seachem makes world class products.. What I additionally like in watching your videos is that there is NO NONSENSE, you teach us on the dot. ❤️

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you so much! Glad you're enjoying the channel! 😊

[@jeffthompson4569]

Glad you finally clarified/verified what I have been saying all along. Matrix is a game changer, Matrix along with Pothos is God like water parameters. 😆

[@KaveManAquatics]

I never doubted you brother, just had to verify it myself before recommending it out to the masses! Glad you’re feeling better sir!!! 😁💪

[@jeffthompson4569]

@@KaveManAquatics understood, and yes everyday a little stronger.

[@chiefy915]

great test KaveMan, I love the validation and proof. I just got back in the hobby of African Cichlids since retiring, your videos are spot on. Seachem has always been a great company, my survival kit since getting back into the hobby Seachem Safe, Prime, Matrix and Tidal 110. I also love that they aren't trying to sell you Matrix every 6 months.

[@chadpruitt8851]

Kev is THE MAN!! I bought a 65 gallon aquarium in January that came with 4 Mbunas. I’ve changed it to peacocks and have 11 total. I have followed Kev’s advice from nutrition supplements for the Northfin feedings, temperature control, battery air backup, adding matrix, over filtration, wave makers, cichlid trace, water changes, etc. and it’s been amazing!! Of course I’m going to change the 65 to a 150 at least. Thank you Kev for your channel!!! I was a subscriber a long time ago!! It is much appreciated brother!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! Happy to hear how your hobby has come along! Thanks for sticking with me all this time! 😊💪

[@chadpruitt8851]

I’ve had aquariums for years, saltwater and fresh. However, this is my first African cichlid aquarium and I’m having a blast!! I’d love to get an XL shirt brother!! Advertising for you all I can. I’ve shared your info in the Lexington, KY area!

[@frankguerra3879]

With every video you do I get more educated in the fish world!! Keep up the great work bro. Love your videos!!LETS GOOOOO!!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad to hear that bro! Always happy to hear that the channel is helpful! 😊💪

[@justwannamebee]

Thanks a ton for this video! I use Seachem Matrix and was going to change over to the one you were speaking of needing 3 FX6's on a 75 because of all the hype around it supporting anaerobic bacteria. But dang, you need a boat load to get it to do its thing just on a small tank! I saw that my tank would need about 12-13 lbs of that stuff, AND it's outrageously priced. Plus, even the big FX6 trays only hold just over 3 lbs of it. I'm so glad to see the Matrix I'm currently using in both canisters on my tank is proving to do the job! I too have an overstocked tank of Peacocks and Haps. I run an FX6 & a SunSun 704B on a 90g tank. I'm building my own 180g tank to transfer what's in my 90g + a few more added to keep them overstocked & dump the SunSun for another FX6. Then run 2 SunSun 704Bs on the 90 for some South American cichlids. Keep up the great work & videos!

[@jlmm3968]

Anaerobic bacteria , all test I’ve done over years with a fx 6 or similar cannister filter never had luck because flow rate is to fast. I’ve tried every type of media and no luck . Glad it worked for you..

[@KaveManAquatics]

Have you tried Matrix for 4-6 months without disturbing the canister?

[@Dianalynn62]

Hmmm...Very impressive! I was on the fence with this product because of the biomedical that comes with the Aquaclear filter..maybe this will be better..Thank you for the time you put in to show how this works!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad it was helpful! 😁

[@trueheartintent]

I just wanted to say I appreciate your in-depth analysis on these solutions. You’ve helped me get my fish glowing with that nourish, vitachem, garlic, zooplankton combination. Recently noticed that all my parameters are perfect- except for high nitrates. I’ll give matrix a shot, seachem has never let me down all these years of using their stuff.

[@liam-n8098]

Seachem did say it takes a lot of matrix to notice any difference…

[@snoopdogg734]

TBH with you. ..these type of videos are the reason why I subscribed to your channel at the very beginning, keep'em coming bro!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Good to know! Thank you for sticking with me through all the “experimental”content 🤣

[@GaZaGaMer1876]

It’s amazing 🤩 to see how far kave came from I been watching from u got ur 75 gallon until now seeing this make me so happy for you fam u came along way and we will always support you on this Journey

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you for sticking with me all this time. Even through all my “experimental” content! 🤣💪

[@Chris-dh8mg]

I’ve been doing the same test in 2 125 gallon tanks one with large rainbow fish community tank and one with South American cichlids and have noticed my nitrates are decreasing. But I also added more matrix too the canister filters before test started 3 months ago. Great video keep up

[@KaveManAquatics]

Happy to hear you're getting similar results. Im sure in a few more months we'll both see an increase to the decreases, lol

[@benjaminmedina2156]

Exactly why i love this channel i currently have matrix in my tanks and i was wondering if it actually works and now i see it does work thanks Kev!

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're enjoying the channel! 😁

[@darkstars-torpedoes-of-truth]

Hey, am man's word is his word. Don't listen to those who would question it. I've been using matrix for a while and it works for me. I run a much smaller tank 23 gallons and use a fluval 107. I overstock ( a little) just community tropicals and it keeps my nitrates down to an acceptable level, usually around 40ppm before my weekly maintenance. Good video confirming what I already knew, but in great detail.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro, Glad you enjoyed it!

