- Sku: 6584
- Vendor: Seachem
Seachem Tidal Matrix Carbon
Seachem Tidal Matrix Carbon is a pre-bagged activated carbon pouch sized to drop directly into your Seachem Tidal hang-on-back filter. High-purity bituminous carbon pulls dissolved organics, medication residues, tannins, and odors out of the water column, polishing the tank to crystal clarity in freshwater or saltwater systems. Browse the full Seachem collection, our Filter Media & Cartridges, or the bulk Matrix Carbon for use in any media bag.
How It Works
Activated carbon is a porous carbon structure with an enormous internal surface area. As water passes through the pouch, dissolved organic molecules adsorb (stick) to the carbon surface, removing the compounds that cause yellowing, odors, and chemical haze. It is the standard polishing step after a medication cycle, pulling residual treatments out of the water before you return to normal husbandry.
Note that activated carbon does not remove ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate. Pair it with regular water changes and a healthy biological filter for full water quality control.
Features for All Variants
Choose Your Size
Select a model in the tab section below for the full spec sheet.
| Spec | Tidal 35 | Tidal 55 | Tidal 75 | Tidal 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fits filter | Tidal 35 HOB | Tidal 55 HOB | Tidal 75 HOB | Tidal 110 HOB |
| Tank size (max) | Up to 35 gal | Up to 55 gal | Up to 75 gal | Up to 110 gal |
| Pouch format | Pre-bagged | Pre-bagged | Pre-bagged | Pre-bagged |
| Freshwater safe | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Saltwater safe | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| SKU | 6584 | 6509 | 6511 | 6512 |
Detailed Variant Specifications
Click a model below to view its individual specifications.
Tidal 35 (nano and small community tanks)
Sized for the Seachem Tidal 35 HOB, perfect for tanks up to 35 gallons. Ideal for nano reef tanks, betta setups with high stocking, planted nanos, and small community freshwater tanks. The single pouch fits the MaxFlow chamber alongside the Tidal 35 sponge and biomedia.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | 6584 |
| Fits filter | Seachem Tidal 35 HOB |
| Tank size (max) | Up to 35 gallons |
| Format | Pre-bagged drop-in pouch |
| Carbon type | Surface-coated bituminous activated carbon |
| Water type | Freshwater and saltwater |
| Replacement interval | Every 4 to 6 weeks, or after a medication cycle |
Tidal 55 (mid-size freshwater and reef tanks)
Sized for the Seachem Tidal 55 HOB, suited to tanks up to 55 gallons. The mid-size sweet spot for mature planted tanks, single-clownfish saltwater nanos, and standard 40 to 55 gallon community setups where you want active polishing without overpowering the biological filter.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | 6509 |
| Fits filter | Seachem Tidal 55 HOB |
| Tank size (max) | Up to 55 gallons |
| Format | Pre-bagged drop-in pouch |
| Carbon type | Surface-coated bituminous activated carbon |
| Water type | Freshwater and saltwater |
| Replacement interval | Every 4 to 6 weeks, or after a medication cycle |
Tidal 75 (full-size community and reef)
Sized for the Seachem Tidal 75 HOB, designed for tanks up to 75 gallons. Built for 55 to 75 gallon community freshwater builds, larger planted tanks, and reef tanks that need consistent dissolved-organic removal between water changes. Pairs with our Tidal 75 HOB Power Filter.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | 6511 |
| Fits filter | Seachem Tidal 75 HOB |
| Tank size (max) | Up to 75 gallons |
| Format | Pre-bagged drop-in pouch |
| Carbon type | Surface-coated bituminous activated carbon |
| Water type | Freshwater and saltwater |
| Replacement interval | Every 4 to 6 weeks, or after a medication cycle |
Tidal 110 (large tanks and heavy bioload)
Sized for the Seachem Tidal 110 HOB, the largest in the Tidal lineup. Right size for 75 to 110 gallon tanks, large cichlid setups, semi-aggressive community tanks, and reef tanks with elevated bioload. Largest pouch capacity, longest service life per swap.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | 6512 |
| Fits filter | Seachem Tidal 110 HOB |
| Tank size (max) | Up to 110 gallons |
| Format | Pre-bagged drop-in pouch |
| Carbon type | Surface-coated bituminous activated carbon |
| Water type | Freshwater and saltwater |
| Replacement interval | Every 4 to 6 weeks, or after a medication cycle |
Which Size Is Right for You?
Tidal 35: nano tanks, betta tanks, planted nanos, and small community setups up to 35 gallons.
Tidal 55: standard 40 to 55 gallon community freshwater or a saltwater nano reef.
Tidal 75: full 55 to 75 gallon builds, mature planted tanks, and reef tanks needing daily polishing.
Tidal 110: 75 to 110 gallon tanks, large cichlid setups, or any heavy-bioload system.
How To Replace
1. Unplug the Tidal filter and lift the lid.
2. Pull the media basket out of the filter housing.
3. Remove the old carbon pouch and rinse the biomedia in old tank water if you are also doing maintenance.
4. Drop the new pouch into the carbon slot.
5. Re-seat the basket, replace the lid, and plug the filter back in.
Recommended Pairings
- Seachem Tidal 75 HOB Power Filter, the host filter for the Tidal 75 pouch.
- Seachem Matrix Carbon (bulk), the same carbon in a bulk tub for use in any media bag.
- Seachem Prime, the water conditioner we recommend for every water change.
- All filter media and cartridges: sponges, biomedia, filter socks, and more.
FAQ
How often do I replace the carbon pouch?
Every 4 to 6 weeks under normal load, or immediately after a medication cycle to pull residual treatment out of the water. Once carbon saturates it stops adsorbing, so do not stretch the interval.
Does activated carbon remove ammonia or nitrate?
No. Carbon adsorbs dissolved organics, tannins, odors, and medications. Ammonia and nitrate are controlled by your biological filter and water changes. Carbon polishes the water, it does not replace cycling.
Will this work with non-Tidal filters?
The pouch is sized to the Tidal MaxFlow chamber. For canisters or other HOBs, use bulk Seachem Matrix Carbon in your own media bag.
Reef safe?
Yes. Seachem Matrix Carbon is low-ash, low-phosphate, and safe for reef tanks. Rinse the pouch in RODI water before use to clear any carbon dust.
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Seachem Tidal Matrix Carbon
