I’m glad you made this video. I’ve been having a problem controlling my nitrates

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Just keep in mind that you'll always have nitrates in a normal system. Our scheduled water changes is what keeps them in check. But hopefully this Matrix media is an additional way of keeping them low 😊

Thank you for being automatically you. I absolutely love watching your videos. Everyone needs sponsors to make things happen, but you are not a sell out! Keep it real my friend ✌

@KaveManAquatics

Жыл бұрын

I really appreciate that! The real ones know how long I've been using Seachem, and those viewers are my priority 😊💪

Great Video Kev ! Ordering Matrix today

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

lol, thanks my bro! Curious to here your results as well!

I love your content. I’m new to the hobby and you explain everything in away I can understand without making me feel dumb. Keep up the great work and I can’t wait to see you at the 1 million subscribe mark!!

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

lol thank you bro! I hope to see you there too! 😊💪

Love your videos …you always explain everything so well for us in the novice level of aquarium keepers…keep up the good work

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪💪

Awesome video 🤩

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks 🤗 Glad you enjoyed it!

My man happy Saturday!!!

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you bro!

Awesome info video

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you bro, Glad you liked it

Great video man . . .

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

hey bro Im doing my first tank 75 gallon with 18 juvenile Mbunas…mostly yellow lab. and a common pleco…you have really helped me have a nice healthy tank and it’s only a month old. I appreciate everything you do.

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

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

I really appreciate the videos 👍

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

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

Awesome video Kev, I use matrix and my tank parameters are good enough for me to water change monthly.

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Nice 👍 Glad you enjoyed the video Julz! 😊

Another great video. Can’t wait to see the results. Hopefully it goes well for you. Love the experimental content

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks bro, Glad you enjoyed it!

Super man, thanks a lot . Always have nitrates problems / I will try this thanks 🙏

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure, Glad you enjoyed it!

Thanks for this video

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

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

I use this too. Seems to be doing good. But, I do love this pot scrubber idea. brilliant

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, check out the series here - kzread.info/head/PLP5OXTIIDO8MN8NdRvlfuvcNkS8GUbAdt

Your tank looks beautiful such colourful fish! Good info

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you bro! 😁

@mraquaticnews5676

2 жыл бұрын

@@KaveManAquatics 🤙🤙🤙

Thank you for doing this experiment. I have been experimenting with different medias for years, and I too fell victim to the bio home ultimate trap. Please keep us posted on this!

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely will do!

@f_youtubecensorshipf_nazis

Жыл бұрын

its not a trap and he didn't use it right, if he put the same amount of it as he did the matrix the same shit happens he's full of shit and sponsored by seachem ffs dude

Excellent brother kev 👏

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks my bro, glad you enjoyed it! Get your Matrix in quick so we can dual test! lol

@tonycannell7939

2 жыл бұрын

@@KaveManAquatics I'm picking it up soon. Ready for the fx6 12 month tear down 🍻🧐😉☘

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Nice

Hey Kev… bro I just wanted to say thank you.. you inspired me to take on a challenge of a over stocked community tank.. So I think I have finally got the fish to live plant ratio down. Checked my water peram. This morning and we're sitting bout 20-25 ppm. That's awesome cuz by this time I'm usually at 80 ppm. it's been a full week and no water change and I'm at 20... I think I've done it bro

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Thats awesome, congrats! 😊

I can't wait for this video. I just order some martix for my new 55 gallon saltwater tank I'm building.

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Nice! I'll be sure to put it out asap! 😊

Hey Kev enjoy what you’re sharing right now even though it’s three days later laugh out loud. Just to update you on my 75 with the 2307 Fluval‘s I also have a sponge filter in there and today I made a jump and decided to add a 101 title just for polishing and I’ll let you know how that goes take care

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! You should definitely see an improvement in your water clarity 😊

First view first comment let’s go Kaveman thanks for another great video

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Nice! 😊💪

Just found your videos even though I’m classed as a veteran 😂I love your videos and learning new information keep it up

@KaveManAquatics

4 ай бұрын

Thank you! Glad you're enjoying the content! 😁💪 BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP - aquabuildr.com

I did the scrubby thing for about six months, it was good but now ALL my canister filters are run with Seachem matrix 👍

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.

@bradleyviljoen7740

Жыл бұрын

What are you using to house the pre-filter?