[@aquariumaddickuk]

Anerobic bacteria is a very interesting part of the hobby. In one section of my sump I originally had inert lava rock with airstones under it & full flow from my overflow.long story short I created a nitrate factory long term. Since removing the stones, bagging the media & re-plumbing the sump so the flow over that media is diverted to my k1, I've noticed very little nitrate build up.even on a heavily stocked discus tank.low flow, low oxygen bio media definitely works As part of a sump'd filtration setup

[@KaveManAquatics]

I think the most success with growing anaerobic bacteria will always be in a sump. Where you can create that low flow, low oxygen! 👍

[@xmn5871]

Sweet! Loved how you disclosed the result within the first minute and mentioning that you are seachem ambassador for transparency! Either way i would have still watched the whole video because of how much you have taught me since starting this hobby. And so far 0 death 10 months in. Thank you so much for making informative videos! Edit: Finished watching the video and i will definitely be swapping my arowana community with 2 florida gars, 1 fire eel and a lima shovelnose x RTC catfish tank to seachem matrix as that tank has nitrates thru the roof

[@KaveManAquatics]

It's my pleasure! Glad you enjoyed the video and found it helpful! 😊

[@devnull128]

What an awesome way to present things. BAM, out of the gate with the answer, then the details. Thank you for showing how it’s done. Subbed

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad it was helpful! 😁

[@KingLutherQ]

A natural way to lower nitrates is to have a separate tank full of water plants. Just route the water into that tank and back again. Water flow can be a fast drip. The nice thing about a separate tank for plants is that you can keep light on or off separately from the fish tank lighting. You don't need to clean the plant tank because no fish poop gets in there.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Very similar to a refugium in a sump. Great option if you have the space available for it. Thanks for sharing that tip.

[@tonysfishkeeping537]

That’s easy with fresh water to keep nitrates down. Saltwater is more difficult because plants are harder to find that actually reduce nitrates. There is sea lettuce, macro algae mermaids fan. But it’s hard to find those in bulk. That’s one nice thing about fresh water is plants help a lot with nitrates. Salt you need a lot of filtration and media

[@tonysfishkeeping537]

@011011 I tried mangroves, but my trigger fish would eat em, I didn’t have a sump on that aquarium at the time so that wasn’t a option either.

[@tonysfishkeeping537]

@011011 yes sir

[@renovatiochan]

Any pictures of the set up? Mainly how to direct water from fish tank to the separate plant tank and back.

[@mrsdisney5320]

Happy to hear the “Let’s go!” is back! Great video as always!

[@KaveManAquatics]

HAHA,

[@ArsenicShooter]

I knew it would work! I also did the test on my 200L tank, using 3 Liters of Sera Siporax and after a few months, the nitrates went down from about 30 to 5mg/L with a weekly 15% water change. I did a little video on my channel showing how I’ve set up my canister filter and the mechanical filtration I use. Cheap and very efficient! Love your vids bro 🤜🤛

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro, always good to run your own tests and get results too! Appreciate you joing the membership bro! Welcome! 😁

[@ArsenicShooter]

@@KaveManAquatics Thanks bro, keep it up! 👍 😁🤜🤛

[@MM-tj3je]

All I can say is AWESOME!! This is absolutely the most informative, straight forward video I have seen regarding Seachem Matrix. While I am NOT surprised by the results (I have experienced firsthand the benefits of Matrix), I was curious how it would fare in your setup. Just to be clear did you stick with the same setup in both FX6's? Your other video had the top tray with two layers of filter floss with a purigen pack sandwiched in between them. The other two trays (w/o red inserts) were packed with Matrix in media bags for a total of 8 liters between both FX6's. Thank You for the video!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad you enjoyed it bro!! 😊 Both FX6's were packed to the top with Matrix. Dont remember if I had exact same "clear pad/purigen" setup in both. What I can say is through out the 4 months I changed the clear pad and purigen twice as they got clogged in order to prevent detritus passing through and clogging up any of the Matrix.

[@fatterperdurabo42069]

If you want to reliably eliminate nitrates from your overstocked tank without doing tons of water changes or buying super expensive media, set up a refugium or even overhead sump with live plants (so the cichlids can't simply eat and destroy them)

[@globalzero]

my malawi cichlids keep eating the roots of pothos...😡

[@fatterperdurabo42069]

@@globalzero that's why you need to put it in a filter, refugium, sump etc so they can't get it

[@mikecasey7891]

Your Reviews & shared experience really help!! Thanks Mike

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you for the support Mike! I really appreciate it! Sorry for the late reply, its been a crazy week 😁

[@olivervaldes4223]

You are the best out there, thank you for explaining things briefly, and not making it a 2 hr video love the channel big kudos!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! Glad to hear you’re enjoying the channel! 😁💪

[@itisworthitifithelps]

Hi! As usual, great video with great information.... Just one comment on Seachem Matrix... I bought a 4L bucket back in May and I paid $35 in Amazon.... as I am replacing the biomedia in all my canisters, I went to order another 4L bucket and guess what... it is now $42... it was $45 a week ago!!! Crazy!!!!1

[@KaveManAquatics]

Inflation bro…even bio-media goes up 🤣

[@itisworthitifithelps]

Sure.... Corruption = Inflation.....

