Matala Media Half Sheets 24" x 39" x 1.5"

Matala Media Half Sheets  24

Matala Media Half Sheets 24" x 39" x 1.5"

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Starts at: $31.00

Brand: Matala

SKU:FSM190-1/2

MPN: FSM190-1/2

The various densities can be used in sequence or separately for unique filtration requirements. This is one of the greatest characteristics which Matala has to offer. No other media on the market can perform this step-wise filtration. Matala effectively separates large particles to small and still maintains a very aerobic and free flow of water without channeling.

Matala is slightly buoyant and will not sink to the bottom of your filter. Matala stood vertically on end will not float. Matala stacked horizontally will hold each other down.

Due to it's rigidity the Matala can be wedged in place in the filter without support.

One Half sheet of Matala has the following characteristics:

  • Approximately 39.5" (L) x 24" (W) x 1.5"(Deep) for all densities; Black, Green, Blue and Gray.
  • Weight per sheet is between 6 to 8 pounds depending on density.
  • 8 sq.ft. equals 1 cubic ft of media.
  • One half sheet equals .8 cubic feet or 6 gallon volume.
  • Semi-rigid and self-supporting
  • Specific gravity: 0.95. Slightly buoyant.
  • Made of Thermopoly Propylene compound - Nontoxic to environment.

Rigid and extremely durable. Versatile filter media is perfect for use in biological filters, settling tanks, and pump pre-filters. Simply cut Matala to size with standard serrated kitchen knife to accommodate use in existing filter. 

Offered in four densities: 

BLACK (super coarse) and GREEN (coarse) and BLUE (fine) and GREY (super-fine). 

Half Sheets (24 x 39" x 1.5") are available in the following:

FSM190-1/2 - Black Super Coarse

FSM290-1/2 Green - Coarse

FSM365-1/2 - Blue - Medium

FSM460-1/2 - Grey Super Fine

No Returns on Matala Filter Media

Features and Specifications

FSM190-1/2 - Black

  • Very Coarse, low density weave
  • Good For high flow applications

The Black Matala can be used as a support grate for other layers of media due to its very sturdy and open design. The Black Matala is used widely as a large particle size solids filter. A single layer 1.5 inch thick can filter out things like leaves, large clumps of algae, cigarette butts, seed pods, etc. However, if you use multiple layers it can really filter out some smaller particles like medium size koi pellets, small bits of algae, tiny leaves and plant debris, etc.

The Black Matala is actually the most used density for waste water treatment / sewage systems. It is currently being used in municipal waste water treatment plants in various cities around the world. The open flow configuration allows high volumes of dirty water with very high biological oxygen demand to pass through without clogging. The bacteria growing on these strands form thick biofilms in an oxygenated environment with even flow distribution.


FSM290-1/2 Green

  • Course, medium density weave
  • Allows good flow and filters well

The Green Matala is best used after the black when used in line with the other media thereby trapping the medium size particles. Both Green and Black clean out very easily by simply shaking the pieces out before draining the sump.

A good biofilter needs a lot of surface area with open spaces between for good aerated water flow. A high surface area is useless if the passageways are so small that water flow cannot penetrate.

FSM365-1/2 - Blue

  • Medium, high density weave
  • Traps alot of debris, medium flow

The Blue Matala® filter media will filter out a much smaller particle and yet still maintain good flow distribution. In larger systems all four types of matala media can be used in sequence to essentially remove all solids.

Matala filter media is a progressive filter Material that is self supporting and multifunctional. Used for prefiltering, mechanical filter media, biological filtration, spawning mat, plant protection, and as a support for other filter medias. Uniquely versatile, Matala filter mats are easy to work with and can fit most all filtration needs.

FSM460-1/2 - Grey

  • Fine, super high density weave
  • Lower flow but thorough filtration

The Grey Matala® Filter mats will filter out a much smaller particle than the Black, Green, or Blue, and yet still maintain good flow distribution. In larger systems all four types can be used in sequence to essentially remove all solids.

Matala media works perfectly with upflow filter designs. The ideal configuration would be the Matala® filter media stood vertically rather than flat. This allows for easier cleaning. All you do is grab an individual piece and shake it up and down to clean it. If your filter chamber is packed to tight, take out one piece first.

Laid flat you will have to remove all the pieces to get to the bottom dirty piece. Stagger your vertical pieces with different Matala mat densities to achieve better solids removal or better biological filtering depending on the tank capacity. A Green piece next to a Grey piece for example will give good flow around the Grey one and trap solids in the Green one.