Great video Kev. Have you thought about using Seachem Pristine as well while testing the Matrix for reducing Nitrates?

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Pristine is great but wont help in reducing nitrates. Its a different strain of bacteria more for cleaning sludge and keeping your tank clean and cycled. 😁

Hey Kev. Love these sort of experiments. I have a FX6 loaded with bio home ultimate and a Oase 600 loaded with seachem matrix running on my 120 gallon tank. The tank is medium stocked. I still have to do water change every week as Nitrate shoots up to 80 ppm after just 5-6 days or so. Good luck with this experiment though. Maybe need to get rid of the biohome once and for all.

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

I tried and failed with bio-home...if this Matrix works I will definitely let you now! 😊

Oh man, the pot scrubbers idea is genius. I could probably put a few in my HOB instead of the course sponge.

@KaveManAquatics

Жыл бұрын

They would work pretty similarly yes 😊

Gr8 video thanks brother Question are you sure pot scrubbers have no chemicals in them ?

Nice video been using all types of bio media over the years, use matrix in one of my canisters , only problem flow rate is to much in an fx6 to really do anything of great value for any type of bio media for nitrates.

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

I believe this to be a big factor as well. But many claim it can still do it even in an FX6. Thats why im testing it myself 😊

Love the videos man, you’ve taught me so much in this hobby, I have fx4 on my main tank would you recommend this setup Minus one of the media trays? Thanks bro

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! Same setup even if missing a tray. Glad you've been enjoying the channel!

I added a seachem tidal 110 to one of my big salt water predator tanks to give it a little extra for media. I loaded it up with seachem matrix and bio balls. It’s been running for about a month and a half, today I’m going to test the nitrates and see how well it’s done.

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

It may not do much if its only in your 110 in a big tank. You may need to add much more depending on your bio-load.

If you can it's best to put the new media in the tank for a week or two before swapping it in. That helps to stabilize the tank.

Great video, thank you for sharing. Since I am new and new with my canister, I feel like this vid helped a lot. I do have a question though. What fine pads are you using for your FX6 and can it work with an fx5? Thank you.

I mixed like 50KG of Seachem Pond Matrix and 15 Boxes of XL Mountain Tree media for my 2500 gal pond. Works like a charm for the cycle. I still get nitrates cause I keep big predators but not more than 80ppm.

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Cool Pond!! Thanks for that feedback

I use matrix and bio rings in my 407 and matrix in both my bottom trays in my fx6 on my overstocked 75 gallon peacock and hap tank. 20 fish and nitrates at 10ppm with 75% water changes weekly.

Good video, will definitely be following. What size media bag did you use for the Matrix?

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

In the video I used a big and a small one. But the big one is best size for the fx6 tray. Heres what I use - amzn.to/3JNWp2O

Awesome vlog Mr K… I’m running a 4ft planted tank 25 l Jbl substrate with volcanic/ coral base layer… Eheim 2180 pro 3 external filter (beast) … Haven’t cleaned it in 5 months and the fish look like they are floating in the air… Got my eyes on a 8ft tank but may have to dispose of my sofa set.. Worthwhile compromise?!? Yes, I think so also 😁

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

I would have to agree! 🤣

@sosonic12000

2 жыл бұрын

@@KaveManAquatics Keep up the great work Mr K. We appreciate you in London. You help so many 🙏🏽

Love your channel, you are actually the only one I subscribe to because of how well you get to the point. I have a question, if I'm planning a new tank and want to take advantage of my existing tank by adding a sponge filter or something, how long would it take for that to colonize before I could move it to the new tank and help cycle it?

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Thats a great question! Unfortunately the answer varies. It depends on the bio-load in your original tank. To be very general, anywhere from 1-2 weeks and that sponge filter should have some good growth on it 😊

@whatthesnell

2 жыл бұрын

@@KaveManAquatics thanks very much!