[@Proverbs-qv9iu]

Best video yet love the character change. 😂 I got 3 African cichlids now because of you 💪🏾💯 I appreciate you Kev !

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you sir! I appreciate that! You are the first to mention the character, lol

[@SG-Cichlids]

That's pretty good stuff. You're the first person I've ever seen get results like that from matrix or any other bio media like the expensive one from across the pond. The result is impressive. Look into anoxic filtration. I use it on all my tanks. I have a 110 gallon with 45 adult cichlids in it. Way over stocked. All my filters are filled with nothing but sponge for biomedia plus I'm using anoxic filtration on top of that. No ceramic or anything like that of any kind just sponge. I do weekly water changes the same as you 80%. This tank is under 30 ppm nitrate using anoxic filtration. It also reduces phosphates.

[@bubblerings]

What kind of Anoxic? Dr Novak's BCB bags and baskets? Baked clay kitty litter and Iron...

[@bubblerings]

These types of media are also apparently Anoxic. Low oxygen bacteria that take oxygen from the wastes like nitrates.. And convert them back to harmless gas.. Nitrogen, etc.

[@SG-Cichlids]

@@bubblerings they say they are. I've only seen one video of anyone saying they had reduced nitrate after using matrix or biohome. There are many reviews of both.

[@brandonakin8033]

First of all, thank you for your service Kev. Love the channel and content. I'm switching from potscrubbers slowly to matrix in my FX6. I will forever use Seachem and Fluval products. Best in the business. Happy New Year! LET'S GO!!!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! 😁💪

[@Aclan-jd7mz]

My Bio Filter is Matrix and its running for 2 years ^_^ with no problem in a saltwater tank .

[@KaveManAquatics]

Nice!! 😁💪

[@jeffh515]

You've answered my questions about Matrix that have been a debate in my head for a while. Great video 👍

[@KaveManAquatics]

Awesome! Glad to hear it! 😊

[@amytaveras3324]

Hey Kaveman! Just recently found your channel and love your content:) I have a 55 gallon mbuna tank (18 mbuna and wanting to add a few more). I currently have an old Eheim 2217 that I use with ceramic rings and matrix. My nitrates are consistently high…in the 80-160 range. I was thinking of adding a Fluval FX4 to try to help with the nitrates, but after watching this video I’m wondering if it’s even necessary! About two weeks ago I added some pothos plants to the top of my aquarium sandwiched between lid halves. No noticeable change in nitrates yet, but I’ll remain hopeful for now. Next week I plan to open up the filter and add purigen. I will add more matrix and remove the ceramic rings. Fingers crossed. I have also heard that sand filters can help with nitrate reduction. Have you ever tried that? I purchased one, but got frustrated with it when I tried to connect it with the canister filter. I may try it again but just have it as a stand alone filter.

[@stevemc6861]

I've changed over to Matrix in all my filters. I also have Tidal HOB filters in addition to my canisters. I've learned so much from your videos. Thank you for taking the time to make and them with us.

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁

[@stevencole563]

Hi Kev, love all your videos! You have really helped me get started in this hobby, thank you! One unrelated question: I just picked up a 125 gallon tank (72"x18.5"x23.75") and two FX6 filters. Can you explain how I should position my intake and return hoses? I was thinking both intakes on the same side and both returns on the same side of the tank. What do you think? Might be a good topic for a video! Thanks!

[@carlobricco8907]

Great video and I have to agree with you. I've been using matrix in most of my overstocked tanks and nitrates have been held in check. This product works great.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro, glad to hear you've had success as well!

[@reneberthet9168]

Bravo Kev! You are the Neo of the aquarium matrix! 😁 Thanks for always getting to the point and keeping it real for the average joes!

[@KaveManAquatics]

lol, my pleasure! Neo's super cool! 😁

[@pilotavery]

It works better the lower flow you have. My tank's been on 3 and 1/2 years with no water changes and nitrates are still at 35 PPM which is a little bit high but considering it hasn't gone up and there are no plants, I'm pretty impressed

[@KaveManAquatics]

Do you use Prime, Carbon, Purigen, what filter do you keep it in?

[@pilotavery]

@@KaveManAquatics I use a regular hygger sponge filter with Seachem matrix in it. I also have the larger Seachem pond matrix (live rock) that is designed specifically for more anaerobic space, which I glued to make a aquascape thing. I started to see little nitrogen bubbles coming up from the live rocks after about 8-10 months, but I suspect it was actually working before that and just dissolving in the water. Seachem pond matrix is designed for higher flow environments but is more suitable for things like a sump or HOB due to the size of the rocks. Works great though if you just toss them in. There's a great video on anaerobic filtration, basically if you get a really big sponge and turn the flow down really really low, the first part of the filter will grow bacteria that eats up oxygen until there's none left and then after that it's anaerobic. The flow has to be extremely low and it's delicate to balance. Matrix and pond matrix basically forces the water to slow down enough that all of the bacteria is able to eat up the oxygen in the outside parts before it gets to the inside. Matrix itself still prefers medium to low flow but you can get away with high flow in pond matrix because it has much more volume for the unit of surface area. It definitely is able to remove nitrates, but it does take a while for it to start working. Funny enough, you can actually kind of do the same with fluval product as well if you get the flow really low and also wait a couple years. Eventually all of the pores kind of plug up with growth and bacteria and the flow decreases enough. It doesn't work as well though.

