Seachem Matrix Carbon

Seachem MatrixCarbon

Seachem MatrixCarbon is used for water filtration in aquariums, effectively removing organic matter while having minimal impact on pH and the lowest leachable phosphate content among major carbon brands.

• High-efficiency spherical carbon
• Very little impact on pH due to low ash content
• Lowest leachable phosphate level on the market
• High removal capacity; large surface area

Seachem Matrix Carbon is a truly unique activated carbon. It is formed as a spherical bead for optimum hydrodynamics, and will not pack. It permits maximum water flow and contact with its high density of macroporous binding sites. MatrixCarbon™ has a very low ash content as indicated by its minimal impact on pH. Even when added to distilled water, it does not raise pH above 7.0. While all carbons contain phosphate, regardless of false claims to the contrary, MatrixCarbon™ has the lowest detectable leachable phosphate content of all major carbon brands tested. MatrixCarbon™ outperforms other high grade carbons by at least two-fold when compared for total capacity to remove aquarium organic matter, rate of adsorption, and duration of use.

While carbon is generally considered to be a chemical filter, that is not precisely true. It is in fact a mechanical filter as well, but it is only capable of mechanically filtering objects of molecular size. It functions through extremely small cracks and crevices, called macropores and micropores. Microporous carbons remove primarily metals and smaller ions (like trace minerals) and are best suited to air filtration, while macroporous carbons remove primarily larger organic molecules (like nitrogenous waste) and are best suited to water filtration.

The ingredients from which a carbon is manufactured determine whether it will be macro- or microporous. Carbons made from coconut shell and other organic products form microporous carbons, while carbons made from bituminous coal form macroporous carbons. MatrixCarbon™ is a bituminous coal-based, macroporous carbon. It is the only spherical carbon on the market, allowing for maximum water flow. It is sized to allow full penetration by water, but not small enough to escape filter bags. All carbons contain phosphate. However, that phosphate DOES NOT come from washing the carbon with phosphoric acid. Most carbons are washed with sulfuric acid. The phosphate is contained in the ash from the carbon source. The main purpose of acid-washing is to remove ash. Because of MatrixCarbon’s™ hydrodynamic properties, more ash is washed from our carbon than any other. Therefore, it has the lowest leachable phosphate on the market.

Directions

250 mL will easily treat 400 L (100 gallons*) for several months. MatrixCarbon™ is very clean and nearly dust-free. For best results, MatrixCarbon™ should be placed so as to maximize the flow of water through it. It may be used in a canister filter, chemical filtration module, box filter

When can I expect delivery?

• Gauteng (Jhb/Pta) - 1-3 working days
• Nationwide (Cpt/Dbn+) - 2-5 working days
• Outlying Areas - 3-7 working days

All orders are sent via Economy Road, typically through Fastway or Internet Express Couriers*. Estimated timeframes are not guaranteed. Once the order is collected by the courier, we have no control over third-party logistics and cannot make any time promises.

If you prefer a faster 🚀 shipping option, we also offer The Courier Guy during checkout in the dropdown selection. Please note that this option is not free, and you must choose it to use it. Please pay careful attention to the cutoff times and delivery timeframe for these options during checkout.

Enjoy the convenience of collection points and lockers! 📦

No more waiting at home or at work for your delivery. Simply choose a collection locker or pickup point and collect your order when it suits you.

Delivery times to lockers and pickup locations typically range from 2–7 working days, depending on your location.*

Collection timeframes:

• Bob Box: Collect within 2 days of receiving your collection notification.
• PUDO Lockers: Collect within 36 hours of receiving your collection PIN or SMS notification.
• Pargo Pickup Points: Collect within 5 days of arrival at the pickup location.

If a PUDO parcel is not collected within 36 hours, it will automatically be transferred to the nearest PUDO Kiosk or Depot at no additional cost. The parcel will then be held there for approximately 14 days before being returned.

Please ensure you collect your parcel within the applicable collection period. Uncollected parcels will be returned to the sender, and additional shipping charges may apply should the order need to be resent.