How Much Matala Will You Need?

How Much Matala Will You Need?

The amount of Matala® needed will vary with each pond and design. Some filters are too small for the pond, but you can improve filter performance with Matala®. Some hobbyists may be open to upgrading their system to a larger filter size.

In general, we can shoot for these guidelines:

When deciding how many sheets of Matala® are needed for your pond, think 1,2,3,4. This is the number of sheets per 1000 gals depending on your fish load. The fish load really determines the volume of any media required. Many hobbyists' filters are too small for the fish load. Your pond could still function reasonably well because ponds are very resilient and manage to adjust to high fish loads even with small filters. However, a pond with a high fish load and a small filter will need to increase maintenance and care. You will likely have bigger algae problems and fish health issues if your filter is too small.

Water Garden Ponds: Use the black or the green due to higher quantities of solid waste present. A true water garden has very few fish and the biological filtration is carried out by plants and algae in conjunction with the bacteria and micro organisms that attach to the extra surface provided for by plants and macro algae. The main focus of filtration would be solids removal. Use approximately 1.6 cu. ft or 1 full sheets per 1000 gals. as a minimum. Of course high fish loads will necessitate additional pieces of the blue or the gray to increase biological filtration.

Ornamental Ponds with medium fish load: In this type of pond, there are fewer aquatic plants and more fish per gallon. Use at least 2 to 3 cu. ft. or 2 full sheets per 1000 gals. The fish load rather than the water volume will determine the amount of Matala to use. As your fish population grows and increases in number you must provide at least double the Matala® to give your fish the right conditions.

Koi Ponds with heavy fish load: In this type of pond large numbers of koi dominate with very few plants or no plants at all. Correctly built filters for this style pond tend to be large and will approach 5% to 15% the volume of the pond. Use at least 5 cu.ft. or 3 full sheets per 1000 gals..

For R-Matala rolls use the following guidelines:
R-24 use 1 roll per 1000 gallons for light fish loads or water gardens.
2 rolls per 1000 gallons for medium fish loads.
3 rolls per 1000 gallons for heavy fish loads.

R-36 use 1 roll per 2000 gallons for light fish loads or water gardens.
2 roll per 2000 gallons for medium fish loads.
3 rolls per 2000 gallons for heavy fish loads.

R-48 use 1 roll per 4000 gallons for light fish loads or water gardens.
2 rolls per 4000 gallons for medium fish loads.
3 rolls per 4000 gallons for heavy fish loads.

Koi Ponds with no plants: Usually this is the type of pond where many high quality koi are kept and water quality is of utmost importance to maintain the health and growth of body required. Typically these ponds require larger filter systems, preferably with multiple chambers whereby solids are separated from the biological chamber. Matala® can be used to full advantage in multi-chamber systems. All 4 densities can be used in series or combination to give desired results. Use 6+ cu.ft. per 1000 gals. or 4 full sheets to achieve excellent water conditions. This relates to a minimum filter size being 10% to 15% of the volume of the pond.

The hobbyist’s dismay

Multi-Chamber FilterUnfortunately, in this hobby, a lot of generalized misinformation is given and applied to many different types of ponds.

Hobbyists are told that 2 cu.ft of media will filter a 4000 gallon pond for instance.

Then reality hits and he finds that he really needs a much larger quantity. Many hobbyists have completely inadequate filter systems. Feel free to email us for advice. info@matalausa.com

Question:

How can I cut the Black open-weave Matala?

Matala USA Answer:

The Black Matala is the most open weave and the least dense of all 4 densities. It is also a little more difficult to cut because the weave is very thick. Be sure you have the Black density, it looks like the photo attached. Sometimes folks confuse it with the Dark Gray media which is very fine mesh and very easy to cut. If you just have a few cuts then you can just use an 8 inch size Turkey style Carving Knife. You want a blade that has medium to fine teeth. If the teeth are too big it will not cut evenly. You may also try a fine tooth Hack Saw or a Pipe cutting saw. If you are really handy you can use an electric Circular Saw with a fine tooth blade and turn the blade around backwards. This way the blade just melts through the plastic and you get a real clean cut. Be careful! Either way you must support the pad so it is stable and cannot move when you cut it.

Matala Color

Biological surface area for microbial growth Free volume % open space
Black

62 square feet per cubic foot

92%

Green

96 square feet per cubic foot

93%

Blue

124 square feet per cubic foot

94%

Gray

171 square feet per cubic foot

94%

View the PDF for complete operating instructions.

View PDF Info Sheet

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