Seachem Matrix or Fluval Biomax? and why?
1510896
I've never used Fluval Biomax but can speak to the quality of Seachem products as top quality. Their support is great (via their website posting of questions) and they stand by their products.
1510897
I filled my FX5 mostly with Fluval Biomax but since I wanted something smaller to use in my AC20 I bought enough Seachem Matrix to use in both. So to answer your question I think the Matrix can be used in smaller spaces but they are both good products.
1510898
Matrix is better. Due to its size and micro pores Matrix has the ability to nurture beneficial aerobic bacteria on the outer layer and anaerobic bacteria in the inner layer. Whereas biomax is too porous and thin for anaerobic bacteria to survive. Anaerobic bacteria survive in low to no oxygen environment and eat nitrates and aerobic bacterias eat up ammonia and nitrites. Ask anyone who's into high quality fresh water shrimp keeping. I have a special UGF setup that uses Matrix and I also dumped at least 1 liter of it into my SunSun canister which pulls through my UGF and is released to a biowheel into a sump with a final carbon, CO2 and oxygen scrub before it is released into the tank. Also have a moderate amount of plants. Yes, mega filtration! My water parameters are perfect and my CRS are breeding like rabbits. This hobby is expensive and has crack cocaine like addictive properties. You need to study and polish up your biology and chemistry; otherwise you're pissing away your money and not to mention animal abuse killing your fish or inverts. Basically this: Ammonia -&gt; aerobic bacteria -&gt; Nitrite -&gt; aerobic bacteria -&gt; Nitrate -&gt; anaerobic bacteria -&gt; Nitrogen Gas -&gt; removed from surface agitation via gas exchange. Hope that answers your question! Good luck!
1510899
Ditto what Genelee said. I have a large overstocked tank, had too much nitrates using biomax until I started using matrix. The anaerobic bacteria live deep, help reduce nitrates and that's why a highly porous substance works better. I am no expert but for me this worked. Also why I put large lava rocks (I found in the desert) in my tank- These big rocks saved the fish when the canister stopped and didn't notice for a week. I recommend matrix and get yourself some lava rocks, they look great, too.
1335967
Unfortunately, Biota didn't work for me and I discontinued use.If you are getting the results you want, I would continue to use it.
2190871
I use it on a 65 Gal. With 100 although it's supposed to handle it I would go with a bigger pump because overtime you lose pressure as the filters get dirty. It's also a pain to restart when you clean it up. I've had tons of issue with this pump including flushing organic debris back into the tank when restarting it after cleaning and leaks. I actually ended up removing the fine filters and added an Aquaripure nitrate filter, I don't even clean it anymore, just clean the foam filter that's at the intake in the aquarium. If I had to do it again I would go with a Fluval FX5 instead.
1170527
well you have trays inside that hold the fluval g-nodes. and what comes with the unit doesnt fill all 3 baskets full so if you fill 2 of the 3 baskets full then you could put your seachem purigen in a mesh bag in the 3rd tray with gnodes around it.
2214970
I'm using the Sibu brand sea buckhorn oil with Omega-7 and the Sibu buckthorn hydrating serum together, so don't know the difference between the two capsules. I do know the Sibu brand seems to work better even though it's a little more expensive. I have a little bit of hair growing. Yeah.
1360268
I have a fancy guppy in mine and I have dosed Excel just fine. You don't need Excel just for guppies though, it's only necessary for carbon supplementation for aquatic plants.
1166901
I wish I could help you but I have absolutely no idea, sorry! I know we always buy API because they are meant to be the best aquarium products, so I am sure you can trust whatever formula they use nowadays. Sorry I can't help you further.
1865300
While I was treating parasites with ParaGuard, I used Prime to make absolutely certain my water quality was the best it could be. Because they're from the same manufacturer, I imagine they're compatible. I can't say how effective it is versus fungus, though. Let us know if it works!
415202
This is prefilter, its primary purpose is not bio filtration. So it should be used in the first basket, before mechanical filtration. Most people seem to think this is for bio. If you want a media for bio, you should get biomax as it is much more porous than this.
1469650
I would go with a Fluval 106 nothing bigger, then you can just lay the purigen in the basket.
81297
I am using in the top basket: Fluval Universal Filter Media Bags - one filled with ammonia remover and another with activated carbon. The second basket: Seachem Purigen in a Seachem Filter Media bag (very fine mesh able to contain the Purigen) and in the 3rd basket: Seachem Matrix Bio Media in the bottom, I have an 125gal tank and this works well for me.
1163857
matrix has the most surface area for BB to grow ... denitrate is like a cross between purigen and matrix an organic absorbent porous for BB to grow material but not as good for BB as matrix still a nice twist
569980
The VSL-3 was recommended by both my Primary and the Gastroenterologist because of the several strains of Lactobacillus. when I looked at the Bio-K these were not present. I looked at the Bio K because of the cost difference but the VSL-3 is worth the slightly higher cost.
196644
I think it comes with everything you need for the filter! I put bio chem zorb (can be used up to 2 month)in to chemical cartridge and some granular ferric oxide, instead of regular carbon. I have reef tank with fluval g6 + vortech pump mp40w and led light! Works great!
2190872
I have a heavily live planted 75 gallon with a variety of larger fresh water fish. I ultimately determine that I needed two of the 90 gallon models to help me keep the tank clean. The eheims are more expensive up front but need less frequent, less onerous and way less costly maintenance than comparable products, like the marineland floor canister. They made a big difference in the time I need to invest in tank maintenance. The fish and I are both really pleased with the result.
2132795
It does not say on the packaging. You would likely have to contact the company if that is important to you. The b vitimins in this product are vegan and non gmo...grown on fungi/yeast/molasses. As far as the question, different nutritional '' experts' will say one is better than the other. I also take an extra b12 which is methyl......Which one is considered to be better in your opinion? Why is it important?
1138788
Fluval makes one, but best to reuse till it is falling apart, to preserve biological filtration. Just rinse in aquarium water (can't be chlorinated tap water bc that will destroy much of the bio filter) and return to filter.