Fluval 406 media question - Seachem Matrix

[sfarkhan]

Need to mine your experience with Seachem Matrix.

I want to switch out the BioMax in the Fluval with Matrix for bio media.

• Any experience with Seachem Matrix, Biomax, or any other bio media? Is it worth switching?
  How much to fill 3 of 4 baskets, 1 or 2L?

[sns26]

I use Matrix in the Eheim 2028 that filters my big tank. It works great and was half the price of the Eheim bio media that I use in my upstairs tank.

[sfarkhan]

the 406 is nearly as large as a 2028 from what I remember. How much Matrix do you use? I'm trying to figure out 1 or 2L? I don't have a bottle/case as reference.

[sns26]

I bought 4 liters. I takes about 1 liter per basket in the 2028. I overfilled them to about 1.25 liters then sprinkled the rest in my kids' lunches. They seem none the worse for wear.

[sfarkhan]

I bought 4 liters. I takes about 1 liter per basket in the 2028. I overfilled them to about 1.25 liters then

I used 3 500g boxes of Biomax for on basket in the 406 and it came with enough for another basket so... I think 3-4L probably more realistic

So it didn't negatively affect the flow?

sprinkled the rest in my kids' lunches. They seem none the worse for wear.

LOL... High in fiber and minerals

[sfarkhan]

Well, I screwed something up

I posted it Water Chemistry - In the process of removing carbon and adding Matrix - I killed off enough bacteria to cause NTS and a nitrite spike that killed a few fish... Sigh.

I hope the additional Matrix will help in the long run, but wow - just when I thought I had the hang of this.

[150EH]

It might have been removing the carbon too early allowed a small spike to occur after the cleaning.