Matala BioSteps-II Filter with 16W UV – Pond Filter for Ponds up to 2,000 Gallons
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Description
⚠ FILTER + UV UNIT ONLY — Pump and Tubing Sold Separately
The Matala BioSteps-II Filter with 16W UV Clarifier (SKU 99978) is the gravity-fed filter body and UV clarifier unit — without a pump or tubing. It combines Matala’s 6-mat progressive density biological filtration with an integrated 16W EZClear UV clarifier that eliminates free-floating algae (green water) before it can cloud the pond. Designed for water garden ponds up to 2,700 gallons (or koi ponds up to 1,350 gallons), it accepts pumps delivering up to 1,060 GPH with an ideal operating flow of 800–900 GPH.
Key Features & Benefits
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU / MPN | 99978 / BSTPII-16W |
| Product Type | Filter + UV Unit Only (pump and tubing not included) |
| Max Pond Size (Water Garden) | Up to 2,700 gallons |
| Max Pond Size (Koi Pond) | Up to 1,350 gallons |
| Max Pump Flow (through filter) | 1,060 GPH |
| Filter Operating Flow (ideal) | 800–900 GPH |
| UV Clarifier | 16W EZClear — Philips T5 UV lamp |
| UV Lamp Life | 9,000 hours (annual replacement recommended) |
| UV Ballast | Electronic ballast, tuned to 16W lamp |
| UV Verification | Clear threaded cap for visual lamp confirmation |
| Filter Mats | 6 Matala mats: 2 Green (coarse) + 2 Blue (medium) + 2 Gray (fine) |
| Biological Surface Area | 200 sq ft |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 20” × 15” × 23” |
| Inlet Fitting | Swivel with barbs: 3/4”, 1”, 1-1/4”, 1-1/2” |
| Outlet Fitting | 1.5” or 2” gravity return |
| Drain | Sloped bottom + sludge drain plug; optional drain valve sold separately |
| Flow Design | Cross-flow with overflow bypass safety feature |
| Tank Material | Automotive grade plastic |
| Optional Upgrades | Waterfall Spillway (sold separately) | Drain valve (sold separately) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum pond size for the Matala BioSteps-II with 16W UV?
The Matala BioSteps-II Filter with 16W UV Clarifier (SKU 99978 / MPN BSTPII-16W) is rated for water garden ponds up to 2,700 gallons. For koi ponds with higher biological waste loads, the recommended maximum is 1,350 gallons to maintain adequate nitrification and water clarity. The filter handles pumps delivering up to 1,060 GPH at your installation head height.
This listing is for the filter and UV unit only — a pump and connecting tubing are required and must be purchased separately. For a complete kit with pump, tubing, and waterfall spillway included, see our BioSteps Plus W Kit (SKU 31351).
How does the Progressive Density filtration in the BioSteps-II work?
The BioSteps-II contains six Matala filter mats in three densities, arranged in a staircase sequence:
- 2 Green mats (coarse) — capture large solids (leaves, algae clumps, debris) first, protecting the finer mats from premature clogging
- 2 Blue mats (medium) — capture medium-size particles; primary biological colonization zone
- 2 Gray mats (fine) — fine mechanical filtration and maximum surface area for beneficial bacteria; highest density stage
The six mats together provide over 200 square feet of surface area for nitrifying bacteria. The cross-flow design directs water through each stage without channeling, ensuring maximum contact time even at higher flow rates.
What is the recommended flow rate for the 16W UV Clarifier?
To achieve crystal-clear water, a flow rate of 800 to 900 GPH through the filter is the design target — this provides sufficient UV contact time for the 16W Philips T5 lamp to destroy free-floating algae cells. The absolute maximum pump flow through the system is 1,060 GPH.
Do not exceed 1,060 GPH with your pump. Faster flow reduces both UV exposure time and biological contact time in the filter, significantly reducing water quality outcomes.
The UV lamp is rated for 9,000 hours — Matala recommends replacing it annually even before it burns out, as UV output degrades before the lamp visually fails. The clear threaded cap on the UV unit lets you confirm the lamp is illuminated at any time without disassembly.
How often should I clean the BioSteps-II filter mats?
Clean the filter mats only when flow becomes noticeably restricted — not on a fixed calendar schedule. When cleaning:
- Rinse the mats in a bucket of pond water (never chlorinated tap water — chlorine kills the beneficial bacteria living in the mats)
- A gentle shake or pour of pond water over the mat is usually sufficient to dislodge trapped debris
- Open the sludge drain plug at the base of the filter to remove settled waste before and after mat cleaning
- Rinse one section of mats at a time to preserve as much bacterial colony as possible
Does the BioSteps-II include an overflow safety feature?
Yes. The BioSteps-II uses a cross-flow design that inherently prevents the clogging failure mode seen in traditional down-flow filters. If media becomes heavily blocked by excessive debris, water internally bypasses the clogged sections to maintain flow — preventing your pump from pulling the pond level down to the filter inlet. This overflow safety mechanism is built into the cross-flow geometry of the housing rather than being a separate mechanical valve.
What size tubing is compatible with the swivel inlet fitting?