I am REALLY pumped to see the outcome! I run 3 Tidal 110's and a FX6 filter on a 125 gallon aquarium. The tidal 110's are loaded with matrix and I run them "about" half of their flow capacity. The FX6 I devote an entire tray to Matrix, no red insert, just the center round section packed to the brim with Matrix. I have a VERY overcrowded community tank. Prior to adding Matrix on any of the filters I would constantly get above 80ppm nitrates prior to a 75% water change. When I added the Matrix to the 110's it dropped to around 20 ppm prior to water change. When I added the FX6 filter with Matrix it dropped to less than 10 ppm. I experimented for a month without doing any water changes, just top offs, and the nitrate level never exceeded 10ppm. Depending on the outcome of your video, I may slowly decrease the matrix in one or two of my 110's to zero matrix, that way I can add more/other media. FWIW I don't bag any of my Matrix. I run it loose in all 4 filters. I find I can get much more Matrix in the filters this way. Thanks for the videos!!

@KaveManAquatics

Жыл бұрын

That’s great to hear you’ve found success with Matrix. I haven’t gotten results like that yet but I see that matrix is helping for sure! Your timing is great because the update video is currently in final editing and will be up next week! 😁 Make sure you don’t miss it!

@KaveManAquatics

Жыл бұрын

BTW…any live plants in your tank?

@MM-tj3je

Жыл бұрын

No live plants but they would have thrived prior to the Matrix!!

Nice video! Just wondering how much Matrix did you end up using! I’m thinking of using the pond matrix, I have a 130 gal tank with a 50 gal sump. I’m going to be moving my Frontosa, a hap. Moori and a peacock over to this tank! Thanks !

Hey Kevin I’m a big fan of your page question I was thinking going pot scrubber route but I’ve seen when you changed your bio media you didn’t put back the pot scrubbers . Are you not going the pot scrubber route no more ?

I have two brand new fx6’s I’ll be setting them up just like yours

@KaveManAquatics

Жыл бұрын

Nice! Glad I could help! 😁

In my experience it takes several weeks to several months to properly populate the anaerobic bacteria in Matrix (though I believe Stability and possibly Pristine help speed that process up). But I swear by Seachem Matrix. I don't have a single tank without it.

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

It absolutely will take several months. This experiment will be a long process. But im looking forward to it 😊

Nice to meet friend.. I amaze your video. And I like to see your beautiful aquarium many different kinds of fish very cool and colorful. Thanks for sharing friend.. And I visit your live today.

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪

Love your videos. Would love to get a 90 day feedback on how the Seachem Matrix is performing. I am getting ready to start up a new 120 gallon tank and want to know if this is worth the price. Thank You

Hi bro congrats on your 100k! Any update on matrix media?

@KaveManAquatics

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Maybe next month

@muhammadhadi6391

Жыл бұрын

@@KaveManAquatics thanks for the update 👍😁

Great information Kev!! But I wanna know does your second fx6 have the same media as the one you cleaned??

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Now it does yes. The second FX6 was loaded with Matrix about a month after this video. 😊

For my experience: I have same old set up as yours. I do have pot scrubs in my fx6 and Fluval bio media in fx4. My nitrate level remains 20-40. Hopefully in 6 months I will change it.

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Very nice. Let us know if anything changes in your levels! 😁

Love your videos brother..... an love your tanks as well i just purchased a 215 my self but i got a question where can i find L.E.D. lights thats 72" long thanks for your time have a good day

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Congrats on the new tank! I have 72" long lights in my shop! Check them out under the equipment tab - koji.to/kaveman_aquatics

In my experience seachem matrix does keep my nitrates down ! Ive been using seachem matrix and do 75% water changes every two weeks ! When I check my nitrates the day before my water change, nitrates are always still low. I change the water anyways but according to the nitrates I dont even need to change the water !

@madmaxt6871

2 жыл бұрын

Is it safe to say that we can now use seachem matrix along with the pot scrubbers????

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Thats awesome! I'm hoping to get those same results! 😁💪

@Unknown-jl5oj

2 жыл бұрын

@@madmaxt6871 yes

@DeepikaAditya

2 жыл бұрын

how much do you use

@ers18619g

2 жыл бұрын

@@DeepikaAditya I was using about 25% of my Bio-media is Seachem matrix. If I wasn t using sponges, pot scrubbers etc, I would use more seachem matrix

Dope video bro. You can just keep reusing the matrix with our replaceing it right? Just wash it off with tank water and throw it back in.

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly, never needs to be replaced.

Good afternoon Kev, absolutely great video! You mentioned with an older set up mine is about a year old 90 gallon bow, I can change my trays in my fx4 from ceramic rings to matrix about once a month? My stock is about 9 fish. Thank you very much for your videos.

