Imo stick with matrix.I usually use SeaChem matrix (partially because it came with some of my HOB filters), but I am concerned that a bag of media sitting on the bottom of the sump isn't the best solution. . .
I was thinking about Marine Pure bio bricks/plates. . . but $60 seems a bit much. . . what do yall think?
I don’t want the ceramic versions leaching aluminum into my tank. I also don’t want them disintegrating and spreading that tan-colored dust all over my sandbed and on my rocks.
It’s not like matrix is any worse than the other medias. To me, it’s much much better.
Just their advertised numbers, but:
Marinepure: 510 m2/L
Matrix: 700 m2/L
Pond Matrix: 1600 m2/L (just larger size)
Brightwell blocks: 1900 m2/L
Matrix is definitely extremely porous. They fall very slowly when you add them to water, and some of them float. (Just like some ceramic versions.) They are also natural, unlike the ceramic versions made in a factory. Not found-in-a-reef natural, but still…
I don’t know why anyone would pick a ceramic version…