[@pilotavery]

@@KaveManAquatics it's just a sponge filter and seachem matrix. Actually I lied, I did a single 10%ish water change last year when I used a hose and my finger to suck up some snails into a bucket 😂😂😂

[@KaveManAquatics]

Excellent! Thanks for sharing your feedback on the success you've had with Matrix! 😁💪

[@fishyjoes8159]

Thanks for the no bs long term review, I ordered my matrix today

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Enjoy that new Matrix!! 😁💪

[@ivanalovemore1686]

Oh man, I would LOVE one of those AquaSpin Photometers. No more kits, dye, tubes, spilling....its awesome! I cant afford 2K, so I guess it is the AP Master Kit for me for quite a while.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Would be great if we could all have one...but yea, its wayyy to expensive!

[@fenixangelzamo]

Ey this is a really good video long time ago I bought seachem matrix and 6 months later my nitrates were almost at 10ppm for a 450liters tanks without plants, so will be nice if you can do an update like 3mobths later when the bacteria colony is full, big fan nice video :)

[@KaveManAquatics]

Im sure I will! With another few months Im sure my nitrates will get even lower! 😊 Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@cichlid_kings]

Nice work Kev. Just goes to show with the right product & some patience we can improve our aquariums 😎

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@dhammaboy1203]

I hadn’t understood the point of Seachem Matrix until now - great explanation. Okay I’m going to get some Matrix to add in at my next quarterly FX-6 servicing clean! Sounds worthwhile!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad you found the video helpful!! 😊

[@michaeleber4752]

I know everything you say is true. There are also some glass media that also provide good anaerobic growth as well. One thought on your nitrates if you take a HOB filter, put no media in it, but grow plants in it, the nitrate loving plants should help remove nitrates as well.

[@alexalb2012]

Using Matrix even in my 78l community tank, with asian little cyprinids and neos. It’s the best biomedia available with neomedia from aquario, but Matrix is durable so it’s a +. Green Aqua is a great user of it. I did put 1l of Matrix in my e402 even though it’s a lot, and might be overkill, I will put 4l in my new biomaster filter even if it’s for raw 78l tank.

[@tommybunk2292]

Oh hell yeah !!! I put Matrix in both of my FX6's last month, this is great news 😁🤙 That was fast too, I didn't expect the anaerobic bacteria to start getting established so soon. Good Job Jarhead 😉👌

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you sir! Glad you enjoyed it! Give it another few months and you'll start to see results as well! 😊💪

[@tommybunk2292]

Correction: I put Matrix in both of my FX6's in July...woot !!! I have already been seeing dramatic results from the Pothos & Anubias I planted last June (with the Poth-O-Carry). My 27 Juvenile Tanganyikan (carnivore) are growing but still not close to your Malawi's size but I'm confident now I'm not going to have to do 80% water changes when they get big which you know I hate. 25% to 40% is my preferred amount. Again great news Kev, you made my day !!!

[@tommybunk2292]

@@KaveManAquatics Another big sloppy Army kiss for you Jarhead😘

[@KaveManAquatics]

🤣🤣 You army guys man...gotta love'm!

[@johnmaude5065]

I use Seachem matrix in all 16 of my canister filters and in my 1 sump, it’s the best media on the market in my opinion 👍

[@KaveManAquatics]

That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing that with us! 😊💪

[@masterdingus7074]

16? Jeez dude. I hope you profit off of the hobby with that many tanks

[@johnmaude5065]

@@masterdingus7074 yes I have a small fish breeding setup, 60 tanks all up

[@masterdingus7074]

@@johnmaude5065 nice dude. I have a 125 with oscars and a dempsey. I hope one day i'll be able to make money back off this hobby.

[@johnmaude5065]

@@masterdingus7074 I’m certainly not going to retire from it, but it pays for food and equipment ect

[@mihaitastoicoci7255]

I have been using a JBL 902 filled with pumice for almost 2 years now . First year it was on a 57 liter tank and now it's on a 200 liter tank . I have to dose extra NO3 as fertiliser for my plants . It does work but anaerobic bacteria takes a while to get settled . I opened my filter after two years for a rotor clean and that's all .

[@stevebrunelle.online]

@KaveManAquatics Hey Kev can you explain the difference between Purigen and Matrix? Not sure if I should continue with sponge/biomedia/ Purigen pillow in my hob's or ditch that and run sponge/biomedia/floss in my hob and run Matrix in a reactor. Thanks for your advice! Love your channel it's like going to Church for me 😎

[@aaronayers3465]

I've been waiting so long for this video!!! Thank you. I was going to ask why you haven't posted the matrix update in a while. Makes sense why now.. THANK you

[@KaveManAquatics]

Great timing then huh, lol 😁

[@Mike-eq1sj]

Nice that you get to the point...no fluff. Well done sir!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad you liked it!

