Some Filter Media Confusion

hey gang! so ive been doing some research on different filter medias and what not. I came across chemi-pure. 1st question, is chemI pure just replacing normal AC? better yet, you don't use both correct?

ill say right now I have this filter
and I really love seachem products, but haven't used a ton of them yet. is seachem purigen supposed to be replacing something in the filter? or just another stage that's different from the rest?

and also seachem matrix, again would that just be an addition to the filter or its supposed to replace something?

my last question would be about seachem matrix. is there really a big difference with the brand of biofiltration you pick? or do they all do the same job?

any links to info or comments are highly appreciated!

 

Going to answer only the part I know. Matrix is in addition to the other media. Basically provides somewhere for aerobic bacteria to grow in the filter, reducing the nitrates. There are other options for this available, but I've had the most success with this one.

 

chemi-pure as the name suggests is the chemical filtration, supposedly does a little more than activated carbon.

I use a small bag of Purigen in one tank. its somewhat like chemi-pure, removing some organic waste before it breaks down into ammonia, and also absorbs phosphates and some other chemicals.

I use Pond Matrix, its just larger pieces of Matrix, higher grade pumice than garden variety. it is a bio media, like ceramic beads, or sponge, or bio balls. but it supposed to have the highest porosity of all bio media and is able to provide anaerobic environment for nitrate eating bacteria. Marine-Pur and Biohome also have high porosity and can grow anaerobic bacteria. Ceramics, sponges, and bio balls have moderate porosity and most can not grow anaerobic bacteria.

https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/ive-done-it-perfect-cycle.403644/

 

chemi-pure as the name suggests is the chemical filtration, supposedly does a little more than activated carbon.

I use a small bag of Purigen in one tank. its somewhat like chemi-pure, removing some organic waste before it breaks down into ammonia, and also absorbs phosphates and some other chemicals.

I use Pond Matrix, its just larger pieces of Matrix, higher grade pumice than garden variety. it is a bio media, like ceramic beads, or sponge, or bio balls. but it supposed to have the highest porosity of all bio media and is able to provide anaerobic environment for nitrate eating bacteria. Marine-Pur and Biohome also have high porosity and can grow anaerobic bacteria. Ceramics, sponges, and bio balls have moderate porosity and most can not grow anaerobic bacteria.

https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/ive-done-it-perfect-cycle.403644/

Wow thanks bro! So seachem is the better bio media, good to know! And nice job on your tank readings man, that's pretty cool that you figured that out! Your fish must be super happy haha.

And sorry one last question I guess. If I was using seachem purigen would you say I don't need to use chemI pure at the same time? If it doesn't hurt and it's affective I would do it!

 

probably don't need to use both.

 

Going to answer only the part I know. Matrix is in addition to the other media. Basically provides somewhere for aerobic bacteria to grow in the filter, reducing the nitrates. There are other options for this available, but I've had the most success with this one.

That would be anaerobic bacteria. ;-)

 

chemi-pure as the name suggests is the chemical filtration, supposedly does a little more than activated carbon.

I use a small bag of Purigen in one tank. its somewhat like chemi-pure, removing some organic waste before it breaks down into ammonia, and also absorbs phosphates and some other chemicals.

I use Pond Matrix, its just larger pieces of Matrix, higher grade pumice than garden variety. it is a bio media, like ceramic beads, or sponge, or bio balls. but it supposed to have the highest porosity of all bio media and is able to provide anaerobic environment for nitrate eating bacteria. Marine-Pur and Biohome also have high porosity and can grow anaerobic bacteria. Ceramics, sponges, and bio balls have moderate porosity and most can not grow anaerobic bacteria.

https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/ive-done-it-perfect-cycle.403644/

Hey sorry one question for ya. You use pond matrix in a regular filter for your fish tank?

 

Hey sorry one question for ya. You use pond matrix in a regular filter for your fish tank?

I bought the giant 5 gallon bucket. used about 2 gallons in a Sun Sun 304B canister for my 150 gallon stock tank patio pond.

I'm currently transition from the Biomax ceramic beads in my Aquaclear 70s and 50s.

 

That would be anaerobic bacteria. ;-)

Nope, aerobic was what I meant. Basically it creates microscopic areas where they can actually get air so it allows the nitrates to be removed as well. Supports both aerobic and anaerobic.

 

Aerobic bacteria handles (removes/reduces) ammonia and nitrites because they need oxygen to thrive.
Anaerobic bacteria handles nitrates because it thrives in a no oxygen environment. I would guess about 30% of the media sold state that their media can support denitrification (anaerobic) needed to remove nitrates. Just about anything will support nitrifying bacteria (aerobic). Those have been mentioned above for anaerobic.

 

Aerobic bacteria handles (removes/reduces) ammonia and nitrites because they need oxygen to thrive.
Anaerobic bacteria handles nitrates because it thrives in a no oxygen environment. I would guess about 30% of the media sold state that their media can support denitrification (anaerobic) needed to remove nitrates. Just about anything will support nitrifying bacteria (aerobic). Those have been mentioned above for anaerobic.

I had them reversed then, thanks!

 

I had them reversed then, thanks!

That's what I was politely trying to say...