Seachem Tidal Matrix

Seachem Tidal Matrix is the biological filtration media for the Seachem Tidal series of hang on back power filters, pre-portioned into a ready-to-use pouch sized for your filter. Matrix is a highly porous, inert biomedia that houses the beneficial bacteria which break down aquarium waste. Its surface grows the aerobic bacteria that convert ammonia and nitrite, while the deep interior pores shelter anaerobic bacteria that reduce nitrate, so one media handles the full nitrogen cycle. It is the biological stage that completes your Tidal filtration.

Run it alongside the Tidal Foam mechanical sponge and Tidal Matrix Carbon chemical pouch for all three stages, add the fine Tidal Polishing Pad for extra clarity, or browse more filter media and cartridges.

What It Does

• Biological filtration. Grows the beneficial bacteria that keep ammonia and nitrite at zero.
• Controls nitrate, too. Deep interior pores shelter anaerobic bacteria that reduce nitrate, something surface-only media cannot do.
• Enormous surface area. The porous structure packs far more bacterial habitat into the same space than plastic bio-balls or ceramic rings.
• Inert and permanent. Matrix does not break down or leach. It lasts the life of the tank and never needs replacing.
• Freshwater and saltwater. Works in community tanks, planted setups, and reef systems alike.
• Ready to use. Pre-bagged in a Tidal-sized pouch that drops straight into the media basket.

Choose Your Size

Each pouch is portioned to fill one Tidal model's media basket. Match the number on the pouch to the number on your filter.

How to Use

• Place the pouch in your Tidal's media basket, typically after the foam sponge so mechanical debris is caught first.
• Leave it in place. Matrix is permanent media, so there is no replacement schedule.
• If flow slows over time, rinse the pouch gently in old tank water to clear surface debris. Never use tap water, which kills the bacteria.
• When adding or upgrading media, keep the established pouch in place so your biological colony stays intact.

Complete the Tidal System

• Seachem Tidal Foam: the mechanical stage that traps debris before it reaches the Matrix
• Seachem Tidal Matrix Carbon: the chemical stage for removing odors, colors, and dissolved organics
• Seachem Tidal Polishing Pad: a 50 micron fine pad for polished, crystal-clear water
• Filter Media & Cartridges: browse all replacement media and cartridges

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pouch do I need?

Match the number to your filter. A Tidal 75 filter uses the Tidal 75 pouch. The number is printed on your filter and on the pouch.

How often do I replace it?

You do not. Matrix is inert and permanent. Just rinse it gently in tank water if flow slows, and it keeps working for the life of the tank.

Does it really lower nitrate?

Yes. The oxygen-poor interior pores let anaerobic bacteria convert nitrate to nitrogen gas. Give a new setup a few weeks for that colony to establish.

Freshwater or saltwater?

Both. Matrix is inert and performs the same in freshwater, planted, and marine tanks.