Matala filter media pads are not delicate and will last longer than any comparable product.
Mix layers of Matala in a coarse layer for more large solids removal, then a denser layer for smaller debris. Matala media has a unique design that makes it more rigid than other polyester media. It is easier to clean, but it cannot be rolled like other media.
For different types of filtration, Matala filter pads come in four densities:
- Black Matala filter pads: A coarse, open-weave color that is suitable for high flow applications
- Green Matala filter pads: Semi-open, coarse weave. Allows for good flow and filters well.
- Blue Matala filter pads: Medium to dense weave. It traps a lot of debris.
- Gray Matala filter pads: Fine, dense weave with lower flow and thorough filtration
You can use the different densities in a sequence or individually for your unique filtration needs. This is one of Matala’s greatest strengths. This step-wise filtration is not possible with any other media. Matala efficiently separates large particles from small ones and maintains an aerobic, free water flow with no channeling.
Matala is slightly buoyant, so it will not sink to your filter’s bottom. Matala that is vertically stacked on its end will not flounder. Matala that are stacked horizontally will support each other.
Because of its rigidity, the Matala can be inserted into the filter without support.
These are the characteristics of Matala media pads:
- Full-size sheet 48″x39″x1.5″ (120cmx100cmx4cm) for all densities.
- Half size sheet 24″x39″x1.5″
- The weight of a full sheet is 6-8 pounds, depending on its density.
- One sheet measures 13 sq. ft.
- 8. ft. sq. Ft. Equals one cubic foot of media.
- A full sheet is equal to 1.6 cubic feet, or 12 gallons.
- Semi-rigid, self-supporting
- Specific gravity: 0.95 Very buoyant.
- It is made from Thermopolypropylene compound – Nontoxic for the environment.
- Ship by truck.
- Full sheets 48″x39″x1.5″ thick. UPS will ship half sheets 24″x39″x15′ thick. For more economical shipping by UPS, you can fold full sheets in half. However, they will still have a permanent crease at the center. Black sheets cannot be folded in half.
- MSDS Sheet
About Matala
Over the past five years, the water gardening and koi-pond hobby have significantly understood pond ecology and system design. The knowledge gained has moved from simple techniques and filter systems to the “high tech” age of gadgets and accessories.
We have made significant progress in understanding this evolution and can now compare both eras and get the best of both. This page will provide a better understanding of the ecology of pond systems and introduce Matala filter media pads.
Matala Filter Mat Material
Hobbyists have experimented with a wide range of media for pond filters over the years. Many of these media work well. Each filter media has its advantages and disadvantages.
It is best to combine different media with weaknesses. Gravel can be used as a biofilter to extract solid waste. However, it is not easy to clean, and much of its volume is unused dead space in the rock.
Filter brushes tend to be denser near the wires than at the ends. Filter brushes can remove solids, but they can also clean open channels. They are expensive and can leave little in the way of biofiltration.
Although open-cell foam has a large surface area for biological growth, it tends to plug quickly and become anaerobic. Although Japanese matting is very durable, it can clog up quickly and refuse to let go of solids. We recently saw open-cell foam and Japanese matting placed in chambers with open passageways. This is to prevent solids from clogging the press. We end up with fewer filter media in the tank and less flow through the media. Bacteria
This honeycomb design is excellent for gravity-fed systems with all solids removed first or methods with a prefilter. We must wash solids trapped in bio-media and lose any existing balance of microorganisms.
Mechanical & Biological Filtration
Because of its open and robust design, the Black Matala can serve as a support grate to other media layers. The Black Matala will trap large particles and hair algae in a settling chamber. The Green Matala will follow and trap a small particle. Both Green and Black can be easily cleaned out by shaking the pieces before draining the sump. You can spray clean the Black and Green Matalas by using the garden hose. Dirt falls off quickly. The Blue and Gray Matala filter out smaller particles while maintaining good flow distribution. All four types can be combined in more extensive systems to remove all solids.
Biological filter. (Water purification)
A good biofilter requires a large surface area and open spaces to allow water flow. If the passageways are too tiny to allow water flow, a high surface area will not be helpful. The Matala filter media pads must ensure an even water flow distribution to prevent channeling and anaerobic conditions. Interstitial spaces are small areas between the filter media that allow bacteria to grow in a bacterial matrix. These spaces are more efficient than open areas. Water flows through them usually move much slower than those in open areas. This creates an aerobic flow of slow-moving, oxygenated water ideal for stable populations of bacteria to thrive in. These requirements are met by the Blue and Gray Matala(r). Did you know that biofilters produce their waste, called detritus? Some biofilters, even with complete prefiltration, can become clogged with debris.
Detritus can settle on the top of an up-flow filter or the bottom of a tank with a downflow filter. Small amounts of residues are acceptable. It is an excellent place for bacterial growth. Over time, however, excess debris that has been trapped in the media can build up and become sludge. Matala(r) allows the residues to move through so that you can drain them as necessary.
When cleaning biological Matala, be careful. It is usually enough to shake the filter vigorously. If you pour pond water into the mat, it will wash well. During cleaning, large filters may cause the Matala to remain in place. It doesn’t make sense to take it out when you don’t need to.