Seachem Laboratories Matrix Carbon

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 macrospores and microspores. Microporous carbons remove primarily metals and smaller ions (like trace minerals) and are best suited to air filtration, while microporous 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 microporous carbons. Matrix carbon is a bituminous coal-based, microporous 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 matrix carbon’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. Matrix carbon is very clean and nearly dust free. For best results, matrix carbon 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, or any high flow area of a trickle filter.