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Seachem Matrix Carbon Filter Media

Seachem Matrix Carbon Filter Media

4.7· 141 ratings

Best price now

$8.28at DynamicTankObserved at 1:15 AM

17% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 5 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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Our take on the Seachem Matrix Carbon Filter Media

Seachem Matrix Carbon is a spherical activated carbon for aquarium filters, sold as a 250 mL bag. The round beads pack into media baskets with more flow-through than flat carbon chips, and Seachem says the carbon removes organic matter without shifting pH much. At $8.28 at DynamicTank as of November 4, 2026, it is the lowest of five new prices and a cheap way to run a fresh carbon charge.

Best forFreshwater and saltwater hobbyists running a canister or HOB filterTanks that need clear water and odor removalOwners who want a low-pH-impact carbonSmall tanks up to roughly 40 gallons per 250 mL charge
Pros
  • Spherical beads resist channeling and pack evenly in media bags
  • Low impact on pH, so it suits most community and reef tanks
  • Works in freshwater and saltwater
  • 250 mL treats about 100 gallons by Seachem's dosing, so a bag lasts several months
  • Low entry price at $8.28 for 250 mL
Cons
  • Activated carbon exhausts in weeks to a few months, not indefinitely
  • Only 250 mL per bag; large tanks need multiple bags
  • Carbon removes some trace elements and medications, so it must be pulled during treatment
  • Rinsing is required or fine dust clouds the tank
  • No phosphate-removal claim; high-phosphate tanks need a separate media

Seachem Matrix Carbon Filter Media prices at every store

  • DynamicTankNew

    In stock

    $8.28Observed at 1:15 AM
    Visit store
  • SevenportsNew

    In stock

    $8.39Observed at 1:15 AM
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  • Nature AquariumsUSNew

    In stock

    $9.95Observed at 1:15 AM
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  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Kens Fish Inc.

    $11.75Observed at 1:15 AM
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  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by gingerbread_pet_supplies

    $11.88Observed at 1:15 AM
    Visit store

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • Aqua DreamsCheck price at Aqua Dreams
  • ASAP AquariumCheck price at ASAP Aquarium
  • Corals UnlimitedCheck price at Corals Unlimited
  • Fish Tanks DirectCheck price at Fish Tanks Direct
  • Petco.comCheck price at Petco.com
  • The Fish RoomCheck price at The Fish Room
  • The WaterFront SLCCheck price at The WaterFront SLC

Seachem Matrix Carbon Filter Media price history

Lowest price we've seen: $7.99 on Nov 4 at Fish Tanks Direct. Tracked across 12 stores since Nov 4.

What reviewers say

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 141 ratings, owners mostly report clearer water and less odor after adding it to their filters. Complaints center on dust during rinsing and how quickly the carbon stops working.

Pros
  • Clears haze and yellowing in freshwater tanks
  • Noticeably reduces tank odor
  • Bead shape rinses and bags easily
  • Little to no pH swing reported
Cons
  • Fine dust needs a thorough rinse
  • Effectiveness fades within weeks for some users
  • Small bag size for larger filters

Specifications

Primary Application
Aquarium use
Physical Form
Spherical bead
Recommended Dosage
250 mL will easily treat 400 L (100 US gallons)
Dosage Frequency
Several months (duration of effectiveness)
Treatment Type
Water Quality
Product Type
Water Conditioner, Filter Media, Activated carbon
Water Dechlorinator Type
Carbon-based
Water Treatment Type
Conditioner
Subtype
Activated carbon
Water Volume Treated
Up to 40 U.S Gallons / 160 L
Intended Use
Filtration
Capacity
100 mL
Treatment Volume
Up to 40 U.S Gallons / 160 L
Container Type
Bag
Size
250 ml
Animal Type
Fish
Water Environment
Freshwater
Target Issue
Aquarium organic matter
Age Range
Adult
Typical Users
Aquarium hobbyists
Suitable Water Types
Saltwater, Freshwater
PH Range
Minimal impact on pH, Very little impact to pH
Specific Water Chemistry
Minimal impact on pH

Questions and answers

Is Seachem Matrix Carbon worth it?
Yes for routine water polishing. It is inexpensive at $8.28 for 250 mL and clears haze and odor without moving pH much. Skip it if you need phosphate control; use a dedicated phosphate remover instead.
How much does one 250 mL bag treat?
Seachem's dosing puts 250 mL at roughly 400 L (100 US gallons), and the listing also cites up to 40 gallons per charge, so treat the smaller figure as the conservative guide. Large filters may need two bags.
How often should I replace it?
Replace every few weeks to a few months, sooner if water clarity drops or odor returns. Carbon adsorbs until it is saturated, then stops working.
Can I use it in a saltwater reef tank?
Yes. It is rated for freshwater and saltwater and has minimal pH impact, which matters in reef systems. Rinse it well first so dust does not reach corals.
Does it remove medications?
Yes. Activated carbon adsorbs many aquarium medications and some trace elements. Remove the carbon during treatment and restart it afterward.
When is it cheapest?
Carbon is a commodity item, so prices track store sales rather than seasons. The current low is $8.28 at DynamicTank as of November 4, 2026, against five stores listing it new.
Where is the Seachem Matrix Carbon Filter Media cheapest?
At DynamicTank, for $8.28, 17% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Seachem Matrix Carbon Filter Media?
Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 141 ratings.
Where can I buy the Seachem Matrix Carbon Filter Media?
12 stores we checked sell it, including DynamicTank, Sevenports, Nature AquariumsUS, eBay, Walmart.

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