[@iLLFXdrUms]

First off love you channel. Always great content but I’m seeing red on that test. Judging by the comments I may be the minority, but to my eyes that is in no way orange lol! Now that’s not to say this product doesn’t work. That’s a crazy tank you got there. Absolutely beautiful, but I feel like this isn’t giving the product a fair chance to prove its efficacy. That’s a ton of fish and it kind of makes you wonder if it’s even possible to keep nitrates that low given that fact. Would love to see this test done on a tank that is stocked to an average amount of fish. Regardless thanks for the video, and great work as always!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Because its so heavily stocked I showed how RED my nitrates have always been and the improvement in the results. Nothing would get this tank to remove all of its Nitrates but the obvious improvement shows that the Matrix is capable of growing anerobic bacteria. And thats enough proof for me 🤷‍♂️

[@iLLFXdrUms]

@@KaveManAquatics for sure! I’m already interested in trying it on a fancy goldfish tank I have going currently. Not anywhere’s near as stocked as yours but still getting higher nitrates on water change day than I’d like. Curious to see how it would work on my setup. Thanks for turning me on to the product though. Hopefully I get some results. Question for you if you don’t mind answering. I wanna try purigen as well. Most people I keep seeing talking about it mention the water clarity improvement, but I’m more interested in help with nitrate control. Have you noticed a reduction in any of your tanks with that product?

[@evowire]

Great results! I started adding Matrix or de*nitrate in all of my filters, about a month ago. I'm running one or two canister filters, depending on the tank, and internal Magnum or Yochaqute filters filled with de*nitrate, and a large HOB in all three of my tanks. I'm glad this product actually works. Another thing I do is add a mesh bag of barley pellets to the HOB filters. I don't see many aquarium keepers using barley, but those who have outdoor koi ponds use them. The barley pellets help control algae growth and nitrate levels. So far, the Nitrate levels are 40(+/- 5)ppm or lower, the week I perform 60%-80% water changes. My tanks are not over stocked and I limit feeding to once a day. This allows me to perform water changes every two weeks. During the weeks I am not changing water, any needed filter maintenance activities are performed, such as changing polish filter pads or swapping out barley pellets.

[@DEXTER-TV-series]

What are barley pellets and what is the relationship between the pellets and algae ?

[@evowire]

@user-dj4sy5yv9e Barley straw or pellets are often used in ponds to curb algea growth. They don't stop it entirely, but they keep it controlled. I decided the pellets were not great in my aquariums and I am sticking to the use of Algone pouches. These are designed for aquariums and contain barley straw. I put them in my HOB filters and they really keep the algea growth down to a minimum.

[@aqhan]

I wish I seen this video earlier. But having seen it, I went out and got me some Matrix. I filled up a whole top tray of my 407 and lets see what it can do 😁 Thanks for that video!

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁

[@aqhan]

@@KaveManAquatics Very much so!

[@markvarites510]

Keep up the great content Kev!…on your way to 200k! 👍🏻

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you my bro! Will do! 😊💪

[@AAE-cg1il]

Anaerobic bacteria thrive in low flow/ low oxygen environments. Another way to promote it is add lava rock to the decor. It’s porous and water will slowly move through it.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Lava Rock is excellent media! 💪

[@AAE-cg1il]

@@KaveManAquatics I have mbuna going in smallish 46 gallon bow front with a Seachem Tidal 110. I packed it full of Matrix. The tank is stuffed with a red lava rock wall and crushed araganite…….It’s been up and running for years. My nitrates are tamed……lol

[@suscal55555]

Kaveman. I ain’t know you live on the island. I went to Mike too. I’ll soon start my Cichlid tank. I’ll love to meet you man .

[@KaveManAquatics]

I was just there today 😁

[@nyceefx]

Mike and Chris are both from MANHATTAN AQUARIUM 😎

[@KaveManAquatics]

You have to be more specific bro...

[@nyceefx]

Mike & Chris at the Aquarium store you visited in this video 🤔

[@dinimit4]

I appreciate all the effort put into this experiment but unless you are weighing the specific amount of food (and using identical food throughout the duration of the 8 months so there is something to compare it to) that is being put into the system every day and keeping it repeatable it really doesn't mean much. Every test I have seen and done does not allow for anaerobic bacteria to survive in a fishtank environment. I'd love to see a truly scientific large scale paper from one of the manufactures but they simply will not publish anything. Again good content and I appreciate you trying and generally succeeding at helping people in the hobby but unfortunately I think that oversight ruined the validity of the test.

[@Mdekoord]

Agree

[@KaveManAquatics]

I feed the same 3 things in the same amounts on a scheduled rotation. So theres that. Besides that. The minuscule difference a portion of food may or may not have is not going to alter an overstocked 210 gallon tanks nitrate levels from nearly 160PPM the day before a water change, to 40. Not going to happen. Furthermore, before having the Matrix, feeding in the same way I've always fed. My nitrates never budged. Never altered. Never were any higher or lower than usual. Like I said in the video, the only variable in 4 months was the addition of Matrix.

[@simpsonrob]

It works, the test here is very good, the type of food is irrelevant and its effect on the results would be negligible, it's not expensive if you doubt it try it. I have been using it before I saw this video, and the test here is spot on with the same results I have seen myself.

