Can you over due matrix?

[Simon Reefing]

I'm starting up a new Innovative Marine 40L and I love having biological bacteria so I bought some matrix I didn't realize how big it was so I ended up just adding everything anyways can to much be a bad thing? I posted a picture of where I added it, thank you!

 

[Simon Reefing]

Matrix

 

[uhgster1]

It’s only going to have as much bacteria as it can support. It can lower your nutrients to zero but conversely, it depends on how much you feed. I have two chambers full in a Fluval 13.5 gallon. And I feed it 3-4 times a week. I have no fish in this tank, just inverts and coral.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I'm starting up a new Innovative Marine 40L and I love having biological bacteria so I bought some matrix I didn't realize how big it was so I ended up just adding everything anyways can to much be a bad thing? I posted a picture of where I added it, thank you!

Matrix serves the same purpose of biofiltration as rock, and no one has ever worried about having too much rock. It's a surface for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to colonize. As mentioned above, your bacterial colonies will be limited by available nutrients.
*If you get to a point where it's hard to keep nutrient levels up, you can remove some of what is helping export them... Matrix, macro, run the skimmer less, etc. But I doubt the presence of extra biomedia alone will cause problems.

 

[Crustaceon]

It acts like normal rock if it's just sitting somewhere in low flow. It can become too effective if you're actively pumping water through it.

 

[Simon Reefing]

Thank you everyone for the input! That is perfect I will monitor the nutrients once it's up and running I'll dose if I have to thank you!

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thank you everyone for the input! That is perfect I will monitor the nutrients once it's up and running I'll dose if I have to thank you!

One good thing about "too much" Matrix, etc, is that you can pull a handful or 2 out to put in your quarantine or treatment tank anytime you need to use it (assuming you don't keep one running at all times) to help it cycle.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I think it’s an open question whether any media of this sort is needed or desirable in an established reef tank.