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

With a mature setup you can change 50% of your biomedia at once...Wait 2-3 weeks before changing the other 50%

Seachem Prime works wonders for me and it also raise my pH safely to

@hakman239

2 жыл бұрын

It’s impossible for prime to raise ph

Hey there @Kev, How is the experiment going? I bought the media today but was hoping to see some results from you before I installed in on my filter. Thanks for the amazing videos brother!

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Still on going. It takes months for anaerobic bacteria to grow. So I’m making sure I give it a good amount of time before making a results video 😁

@cubanracer1

2 жыл бұрын

@@KaveManAquatics Alright, I’ll get mine setup today. I’m going to use 2 times the amount of media recommended for the tank size since I plenty of space in my filter. Keep up the great work! Love your videos…

Been using matrix for a long time been working wonders for me It's the only bio media ive used never needed to change it

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that bro, I'm hoping to also get great results!

Great videos Kev. I always enjoy watching them. Question-I'm switching from a HOB to the fluval 207 on my 37g. Would I just keep my HOB running for a few months with my canister? Not sure the filter media from my HOB would fit inside my canister 🤔

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! This is a great way to get your new filter seeded with beneficial bacteria! You dont need to keep it running that long. 1-2 weeks with both then you can remove the hob if you wanted to...😊

@ohno316

2 жыл бұрын

@@KaveManAquatics Please answer me my bro I had 11 very young orandas in a 41 gallon tank 0 ammonia,0 nitrite, nitrates are always between 20-40ppm All fish are fine,but my favourite panda oranda refused to eat for 2 weeks and died He was very active before that I don't know what happened He got white spot(treated) then fungus on the wen(treated) in the proper way and dosage,and died I tried everything, salt in aquarium, garlic,meds,personal epsom salt bath,lights turned down,but he died I change 30-50% of water weekly,with conditioner, bacteria,good temperature, filtration, but I'm lost why he died Any ideas? All I can think of is he was the biggest,boss of the tank so to speak,I then bought another panda oranda,friendly but a bit larger,maybe he did like another fish to be bigger? I'm lost

Great video Kev! I've been considering matrix for a tank of amazon puffers where I am aiming for nitrates under 10. Is there a nitrate test other than APIs that provides results that are easier to read? Do the results of APIs test get skewed after a certain time frame (like 10 mins)? For some reason I thought there was an ideal window for reading results. Love your tank!

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

There is, I believe its at the 5 minute mark...after that the color is no longer valid. Really the API master test kit is the best thing I've used for testing nitrates, even though it isnt always the best, if you know what I mean.

Yeah zeolite works great.

I've been using Matrix for probably a good 6-8 months in 2 filters on a 150ga, and it hasn't done crap for nitrate levels.

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Very Interesting. thanks for that feedback. I've heard both success and failure stories...thats why I wanted to test for myself.

@patricostlund4526

2 жыл бұрын

@@KaveManAquatics you probably going be just as happy, as with the biohome and we all know what that is, C****!

I make my own anoxic filters

I've never seen nitrates that high. Maybe I'm lucky or I'm not as stocked as I think. No idea. However, I have seen nitrate reduction by putting a pothos plant in my HOB. The fish don't eat the plant, and the HOB feeds the plant. Might be worth a try

I've been eyeballing matrix for a while, stuff is damn expensive tho. I currently use lava rock combined with live plants. My tank is mostly American cichlids. How can I have live plants with American cichlids? I added so many plants, they can't munch them all! weekly nitrate levels before water change day has been around 7.0ppm. It might change as my fish are still mostly juvies. Will keep a close eye and if I find my nitrates are getting higher than my personal preference (I prefer 20ppm or lower), I'll definitely switch to matrix. Nice video, looking forward to your results!

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dan, yea its more expensive than lava rock but much cheaper then other products that claim it can reduce nitrates. But your planted tank seems to be doing a great job so far! 👍

What's up Kev! Thanks for the guidance as always. I am gradually replacing the bio-home ultimate and bio-media balls in both of my canister filters with matrix. In the video you mentioned that you were putting Seachem Purigen at the top of your FX6. My question is do I need to put a Purigen in one of my canister filters as well as the Tidal 110?

