Seachem Matrix is one of the best biological filter media you can get due to its ability to remove nitrates along with ammonia and nitrites. So, is it possible that you can add too much of this product in your fish tank?
You can find out in this guide from Aquarium Blueprints.
Quick Summary
Seachem Matrix won’t alter the pH, GH or KH in your tank waters. Therefore, you can never use too much of this filter media in your fish tank as it is completely safe for you fish and other aquatic pets.
If you have a heavy bioload in your aquarium, then we recommend adding as much as possible to keep ammonia, nitrites and nitrates at healthy levels.
One of the only minor issues is that you will need to do more maintenance when it comes to rinsing the stones. While you may also run out of space in your filter, Matrix can be put directly in your tank was well.
What does Seachem Matrix do in your aquarium?
Seachem Matrix functions as biological media in your fish tank. It adds an abundance of surface area for bacteria colonies that consume ammonia and nitrites to attach themselves to.
For the uninformed, ammonia and nitrites are both very toxic compounds that your fish and other aquatic pets won’t be able to tolerate.
The Matrix also features small microscopic enclaves from within the stone structure that are devoid of oxygen. These areas make it possible to also grow bacteria colonies that consume nitrates.
While live creatures can tolerate nitrates, a high enough concentration of this compound can cause long term health issues. Ideally, you should need nitrate concentration to below 40 ppm. If you are raising more sensitive fish or other aquatic pets, then you should aim for a less than 20 ppm concentration.
How much Seachem Matrix should you put in your fish tank?
According to the official directions, you can add 5 mL for every gallon (for 4 liters) of your tank water.
Can you add too much Seachem Matrix in your aquarium?
Seachem Matrix is fully inert as it won’t change the water chemistry in your fish tank. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about your pH, GH or KH changing when adding this product in your fish tank.
The bacteria colonies that grow on the surfaces of this filter media will only grow in proportion to the amount of organic waste in your fish tank. The organic wastes will cause ammonia to appear. Beneficial bacteria will then covert ammonia to nitrites and then nitrites to nitrates.
If your fish is producing 1 ppm of ammonia per day, for example, then Seachem Matrix should be able to remove that entire concentration from your tank regardless if you added the recommend amount, or double the recommended amount, of the filter media in your tank.
We do recommend adding more Matrix than the recommended amount keep your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels at healthy levels if you have a heavy bioload (which means you have a lot of organic wastes) in your aquarium.
One of the only minor issues with adding Seachem Matrix is that it will take up space in your filter. Forutantely, these stones can also be added directly in your fish tank. To find out how to do so, you can take a look at this tutorial.
The other minor issue is that you will need to rinse the Seachem Matrix media regularly to prevent its microscopic pores from clogging u, which will eventually kill the beneficial bacteria living inside. Having more of these stones in your tank means that you will need to do when it comes to maintenance.