Matrix Carbon 500 mL Seachem

MatrixCarbon™ 500ml SEACHEM

- Highly efficient spherical carbon
- Very little impact on pH due to low ash content
- The 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 maximum water flow and contact with its high-density 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. Although all carbons contain phosphate, despite false claims to the contrary, MatrixCarbon™ has the lowest detectable leachable phosphate content of all major brands of carbons tested. MatrixCarbon™ outperforms other high-quality carbons by at least twice in terms of total organic matter removal capacity in the aquarium, adsorption rate, and usage duration.

While carbon is generally considered a chemical filter, this is not precisely true. It is actually a mechanical filter as well, but it can only mechanically filter 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. Coconut-based and other organic product-based carbons form microporous carbons, while bituminous coal-based carbons form macroporous carbons. MatrixCarbon™ is a bituminous coal-based macroporous carbon. It is the only spherical carbon on the market, allowing 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 ashes of the carbon source. The primary purpose of acid washing is to remove the ashes. Due to the hydrodynamic properties of MatrixCarbon™, more ashes are washed from our carbon than any other. Consequently, 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-shaped carbon on the market. It will not compact or create dead zones due to restricted water flow and, consequently, will exhaust all available absorption sites before depletion. The actual time depends on the initial water conditions. In very dirty water, it may last as little as a few hours; in very clean water, it may last several months. In general, 3 to 6 months is typical.

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

A spherical pellet has ideal hydrodynamic properties and allows for maximum water flow and contact without the characteristic compaction and channeling of granular activated carbon. Water channeling is also characteristic of carbon pellets in the form of cylindrical pellets. 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 the planted aquarium.

Compaction
Compaction occurs over time when the flat edges of granular carbon lie against each other. Over time, the carbon becomes so tight that water flow is hindered. When this happens, water-carbon contact is minimized.

Channeling
While the issue with granular carbon is being too tight, the problem with cylindrical pellets is being not tight enough. As a result, channeling occurs. Water moves easily through the channels between the carbon, minimizing contact with the absorption sites.

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

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

Yes, since Cupramine™ is bonded 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 be sure 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 may 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, nut shells, etc.), so they inherently contain phosphate—this is unavoidable. If a company claims their carbon contains no phosphate, it is not 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.