[@pilotavery]

​@@KaveManAquaticsshe can matrix does actually work really well. All it does is convert nitrogen into nitrogen lol

[@Juanpiedrahitaa]

@@KaveManAquatics haha getting started in this hobby, and I can’t believe there’s so much hate being spread out.. thank you for all the valuable information.

[@newbieplayer5955]

It's sad that I had no one suggest to me seachem matrix was so effective (either they did super expensive stuff or cheap sh*t which needs to be replaced after few months) , I didn't know too that matrix is not that expensive either, burnt a hole bigger than my tank in my pocket, had I known would have invested in matrix instead, still would add some matrix also later (due to my overkill nature), youtube needs to promote your videos more 😔. Great work, Great channel, God Bless

[@KaveManAquatics]

Many of us get caught over spending on stuff we dont need or stuff that doesnt work in this hobby. Myself included. But it's part of the journey. Just continue to educate yourself! 😊💪

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

Great video quality and explanation- however as a Biologist I have to disagree. The interior of a cannister filter, with its tremendous water flow is an oxygen rich environment. Impossible to establish an anaerobic environment to support large scale nitrate reduction. In my 500 gallon cichlid tank, I can do a 80% water change in less than 2 hours and drop my nitrates from 100 to 20 ppm nearly instantaneously and without an expensive, space consuming media that may not otherwise optimize mechanical and biological filtration. Furthermore, when I do an 80% water change I am removing a long list of other contaminants that are produced via fish metabolism. Just look at all the chemicals in human urine for example. Matrix may work somewhat for nitrates (?), but biologically we we are missing the much bigger picture on water chemistry and quality. Ask a discus breeder if they would use matrix to achieve pristine water for breeding?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Firstly, this video isnt about "not water changing" I said at the end of the video that just because your bio-media can help in reducing ntrates, doesnt mean you should stop water changing. I also do 80% weekly water changes on all my tanks regardless of how much matrix can help in reducing nitrates for the same reasons you stated. I've always been a proponent of the importance of water changing beyond just nitrate reduction. I literally pointed viewers to the next video about why its still important to do water changes. Secondly, I used to think the exact same thing. That an FX6 is too powerful and too oxygen-rich to be able to grow anaerobic bacteria. Which is why I was skeptical about this experiment being successful when I started it. I attributed my failure with bio-home media to exactly that, that theres just too much flow and oxygen rich water, while many said I just needed to use MORE bio-home. Even if that was the case I felt having to use more was still a failure in my opinion. But obviously I was wrong about the fx6. Because...I just did it...I just grew anaerobic bacteria in my fx6 while using Matrix. So....it's not impossible....cause I just did it. You may not believe me or my results, and thats ok...but I believe me. I'm not sharing a theory, or what I read in an article, or saw in someone else's video. I did it with my own tank, saw it with my own eyes, and im just sharing what has literally happened in my tank. I dont have plants, I've kept my bio-load the same throughout. The only change was the switch to Matrix. And now my nitrates are lower at the end of the week than they've ever been before. So...the information is there for you do with as you wish 🤷‍♂️

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

@@KaveManAquatics thanks for the reply. The basic physics of a cannister filter do not support anaerobic denitrification (high oxygen) I trust your results but believe there is some other physical process reducing the nitrates. Whether it is ion exchange or some other physical/chemical process- I do not know? If it works I would keep using it if the cost of investing in the media and hassle of recharging it is justified vs an extra water change or two to get the nitrates down.

[@KaveManAquatics]

@@HalfManHalfCichlid I believe it’s the matrix itself that is creating the proper environment inside the pours of the matrix. Inside it, flow is significantly reduced and oxygen limited. That’s why what’s going on outside of the matrix in the filter doesn’t affect the anaerobic bacteria….but of course, that’s all just theory. All I know is I added the matrix, waited 4 months without changing anything else and boom, less nitrates 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@jconrad8585]

The matrix itself is super dense on the inside and that's where the anaerobic bacteria are growing. That's the entire point of this video dude

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

@@jconrad8585 matrix pieces gets covered in an outer bacterial slime. This slime effectively blocks any penetration of the nitrate containing water into the core of the media where proponents of denitrification claim anaerobic denitrificatiojn occurs. I hate to be blunt, and rain on your parade, but those of us with a background in science consider your theory to be "hog wash". Seachem and Biohome have no data to support their claims when many aquarists have asked for proof of their claims.

[@mysunre608]

I have a species only 180 gallon tank of Frontosas & I’ve only added the Purigen in my FX6 since you did your video talking about it and my nitrate levels dropped even without the Matrix! So I’m definitely going to try it now..