The swivel inlet fitting accepts 3/4”, 1”, 1-1/4”, and 1-1/2” flexible tubing via integral barbs. The outlet is a 1.5” or 2” gravity return connection, allowing connection to the pond edge or an optional waterfall spillway (sold separately). The filter returns water to the pond by gravity — no pressure is required at the outlet side.
Why Buy from Pond Pro Direct?
- Authentic Matala products with full manufacturer support
- Expert pond sizing and pump selection — call or text (765) 508-4352, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm EST
- Free shipping on all orders
- Price match guarantee on identical products
- 30-day return period on eligible items
Price Match
At Pond Pro Direct, we want you to shop with confidence, knowing you’re always getting a good deal.
We will match or beat the lowest online price on its products.
If you find a lower price for any products on our store, we will beat it by $50 for products listed over $2000. In order to be eligible, you must provide proof, whether a screenshot, invoice, email, etc. of the lower offer.
Please note that this does not apply to every product in the store, so reach out via email or chat for confirmation before purchasing.
For the policy to apply, simply send us a screenshot, link, or any other proof of the lower price.
For more information, please check out Price Match Policy Page
Shipping & Delivery
Order Processing
Orders are processed within 1–5 business days, depending on product type, brand, and fulfillment method. Products sold on Pond Pro Direct ship directly from manufacturers or authorized distribution partners and do not ship from a single centralized warehouse.
Processing times may vary by brand, item type, fulfillment method, and whether an item is made to order or ships via freight.
Order Confirmation
After placing your order, you will receive an order confirmation email confirming that we have received your order and pre-authorized your payment method.
Once your order is received, we contact the manufacturer or distribution partner to confirm availability and fulfillment timelines.
- If an item is unavailable or on backorder, we will notify you by email and void the pre-authorization.
- If the item is available, the payment will be processed and the order submitted for shipment.
Order Shipment
If your order is in stock and payment is processed, it will typically ship within 6–13 business days. Once your order ships, tracking information (when available) will be sent to the email address provided at checkout.
If you do not receive shipping confirmation within 6 business days, please contact us at support@pondprodirect.com.
Shipping Destinations
At this time, we primarily ship within the United States. Some products may be available for shipment to Canada. If the website allows checkout and accepts your shipping address, the product is eligible for delivery to that location.
Changing Your Shipping Address
Address changes after an order has been processed or shipped may result in delays or additional carrier fees. Any carrier charges associated with address changes are the responsibility of the customer.
Shipping Times
All shipping times are estimates only and not guarantees.
- Typical handling time: 1–5 business days
- Typical transit time after shipment: 5–8 business days
- Estimated delivery window: 6–13 business days
Delivery timelines may vary based on brand, item type, production status, freight requirements, and carrier availability.
If an order is cancelled after it has been processed or shipped, the customer may be responsible for applicable shipping charges, freight fees, carrier return fees, and warehouse handling costs, where applicable.
Shipping Options
Available shipping options vary by product and location.
Our standard Curbside Delivery option is provided at no additional cost where applicable and delivers the item to the curbside or driveway of the delivery address.
Additional options, such as Threshold Delivery or White Glove Delivery, may be available for select products and locations.
For full details regarding freight delivery, inspection requirements, liftgate service, returns, and customer responsibilities, please review our full Shipping Policy page.
Returns & Refunds
Cancellations & Refunds
Orders may be canceled free of charge before shipment, unless the item is classified as Custom or Made-to-Order (see below).
If you have questions about your order, please contact us at support@pondprodirect.com or call (765) 508-4352 during business hours.
Cancellations (Before Order Ships)
If you need to cancel an order before it ships, please contact us as soon as possible. Orders canceled prior to shipment are eligible for a full refund.
You can reach our team by phone at (765) 508-4352, via live chat on our website, or by email at support@pondprodirect.com.
Cancellations (After Order Ships)
Once an order has shipped or entered fulfillment, it may no longer be eligible for cancellation. If you no longer wish to keep the item, you must wait until delivery and then request a return.
A Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) is required before returning any item.
Custom or Made-to-Order Items
Custom or made-to-order products are produced specifically for your order and cannot be canceled or refunded once production has begun, except in cases of defect or error.
Product pages will clearly indicate when an item is custom or made-to-order. If you are unsure whether an item falls into this category, please contact us before placing your order.
Returns & Refunds
Returns are subject to the following conditions:
- Customers have 30 days from delivery to request a return, unless otherwise stated on the product page or by manufacturer policy
- Items must be unused, uninstalled, and in original packaging
- An RMA is required prior to returning any item
Because we ship products directly from manufacturers, return eligibility may vary by brand. If a manufacturer does not permit returns on a specific product, we may be unable to accept the return. Please contact us if you would like confirmation of return eligibility for a specific item.
Fees & Shipping Costs
- Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer unless the item is defective or shipped in error
- Freight / LTL shipments may incur higher return shipping costs due to carrier fees
- Approved returns of non-defective items may be subject to a restocking fee of up to 25%
- Original outbound shipping charges are non-refundable
If you are exchanging an item rather than returning it outright, we may be able to assist with some costs depending on the product and manufacturer.
For full details, including freight deliveries, damage reporting requirements, and manufacturer-specific terms, please review our complete Return and Refund Policy
