Matala Filter Media

Lightweight, flexible filter media creates ideal conditions for nitrifying bacteria. Unique media structure traps debris and provides super high surface area for beneficial bacteria. Resists clogging or channeling to maintain highly oxygenated water flow. The result is healthy pond water conditions. Use individually or transition varying densities for optimum biological filtration. 24" x 39" x 1-1/2" thick.

Please click on "More Information" for filter density chart.

Please Note: These products are not available for shipment to California. Sorry for any inconvenience.

How to Clean Matala
Bio-filters are full of live microorganisms. Filter media are home for these live bacteria. Over-zealous cleaning or purifying the filter media will disrupt the filter ecosystem by eliminating or killing essential live bacteria. Disinfecting or drying washed media only makes sense in cases where the whole pond needs to be disinfected or dried out.

In essence, cleaning a bio-filter should be done with the intention to:

• Eliminate excess organic waste (fish excrements, excess food, plant remains) from the first section of the filter (sedimentation chamber, vortex, etc) to avoid putting extra burden on the bio-filter.
• Rinse out excess detritus or accumulated bacterial flock from the filter to prevent clogging and the development of adverse anaerobic conditions.
• Improve the living conditions for nitrifying bacteria and microorganisms that thrive in the bio-filter.

Matala cleans very easily by the following methods:

• Use water volume - not pressure: Use a pond pump and hose with a sufficient diameter to pour a good volume of pond water over the media.
• Pour a full bucket of water over specific sections of the filter media.
• Shake the media up and down in the filter tank, then drain chamber.

Note: Over-zealous cleaning is not necessary and will lose too much bacteria. Keep it gentle. DO NOT throw Matala filter mats on the ground to release the buildup.