[@KaveManAquatics]

That’s very interesting! Happy to hear that!! 😊💪

[@markbaumgardt2868]

Hey Kev I have 5 to 10 parts of nitrate in my 150 gallon hap tank my tank is heavily stocked I have 2 Eheim classic XL 1500 filters and do 3 small multi water changes a week and in my filters I have the no name Chinese bio rings the main key to low nitrates is over filter and adequate water changes that's my 2 cents on it love your vids keep up the good work

[@DKLordByron]

I added 2L Matrix to my 92G planted fancy goldfish aquarium 5 months ago. I have 5 1 year old goldfish in it and my nitrate level is about 13ppm after a week. I'm excited to see if it reaches further down.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Very Nice!! 😊💪

[@gazzauk79]

i dont know or how your seeing orange kev but to me at the 7:50 i see red maybe its just whatever you used to record but i definately see red

[@courtneykachur9487]

I saw it. I saw it. Right at 4:55 you can see where someone snuck up behind him and swapped the tubes

[@KaveManAquatics]

🤣🤣

[@leezebrowski5838]

Love your videos!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪 BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - aquabuildr.com

[@Smokkedandslammed]

I have biohome ultimate in my tanks and its a constant battle with GHA :(

[@brianfpv623]

Man your sooo good at explaining love your vids I also use seacam matrix

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! Glad you like them! 😊💪

[@wadesenna8178]

Love the vids kaveman thanks to you I started the hobby I only use seachem products I got 2 tanks now a 10 gallon and a 55 gallon I’m getting mts already

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁 Welcome to MTS lol

[@Jack-wc3ob]

I need to buy some for my Oase BioMaster 350. Didn’t know it takes months to build beneficial bacteria

[@hakman239]

Hold the tube away from the book a bit glad to see you finally got them down bro I have matrix but not currently using it

[@tonycannell7939]

Great news brother kev A few weeks behind you Hopefully will have similar results in coming weeks. Nice work great video 😎🍀👍🏼🍻

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you my bro! Glad you enjoyed it. Looking forward to your results as well. In a few more months I expect to get even lower nitrate levels 😊

[@tonycannell7939]

@@KaveManAquatics hope so too I'll keep you posted. The more proof the better. Enjoy ur weekend brother 🍻

[@KaveManAquatics]

Totally agree! Cheers my bro! 🍻

[@multipletanksyndrome]

When I open my aquarium shop, I'm definitely getting one of those digital water testers.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Just a warning, but that thing aint cheap 😁

[@multipletanksyndrome]

@@KaveManAquatics I saw, but I think it'll be worth it.

[@KaveManAquatics]

If you decide to go for it, I'd appreciate if you used my affiliate link 😊 - amzn.to/3AON8UY - kaveman-aquatics.myshopify.com/products/lamotte-3581-mobile-waterlink-spin-touch-lab

[@bobbyvictorthomas6390]

Hey Kave....why don't you get this gadget to check results?

[@kickassclone75]

one of the best videos I have ever watched . Straight up YEP IT WORKS, PEACE!

[@arusso713]

What's up new to the channel, great video. You should look into an algae turf scrubber it will greatly reduce the nitrates in your tanks. Btw your LFS is beautiful

[@TriHard7c]

im not sure why people keep using matrix and matrix pond to remove nitrate yes it can hold some of the bacteria to remove nitrate but its not the main selling point of that doesnt seachem have denitrate or brightwell with nitratz to do that better ? it would be nice if people doing testing on those instead but thanks for the testing

[@9to5techs]

Texas Well water treatment I have a question about my (well water) and this community seems educated. A local water treatment company wants to sale me a clack WS1 valve 48k grain water softener single tank(single vs 2 tank water softener what's the difference?) (Not sure if this is big enough may need to go with 64k), Nitrate filter tank( do I need this), whole house water settlement filter for $3,300 includes labor and fittings, what do you think about price and size of water softener. Never had one before. Water is: hardness 35 GPG, Nitrate 10 ppm(is it safe to shower in and brush your teeth with), Nitrite 0ppm, Alkalinity 220ppm, iron 0ppm, copper .03ppm, chlorine 0ppm, PH 7.8ppm-8.5ppm(depending on the test), TDS 894ppm (their test), pesticides no, Lead no. I use primo for drinking water so don't need RO system. 2 bathrooms with (one 60 gallon garden tub, 2 showers) with 2 maybe 3 people(full time at home) with guests once a month. At 100 gallons a day per full time person. What water softener grain capacity should I have. 35x200x7 days=49,000 grain 35x300x7 days=73,500 grain 2 person @100 gallons @35 GPG hardness=200x35=7,000 grains a dayx7 day region=49k grain but with 48k grain it will be 6.8571428571 days region May have 3 people @100 gallon at 35 gpg hardness=73.5K grains, 7 day region. But with 48k grain it will region 300x35=10,500 grain a day, 48K÷10,500= 4.5714285714 days before region. 6.8571428571-4.5714285714=2.2857142857 days less before region 30÷4.5714285714=6.5625x it will region Vs 30÷6.8571428571=4.375x it will region So it will do 2.1875 more regions a month

[@lpoolck17]

Good testing and video. It's a shame you didn't test the sponge scrubber filter with the electronic testing as I think that's always going to be more accurate than the API master test kits.

[@JTCT371]

My experience with Purigen? DO NOT USE if your water is acidic and you're trying to buffer it up towards neutral. It will remove the buffering capacity, resulting in an absolute crash.....the fact theres no actual warning about this on the packaging is going to harm alot of fish. Activated carbon is the better product in this scenario. Allows the buffer to do its thing.