@KaveManAquatics

Жыл бұрын

You dont ever HAVE TO use chemical media. But if you wanted to it will help in improving your waters clarity. 1 bag is good for 100 gallons so use what you need according to your tank size.

I use it in both my tanks.

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Nice!

Wow 160 ppm nitrates, I stress when mine touches 50 ppm, it obviously doesn't harm your fish because your tank and fish are always amazing bro

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you bro! Yea They can tolerate alot more than many talk about in the hobby. But since its good to keep nitrates low anyway the industry set the standard around 40. But they're ok even if it gets much higher.

@everydayaquariums1624

2 жыл бұрын

@@KaveManAquatics thanks man that's good to know , might keep my stress levels down a bit lol

waterchanges still the best nitarte fixer I guess, along with less feeding

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Always! Even if this media does reduce nitrates it’s never a substitute for water changes.

Matrix is my choice of bio media!

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Nice!

I have a 5 gallon Fluval Spec V and I have just recently ordered a 100 ML packet of Seachem Purigen. How much should I use in my 5 gallon tank?

I loved the video on using pot scrubbers and they worked wonders for me but now I want to use Matrix based on what Jeff from the FB group has been telling ppl about it and what you are doing now. I have 2 FX6 filters running on my 125 tank, so can I take one of my FX6 filters and completely clean it out and replace the current media with Matrix and then wait a month before I switch out the other FX6 filter media to give the first filter time to grow BB?

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! Just like I did in this video. But I would recommend dosing with Seachem Stability when changing the media, just like I did 😊

Kev you have a video on how to cycle a tank with the fish in cycle. Can you please do a video soon on a fishless cycle

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Thats a good idea! Thanks, I'll add it to my list 👍

I just put biohome ultimate in its only been one day I get matrix tomorrow and going to replace it . Hopefully I don't lose too much beneficial bacteria

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

If its only 1 day you wont lose much...I suggest dosing with Stability though.

Whats the update on the Nitrate? Im based in UK theres a product here called C3 nitrate resin have very good review.

Hey Kev, love your work! Quick question. I'm upgrading from 260 litres to 550 litres (UK). I have a new FX6 and an old 307 which is cycled. How would you approach this to make sure the new tank cycles ASAP? Would you connect both pumps to the new tank for 1-2 week? Would you also add some of the filters or a matrix of the FX6 to sit in the old tank for a week prior to the new setup? All advice welcome!

@joshj3502

Жыл бұрын

@Fishy Tales, Run the cycled filter together with the new filter. It will cycle your tank quicker. I would also transfer some water from your old tank to the new tank

@fishytales

Жыл бұрын

@@joshj3502 Thanks Josh. I'll run them both on for two weeks, maybe longer if possible.

Hey boss is the Bags you have the 8in or 12in bags ? Thank you in advance

@KaveManAquatics

Жыл бұрын

Dont remember, but link in the description should take you to the exact one I used.

Almost any media can grow anaerobic bacteria, though Matrix's surface area should mean it is top end, it's simply the environment that is the issue. The FX6 pulls 550 gallons/h, on a cylinder that is 20cm radius approx. That is 0.21 m/s linear velocity. That is a calm but steady stream in nature. It is very oxygenated water. My nitrate removal setup, FWIW, and I don't claim to be an expert, but it works for me. 2X FX6's or equivalent. 2X booster filters fitted before the FX6. FX6 has no trays. I just fill it to the brim with any cheap biomedia - pot scrubbers galore or any sponge/filter material, bacteria grows everywhere. The booster filters (sunsun, allpondsolutions) are smaller 2-5L cannisters which I fill with medium and fine foams for mechanical filtration and chemical when needed. This means my main cannisters have just biomedia, and never, or extremely rarely need opening, and I instead replace the foams/chemical in the booster filters monthly. This does slow the flowrate down as the FX6 propeller is drawing water through a giant prefilter essentially, but the flow is still a good 300-350 GPH. For nitrate removal, I take media bags, add fine filter floss inside like a pouch, and then add biomedia wrapped in strong plastic and pierce a few holes into said plastic). I put these bags in bags under the substrate, and usually have deep mounds of substrate, about 4-8 bags depending on tank size. These after 6 or so months do eventually start growing anaerobic bacteria. The environment is likely only slightly anaerobic which is why it takes so long for it to grow. They can get quite rank as anaerobic environments also create other issues and certain organic fouling, so they need replacing, and I replace one at a time, and go through a "stock rotation" of them of sorts. The idea behind the plastic wrap and filter floss and burying it deep is to lessen flow of water and therefore oxygen. The downside is less flow = less nitrate per hour removal. Remember, in nature, water flows and nitrates are washed away quickly, or in lakes, it has a sump hundreds of times its mass in the ground doing this work. Matrix does perform well in these bags as it does have fine deep pockets in those rocks which helps make the anaerobic environment even more anaerobic.

