Both the Seachem Matrix and Seachem Stability are designed to reduce ammonia, nitrites and nitrates in your aquarium.
You can check out this guide from Aquarium Blueprints to see how you can use both products.
Can you use Seachem Matrix and Seachem Stability at the same time?
Seachem Matrix is a filter media that provides high-density surface area for the bacteria colonies that consume ammonia and nitrites to grow on.
These stones also contain microscopic chambers that contain very little to zero oxygen levels, which makes the media capable of housing the bacteria colony that consumes nitrates as well.
Seachem Matrix does not actually add any beneficial bacteria to your aquarium. Therefore, you can either wait until these colonies establish themselves in your tank naturally or add live bacteria to speed up the colonization process.
This is where Seachem Stability comes in. This liquid product comes with spores that will turn into beneficial bacteria colonies that consume ammonia, nitrites and nitrates when added to your tank water.
So, not only can you use Matrix and Stability together, but both products complement each other perfectly if you want to establish or strengthen the biological filtration in your aquarium.
This is especially true for the nitrate-consuming bacteria as it requires surface area with little to no oxygen. Creating an environment with little to no oxygen is tricky in a fish tank as the other beneficial bacteria colonies, along with your fish and other aquatic pets, need oxygen to breath.
Therefore, the oxygen-depleted chambers of Matrix are the perfect place for the nitrate-consuming bacteria that came from Stability to colonize.
How to use Seachem Matrix and Stability together
In order to properly use Seachem Matrix and Seachem Stability together, we recommend taking the following steps:
1. To start off, remove Matrix from its packaging and then place the stones in a water bucket or container.
2. Rinse off the dust and other particles from the stones.
3. Place Seachem Matrix in your filter or directly in your tank.
If you use tap water to rinse Matrix, make sure you add a drop of dechlorinator into your tank first. Otherwise, the chlorine and chloramine from the tap water will harm the existing beneficial bacteria in your tank.
4. After adding Matrix in your tank, you can start dosing Seachem Stability.
You should add 5 mL, which is 1 capful if you are using the cap that came with the bottle, for every 20 gallons or 80 liters of tank water.
If you are cycling a tank, then you need to add the same aforementioned amount for at least 7 days.
Otherwise, you can add 5 mL for every 20 gallons or 80 liters anytime you add a new fish in your tank. We also recommend that you dose the same amount if you notice any spikes in ammonia, nitrites and/or nitrates.
5. For Seachem Matrix to remain effective, we suggest that you occasionally rinse off debris to prevent its microscopic pores of these stones from getting clogged up.