[@alexsandermartensson6716]

Love your videos, just one question. How come your Aquarium is so clean from algea despite the high nitrates? I have a big problem in my tank with algea despite having a low amount of nitrates.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Algae can grow for other reasons besides having high nitrates. Lights and phosphates contributes as well. I also have a pleco that helps to eat the algae when it grows. My book on getting crystal clear water can definitely help! 😁 It's short, to the point, and covers all the causes and solutions for cloudy and green water from algae growth. Comes in eBook and Paperback. I promise You won't be disappointed! Check it out here - bit.ly/clearH2O

[@juliaheinritz3264]

Excellent info!

[@draconisdragonheart4248]

🏆🏆🏆🏆Excellent video!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you! 👍

[@Agentshadowolf]

Awesome video. Can't wait to see my results in a month or two

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! Make sure to let me know 😁

[@Agentshadowolf]

@@KaveManAquatics no problem :)

[@evowire]

I have a question, which may set something off: has anyone tried adding aquarium water, some food waste, stability and pristine to a bucket of Matrix and leaving it set for a month or so to propagate anaerobic bacteria, before putting it into your filters? -Just a thought...

[@KaveManAquatics]

Hmmm...interesting! You may be onto something here...

[@vidmusic88]

About the API Nitrates test, instructions say to shake bottle #2 for 30s but not for bottle #1. I've been doing it that way and was wondering if I read wrong. However, great video to proof matrix is one of the best filter media in the market. I currently have matrix in a few of my tanks and they're doing well.

[@KaveManAquatics]

WOW BRO! You just made me go and double check and you're right! It only says you need to shake bottle #2. But, it doesnt hurt to shake both bottles either 😊

[@robertjohnston25]

@@KaveManAquatics you’re also supposed to shake the test tube “several times” after just adding the first 10 drops. Check step 2 :)

[@papasmerf6453]

​@@robertjohnston25 that's what I read also. After the first 10 drops you are supposed to shake for either 30 or 60 seconds. Don't know if it makes a difference or not.

[@robertjohnston25]

@@papasmerf6453 I noticed a difference personally. I was getting much lower readings when I wasn’t doing it. But it didn’t seem to matter in this video, maybe he shakes it harder and it doesn’t matter 😅

[@Ceonbe]

Nice! Thank you for your effort, I'm gonna consider to get one for my axolotl since his tank always have high nitrates

[@NUTTER8291]

Hey there fish man !! It's a shame that you didn't do a fish shop reading befor doing the aftertaste ( unless I missed that ) Question does the 5 minutes waiting time INCLUDE the 2 minutes of youtube advertising?? Lol 😛 GREAT video as always fella Last thing I would like to clarify please I gave a 260lt (70 usg) tank with an fx6 ... how much would I need to put in my filter ? Keep it up " fish man" 🤘

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! All you need is whatever your current filter can hold 😊

[@cooliipie]

Amazing video, thanks!

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you found it helpful 😊

[@johnjrkean7008]

I've always used matrix for years I love it I just filled my fx4 with biohome two days ago first time using it ....bit pricey but I figured I try something different....well see how it goes

[@gulag8040]

Which is better according to you? Biohome or seachem

[@johnjrkean7008]

@@gulag8040 honestly when the time comes to setting up a new filter I'm gonna be going back to seachem matrix.....not to say the biohome is bad as of now iam leaning towards matrix I been fish keeping for over 20years I know my parameters my tanks my routine I just have a general feel and I'd say not only does seachem seem slightly better the price is way lower ......hope this helps have a good one

[@gulag8040]

@@johnjrkean7008 thanks for the information

[@fsm12385]

Thank you for the info on 40 ppm water change requirement. You go by with nitrate

[@mycatmax9658]

you might help Snake River Cichlids I ask them what ph thay have cichlids in just so i wood match or get close but thay told me wont help me dont know why but did say you might but not every store keeps them at 7.8 to 8.2 so can you help dont know why thay dont.

[@KaveManAquatics]

You must have spoken to someone that has bad information. As beautiful as their fish are Im sure they're keeping them in the right PH

[@mycatmax9658]

@@KaveManAquatics We do not give advice on water parameters or tank stocking. Check out Kaveman Aquatics, he is a great resource! Thanks This is what thay sent me. Not evey one keeps them at same ph this I know from store to store hanks for talking to me

[@DriftaholiC]

Build a plenum under the gravel for some serious anerobic denitrification

[@Shadow-wn5fw]

Thanks for the knowledge. You are making me see just how many mistakes that I am making and how much unnecessary money that I am spending. I currently have a 75 gallon with a Tidal 110, SunSun 304B, Fuval 407 and a Hygger double sponge filter. I presently only have matrix in the double sponge filter. Where do you suggest I put the Matrix for the best results?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Add matrix to both canisters. The HOB is optional. You only have to do it once and never again. Keep it clean and dont let it glog by always have a fine mechanical pad before the bio media. 😊

[@cristiansofake7854]

Yoo i needed this!!!! Buying it asap

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad I could help!

[@cristiansofake7854]

@@KaveManAquatics hey, i totally forgot to wash my matrix i put in. Someone recommended me doing a 99% water change?? What would u recommend? 80% ? 50%? Not that serious?