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Very Interesting setup! Makes total sense. Supposedly the Matrix is designed to reduce the flow in the pores of the media which allows for the anaerobic bacteria's growth environment. Time will tell. Thanks for sharing your setup with us! 😊

I put in aquarium the treatment from swimming blade and is coloring my matrix i kill him or is still good to use?

Hei Kev, I’m new to the hobby and my question is can I use ceramic rings with Seachem Matrix on the same tank

@KaveManAquatics

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely. It's all just surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow on 😊 I highly suggest you check out my playlist for beginners. It'll be very helpful for you 😁 - kzread.info/head/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er

Fluval needs make a fx7 with four trays for more bio media

@KaveManAquatics

Жыл бұрын

Lol great idea!

Hey bro! ur one of the few guys on YT talking about the scrubbies from aquariumsciences research articles! love that you made these test videos. Would be great to see it on the aquario neo media too. Just wanted to point out, you sandwiched your purigen but putting it on top of the filter floss will make it work better i i imagine coz as the floss shrinks and clogs up the water will just flow around it. You can see this in the old filter pad u removed in the video, the rim of the pad was darker than the middle suggesting that more water went ove the sides of the floss as it shrunk but wasnt fully clogged as it shrinks. How often do you change the filter floss on that cichlid tank? Awesome vids, keep em coming!

@KaveManAquatics

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it bro, the pot scrubbers were a total success and I recommend them to anyone wanting to try it. I see your point about the purigen. I guess since I’ve always found my purigen totally brown and used up it meant it was always getting a good flow of water. I will try your suggestion though to see if I get any noticeable changes. I change the purigen every 30-45 days.

@MrKillerHobbes

Жыл бұрын

@@KaveManAquatics yeah youre right the purigen was pretty brown, browner than the pad under it so it prolly dont make a diff, probably better the way u did it since the water has more dwell time in the purigen that way. sorry meant to ask how often do you change the filter floss on that tank?

@MrKillerHobbes

Жыл бұрын

Im setting up my first tank pretty soon, gonna be a heavily planted scape in a 45cm x 30cm x 30cm tank, 10 Gal with only like chili rasbora and chery shrimnp and ottos . I have aquario neo media at the moment and from all the stuff ive seen it seems to have much better micropore area than matrix for sure and it has big valleys in the media so there is good waterflow over the biofilm that gets made kinda having a bit of a K1 media effect where the biofilm will have good surface to get fresh water flowing through always. From the videos ive seen where they dunk the neo media in water for the first time, it bubbles a shit ton, like 10x more than other media. Suggesting that thier micropores go deep into the media (only media ive seen so far that does that) even biohome(which claims that water gets into it lol ) which i tested myself is like 10% of the bubbling of that media. So in my head it seems it would be really good for nitrate reduction too as there will be slow flow in the media, better than matrix or denitrate too as pumice does not have open pores through the media, its all tiny bubbles that get formed in the lava. Since molten lava has high viscosity and the viscosity increases as the lava cools, theres no way for the bubbles to connect to make open pores. Thus i imagine matrix is only denitrating in the surface pores pockets which are larger than any ceramic media i imagine. i havent held matrix in my hand so this is just speculation as there are many kinds of pumice and every place its sourced from would have different properties thus i dont know what seachem is using. But from this long winded message i mean to say that the aquario neo media looks very promising by the logic above.I just want to do as little water changes as i can lol Do you think the same about thier media? check out thier website product description. Maybe could be something good for your heavily stocked tanks !! i will let you know my results with neo media once i have the tank setup and running for a bit!

For anyone reading this, Matrix is nothing but specifically sourced and washed pumice stone. Not all pumice is made alike but you can find excellent quality porous pumice for a fraction of the cost of what Seachem sells it for. Just google what you can find near you.

