Matala BioSteps-II Filter with Waterfall – Multi-Stage Pond Filtration (Up to 2,000 Gallons)
✓ 30-Day Return Period
✓ Price Match - We will Beat Lower Prices!
✓ Secure Encrypted Checkout
✓ Questions? - Call (765) 508-4352
Description
The Matala BioSteps-II Filter with Waterfall (SKU 99931W) combines a high-capacity gravity-discharge pond filter with an integrated 11-inch waterfall weir, delivering both superior multi-stage filtration and a natural cascading water feature in one unit. Rated for water gardens up to 2,700 gallons and koi ponds up to 1,350 gallons, the BioSteps-II handles a maximum of 1,060 GPH through its six Matala filter mats (2 Green, 2 Blue, 2 Gray) — providing 200 square feet of biological surface area in a rugged automotive-grade plastic housing measuring 20” × 15” × 23”.
The cross-flow filtration design captures solids across the full mat volume rather than concentrating them at the inlet surface, allowing higher flow rates without channeling or premature clogging. A sloped bottom with drain plug simplifies backwash without removing the media. The internal overflow bypass protects against pump-out if media becomes blocked. The waterfall weir provides both aeration and the natural visual of water cascading over rock.
Pond Capacity Ratings
| Application | Max Pond Volume | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water Garden / Decorative | 2,700 gallons | Lightly stocked or no fish |
| Koi Pond / Heavy Fish Load | 1,350 gallons | Koi or heavily stocked ponds |
Key Features & Benefits
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU / Model Code | 99931W / BSTPII-W |
| Pond Capacity (water garden) | Up to 2,700 gallons |
| Pond Capacity (koi / heavy load) | Up to 1,350 gallons |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 1,060 GPH |
| Recommended Pump Flow | 800–1,060 GPH |
| Waterfall Spillway Width | 11” weir |
| Filtration Method | Mechanical + biological (gravity discharge) |
| Filter Mats (6 total) | 2 Green (coarse) + 2 Blue (medium) + 2 Gray (fine) |
| Biological Surface Area | 200 sq. ft. |
| Inlet | Swivel barb fitting: 3/4”, 1”, 1.25”, 1.5” |
| Outlet | 1.5” or 2” pipe (or waterfall spillway) |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 20” × 15” × 23” |
| Construction | Automotive-grade plastic (cold/heat tolerant) |
| Bottom Drain | Included (drain plug; optional drain valve not provided) |
| Internal Overflow Bypass | Yes — prevents pump-out during media blockage |
| UV Clarifier | Not included — optional 16W EZClear UV available separately |
| Warranty | Confirm with Matala — manufacturer warranty supported by Pond Pro Direct |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum pond size for the Matala BioSteps-II Waterfall Filter?
The Matala BioSteps-II with Waterfall (SKU 99931W) is rated for:
- Water gardens / decorative ponds: up to 2,700 gallons
- Koi ponds / heavy fish load: up to 1,350 gallons
These ratings assume the filter is paired with a pump in the correct flow range (800–1,060 GPH) and that water is circulated continuously. Using a pump above 1,060 GPH will reduce the filter’s effectiveness by flushing beneficial bacteria faster than colonization can occur.
How does the progressive density filtration work in this model?
The BioSteps-II includes six Matala filter mats in three densities (2 Green coarse + 2 Blue medium + 2 Gray fine). Water flows through each mat in progression:
- Green (coarse): captures large particulates, fish waste, and leaf debris, protecting downstream mats from overloading
- Blue (medium): primary biological zone — high surface area for ammonia-converting nitrifying bacteria (Nitrosomonas)
- Gray (fine): polishing stage — fine particle capture and support for nitrite-converting bacteria (Nitrobacter)
The cross-flow pattern routes water laterally across the full mat width rather than straight through, preventing the bypass channeling that reduces efficiency in conventional down-flow filters. Total biological surface area: 200 sq. ft.
What is the recommended GPH flow rate for the waterfall spillway?
For optimal filtration performance and a beautiful, consistent waterfall sheer, use a pump rated between 800 and 1,060 GPH at your installation head height. This flow range:
- Maximizes biological contact time within the filter mats
- Allows adequate settling of fine solids in the filter chamber
- Produces an even, full-width flow across the 11” waterfall weir
Do not exceed 1,060 GPH — the filter is not designed for higher flow rates and biological filtration effectiveness will significantly decrease above this threshold.
Does the BioSteps-II Filter include an overflow safety feature?
Yes. The BioSteps-II includes a built-in internal overflow bypass. If the filter media becomes partially blocked by a surge of debris (e.g., autumn leaves), water is safely diverted through the bypass channel and returned to the pond via the waterfall outlet, rather than backing up and overflowing the filter housing onto your landscape. This prevents the gradual pond drain-down that can occur with gravity filters that lack overflow protection.
How do I clean the BioSteps-II without harming beneficial bacteria?
The BioSteps-II is designed for low-impact maintenance that preserves your bacterial colony:
- Squeeze cleaning: pull the mat handles upward to compress and release the filter mats, loosening trapped solids without removing the mats from the filter
- Drain backwash: open the bottom drain plug to flush settled sludge from the sloped tank floor — no disassembly required
- Critical: if you need to rinse the mats, always use a bucket of pond water, never chlorinated tap water. Chlorine kills the nitrifying bacteria that make biological filtration possible
Routine squeeze-cleaning every 2–4 weeks and quarterly drain backwash is typically sufficient for most pond loads at the recommended flow rates.
Why Buy from Pond Pro Direct?
- Authentic Matala products with manufacturer warranty support
- Expert filter and pump sizing guidance — 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
