lets talk in sump bio media. rock vs matrix vs marine pure

[SPS2020]

I have 2 large mesh bags each with a liter of matrix in my sump. I love it and you can’t beat the price and surface area. Keeping them in bags makes it much easier to rinse out when they accumulate detritus

My system exactly. I've used SeaChem products for years and Matrix just works.

 

[siggy]

I have used LR, bag of pond matrix, MP spheres and currently have 2 bright well bricks.
They all work. Matrix has larger pores and collected dirt plus I didn't feel there was much flow with it being in the bag. The ceramic stuff I have had more problems with low nutrients than high.
The stuff does work, oh and the marine pure, it did not elevate ALU in my system (2 trident tests) but it appeared to tick off my toadstool leather, I lost the PE that stood out on this coral. Not sure with the bright well stuff, got rid of the coral.

 

[Devaji]

My system exactly. I've used SeaChem products for years and Matrix just works.

I ordered the gal. bucket yesterday for my 170 total volume system might be over kill IDK but I am on the light side of rock in my DT so I thought I better.

I have used LR, bag of pond matrix, MP spheres and currently have 2 bright well bricks.
They all work. Matrix has larger pores and collected dirt plus I didn't feel there was much flow with it being in the bag. The ceramic stuff I have had more problems with low nutrients than high.
The stuff does work, oh and the marine pure, it did not elevate ALU in my system (2 trident tests) but it appeared to tick off my toadstool leather, I lost the PE that stood out on this coral. Not sure with the bright well stuff, got rid of the coral.

good to know as I will have a few toadstool and other leathers so glad I did got go with MP balls.

 

[SPS2020]

My setup is a 100g bare bottom with minimal Marco\Stax rockwork. I felt like Matrix would add more surface area than the competition...and was a safe alternative (i.e., tin, etc.). I don't blame you for the overkill. ;-)

 

[Jimbo662]

This is what I use. Been in the sump for a year now and no noticeable breakdown and pods crawl all through them.

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[Devaji]

another option...
anyone use the caribSea crushed coral in a media bag for bio media in the sump? seems like it could be a cost effective way to add surface area as long as you rinse it from time to time maybe monthly? + you just might get some PH buffering and or trace elements?

IDK just a thought.

 

[billandwende]

Ive heard the Brightwell bricks are far superior to Marinepure and dont break down over time. Anyone use them? Been thinking of getting one myself...

Mine melted away very quickly. They claim that they fixed this issue but I'll spend my money elsewhere. After 2 years my Marine pure is starting to break down a bit. I'm going to go to rock again.

 

[AquaAddict]

I would like to start a poll and see what R2R likes and uses.

I would like to add some media to my new tank R 650P man made rock with NSA scape and sand but fell like i could use some bio media in the sump.

what I am looking for is very pours so I dont have the classic pile of rock in the sump like I have had in the past.

I will be getting about 10# of ocean aquacultered LR from KP at some point
I also will l use a few pieces of man made rock ( real reef rock) in the sump but like i said dont want to use to much if I can help it.

they thoughts are:
1. Brightwel bio brick - out of stock for ever now seems like. anyone have experience with this?

2.marine pure bio balls. I have a few in my nano and love em . could get the 1 gallon bucket. do they leach tin & alu. lick the plates? do they fall apart?

3. seachem matrix this it what I was leaning toward natural somewhat cheap and just add to filter bags and good to go. I also have some in my nano that is working just fine.

any others one should consider?

post what you use and why please. pros and cons

I use lava rock seems to work good for me

 

[paul barker]

Live rock.
Started with marine pure block, but the high aluminum icp test alarmed me.

I have to in a 75 gal fish only tank the are over a year old do you the still leaking aluminum

 

[Crustaceon]

I’m running a bunch of seachem matrix in a bubblemagus biopellet reactor and so far so good. (The rocks aren’t tumbling of course).

 

[Pistondog]

I have to in a 75 gal fish only tank the are over a year old do you the still leaking aluminum

If you're asking if the marinepure is still leaking aluminum, probably not, it's in a box in the garage. I took it out.

 

[Azedenkae]

MarinePure for meeeeeeeeeeee.

 

[ScottB]

Pictured are 3 of the 8X4X4 Marine Pure blocks in my sump. About 5 years old and no noticeable decay. Triton says I am in NSW range for aluminum and is also attached. I feed a ton and my nitrates are 5-10 with just skimmer and socks.

 

[Saltyanimals]

Pictured are 3 of the 8X4X4 Marine Pure blocks in my sump. About 5 years old and no noticeable decay. Triton says I am in NSW range for aluminum and is also attached. I feed a ton and my nitrates are 5-10 with just skimmer and socks.

My theory is marine pure changed something in the recipe in the recent manufacturing process making them more brittle. My MP spheres are also 5+ years ago and look like the day I bought them. Conspiracy theory in me says it's more profitable to sell a product that will need to be replaced frequently every 1-2 years vs 5+. Plausible?