Matrix Carbon 250 mL Seachem

MatrixCarbon™ 250ml SEACHEM

- High-efficiency spherical carbon
- Very little impact on pH due to low ash content
- Lowest leachable phosphate level on the market
- High removal capacity; large surface area

Overview

MatrixCarbon™ is a truly unique activated carbon. It is formed into a spherical bead for optimal hydrodynamics and does not pack. It allows maximal water flow and contact with its high density of macroporous binding sites. MatrixCarbon™ has a very low ash content, as indicated by its minimal impact on pH. Even when added to distilled water, it does not raise the pH above 7.0. While all carbons contain phosphate, despite false claims to the contrary, MatrixCarbon™ has the lowest detectable leachable phosphate content of all major carbon brands tested. MatrixCarbon™ outperforms other high-quality carbons by at least two times in terms of total organic material removal capacity from the aquarium, adsorption rate, and usage duration.

While carbon is generally considered a chemical filter, this is not precisely true. It is actually also a mechanical filter, but it is only capable of mechanically filtering objects of molecular size. It works through extremely small cracks and crevices, called macropores and micropores. Microporous carbons primarily remove smaller metals and ions (like trace elements) and are better suited for air filtration, while macroporous carbons primarily remove larger organic molecules (like nitrogenous waste) and are better suited for water filtration.

The ingredients from which a carbon is made determine whether it will be macro- or microporous. Carbons made from coconut and other organic products form microporous carbons, while carbons made from bituminous coal form macroporous carbons. MatrixCarbon™ is a bituminous coal-based macroporous carbon. It is the only spherical carbon on the market, allowing for maximum water flow. It is sized to allow complete penetration by water but not small enough to escape filter bags. All carbons contain phosphate. However, this phosphate DOES NOT come from washing the carbon with phosphoric acid. Most carbons are washed with sulfuric acid. The phosphate is contained in the ash of the carbon source. The main goal of acid washing is to remove the ash. Due to the hydrodynamic properties of MatrixCarbon™, more ash is washed from our carbon than any other. Therefore, it has the lowest leachable phosphate on the market.

Sizes: 100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, 1 L, 2 L, 4 L

Instructions

250 ml will easily treat 400 L (100 US gallons) for several months.

Use in a filter bag. Rinse before use.

For best results, MatrixCarbon™ should be placed to maximize water flow through it.

It can be used in a canister filter, chemical filtration module, box filter, or any high-flow area of a trickle filter.

FAQ

How long does your MatrixCarbon™ last?

MatrixCarbon™ is the only spherical carbon on the market. It will not compact and create dead zones due to restricted water flow and, therefore, will deplete all available absorption sites before exhaustion. The actual time depends on the initial water conditions. In very dirty water, it can last as little as a few hours; in very clean water, it can last several months. Generally, 3 to 6 months are typical.

You claim that the spherical shape of MatrixCarbon makes it a better carbon. Why is shape important?

A spherical pellet has ideal hydrodynamic properties and allows for maximum water flow and contact without the compacting and channelling characteristics of granular activated carbon. Water channelling is also characteristic of carbon in cylindrical pellet form. These cylindrical pellets were originally designed for air filtration and have poor water hydrodynamics. MatrixCarbon™ also has minimal impact on trace elements, an added bonus for planted aquariums.

Compacting
Compacting occurs over time as the flat edges of granular carbon settle against each other. Over time, the carbon becomes so tight that water flow is impeded. When this happens, water-carbon contact is minimized.

Channelling
While the problem with granular carbon is that it becomes too tight, the problem with cylindrical pellets is that they are not tight enough. As a result, channelling occurs. Water moves easily through the channels between the carbon, minimizing contact with the absorption sites.

Optimal Hydrodynamics
MatrixCarbon™ solves both compacting and channelling. Due to its unique spherical shape, MatrixCarbon™ provides maximum water flow and contact with a high density of adsorption sites without the compacting of granular activated carbon.

Recently, I used Cupramine in my tank. Can I use MatrixCarbon™ to remove Cupramine™?

Yes, since Cupramine™ is bound to an organic, you can use carbon to remove the product.

Will MatrixCarbon™ remove trace elements from the water? I have a densely planted aquarium and I want to ensure that the trace elements and necessary elements are not aggressively removed by the carbon.

MatrixCarbon™ is an aggressive media and will have minimal impact on trace elements. For this reason, you might want to consider Purigen®. Purigen® is an aggressive organic cleaning resin that is very selective in its removal. It only targets nitrogenous organic matter. This product also polishes the water and is regenerable, making it more cost-effective in the long run.

Another company claims their carbon contains no phosphate. If MatrixCarbon™ is so good, why does it still contain phosphate?

All carbons are made from organic materials (wood, nutshells, etc.), so they inherently contain phosphate - it is unavoidable. If a company claims their carbon contains no phosphate, it is not a carbon (perhaps a carbon-like substitute such as Renew™) or the company is practicing creative formulation regarding their carbon. MatrixCarbon™ has the lowest leachable phosphate on the market; it will add less phosphate to your water than any other available carbon.