@KaveManAquatics

Жыл бұрын

Yes Pumice is another excellent media, so is Lava Rock. If you can get some.

So, if I have a pro 50 power filter (50gal) where would I put the bag of matrix?

I just bought some matrix biofiltration and it came in a mesh bag with a plastic zipper, but I have a saltwater tank so should I take the biomedia out of mesh bag and dump it directly in the basket or still keep it in mesh bag? Btw great content 👍❤

@KaveManAquatics

Жыл бұрын

Either way works fine, totally up to you. The mesh bag doesnt alter its effectiveness 😊

Gonna try the matrix!! Quick question…I just removed my Mbunas from the aquarium and have 11 1.25-2 inch peacocks of different varieties. I was feeding the Mbunas Northfin Cichlid pellets, veggie pellets, and krill pellets mixed with Garlic Guard, Zoo Plankton, Vitality, and VitaChem. Should I feed the little guys Cichlid flakes?

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Those 2"ers will do great with the same pellets and supplement mix. 👍

Hey K . When we getting the part 2 to this video ? Did it work ??

@KaveManAquatics

Жыл бұрын

I’m thinking Aug to Oct. to see results, if any.

@coldtex9324

Жыл бұрын

@@KaveManAquatics can't wait. Thanks

What works best the fluval 407 or the fx6

Have you tried Kevin Novak Ph.D. Biocenosis Clarification Basket?

Hello! I am setting up a 75G for my Angels and I know they aren’t a fan of flow, so I’m going to get a 75G sponge filter, but what would you recommend for another filter? Canister? Two sponges? I definitely want crystal clear water, thank you!

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

A canister works great on a 75 gallon. I would go with a fluval 407. Its powerful but you can adjust the output flow to make your angels comfortable. Check it out here - amzn.to/3lz8qwM

I have two FX 6 canister filters do you recommend the same media in both?

@KaveManAquatics

Жыл бұрын

Yes I do. 😊

How long does that seachem purigen last ?

You need to include the 1 gallon size matrix in your Amazon store... you show it in this video. But list the 1 lt size.. which is twice the price..

@KaveManAquatics

Жыл бұрын

The gallon is in the store my bro 😊

Hey brother, how can I remove the snails from my aquarium?

Hey is purigen ok for planted tanks?

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely

3:19 you only need to shake the nitrate test solution #2, not both.

@KaveManAquatics

Жыл бұрын

Force of habit 😊

Those are really high nitrate levels for 3fx6 filters on a 210. I would try physical media on all 3 trays at least a bit

@KaveManAquatics

Жыл бұрын

Physical media or more filters is not going to reduce nitrates. I have high nitrates because my beneficial bacteria are doing a great job of converting high levels of ammonia and nitrite into nitrates, which is what they're supposed to do.

I use seachem matrix in all 4 of my tanks and NEVER have more than 20 on the nitrates before a 50% water change, i do water changes most to just clean the gravel make it look neat and tidy and straighten out decor that the cichlids have rearranged lol and to clean inside of glass

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome to hear! I'm hoping I get similar results!! 😊

Was at our LFS yesterday talking about Matrix. Looking forward to the update. Planning on adding it to our filters if the results are what I think they will be. Do you ever recharge your purigen?

@KaveManAquatics

2 жыл бұрын

You can recharge Purigen, But I never do. personal preference, I just buy a new one 😁 I'm hoping for good results as well.

@rohoaqualuna6356

2 жыл бұрын

Oh I would definitely, prefer, to just replace it lol. We actually do recharge the ones we have (wanted to see if it actually worked), and we are actually on the 4th recharge with the 7/110gal packages we have and running strong. We will see if this is the last time they work. Great product!

ive tested my were and i have a tidal filter and my nitrates always test at 0ppm

Hey Kev, do you need a light rinse for the Seachem Matrix every now and then for it to actually work and not become clogged because it's pumice rock? If so how many weeks or months until Matrix doesn't become effective after rinsing it

@KaveManAquatics

6 ай бұрын

You only need a light rinse whenever you do a FULL filter cleaning, which shouldnt be very often. Matrix is always effective as long as it isnt clogged with gunk and detritus. If your filter is setup correctly, it shouldnt ever be clogged.

@user-pp4zp9ke8m

6 ай бұрын

@KaveManAquatics thanks Kev