Is Foam Better than Matrix in low flow situation????

duganderson · 10/10/2018, 03:39 PM

Is it pretty safe to assume that Matrix is a superior bio filter compared to foam in most cases per volume? My situation is a very low flow case.

I have a JellyFishArt Nano Jelly Fish 2 gallon tank that I am cycling. It will have three small to mid size moon jellies in it. The only bio filtration in the stock model is a black foam filter that is about 8" x 5" X 1" and a nano chemi pure blue packet.

I cut off the top half of the foam off and replaced it with almost 250 ML of SeaChem Matrix in two different media bags. From bottom to top I have foam, chemi pure nano back and then matrix media bags.

The flow is very low in the tank (to support jelly fish) and the water very gently flows down the filter and is powered by one small air hose.

Is this modification likely superior for processing ammonia, nitrite and nitrate to OR is foam better in cases of very low flow like this tank?

In summary....which of these is likely better for filtration in low flow...
1. Stock 8"x5"X1" piece of black foam
2. Modified foam cut in half AND almost 250ML of Matrix in media bags

Thank you in advance!!! Doug

mcgyvr · 10/10/2018, 04:16 PM

I assume that matrix has more surface area...hence it would be better

bertoni · 10/10/2018, 04:24 PM

I'd guess that the Matrix is better, as well, but I'd be cautious and test a bit.

SantaMonica · 10/14/2018, 09:39 PM

Good question, especially if the matrix does not have any ammonia absorbing additives.

I've always thought these jelly tanks needed more filtering that what they came with.

10/10/2018, 03:39 PM	#1
duganderson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 569	Is Foam Better than Matrix in low flow situation???? Is it pretty safe to assume that Matrix is a superior bio filter compared to foam in most cases per volume? My situation is a very low flow case. I have a JellyFishArt Nano Jelly Fish 2 gallon tank that I am cycling. It will have three small to mid size moon jellies in it. The only bio filtration in the stock model is a black foam filter that is about 8" x 5" X 1" and a nano chemi pure blue packet. I cut off the top half of the foam off and replaced it with almost 250 ML of SeaChem Matrix in two different media bags. From bottom to top I have foam, chemi pure nano back and then matrix media bags. The flow is very low in the tank (to support jelly fish) and the water very gently flows down the filter and is powered by one small air hose. Is this modification likely superior for processing ammonia, nitrite and nitrate to OR is foam better in cases of very low flow like this tank? In summary....which of these is likely better for filtration in low flow... 1. Stock 8"x5"X1" piece of black foam 2. Modified foam cut in half AND almost 250ML of Matrix in media bags Thank you in advance!!! Doug Last edited by duganderson; 10/10/2018 at 03:45 PM.

10/10/2018, 04:16 PM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	I assume that matrix has more surface area...hence it would be better __________________ Who me?

10/10/2018, 04:24 PM	#3
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	I'd guess that the Matrix is better, as well, but I'd be cautious and test a bit. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

10/14/2018, 09:39 PM	#4
SantaMonica Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Santa Monica, California, USA Posts: 2,511	Good question, especially if the matrix does not have any ammonia absorbing additives. I've always thought these jelly tanks needed more filtering that what they came with. __________________ Inventor of the easy-to-DIY upflow scrubber, and also the waterfall scrubber that everyone loves to build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1424843