Matala BioSteps Premium Kit – Multi-Stage Pond Filter System for Ponds up to 2,000 Gallons
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Description
The Matala BioSteps Premium Kit (BSTP-Premium) is a complete, all-in-one gravity-flow pond filtration system rated for water garden ponds up to 2,000 gallons (koi ponds up to 1,000 gallons). Every component needed for installation is included: the BioSteps-II gravity filter loaded with six progressive-density Matala filter pads, the Magna-Flow MF-1100EZ magnetic-drive pump with EZBio 11 Plus prefilter, the 16-Watt EZClear UV clarifier with a 9,000-hour Phillips UV lamp, a waterfall spillway (11.25" weir), 3/4” × 25 ft kink-free hose, diverter valve, and all connectors. The system operates at 800–1,100 GPH — the flow rate Matala designs the BioSteps-II around for maximum biological contact time. The filter housing is built from automotive-grade plastic rated for extreme temperature environments, with a sloped bottom and drain plug for backwash maintenance. Not for use in swimming pools or salt water.
Why Choose the Matala BioSteps Premium Kit?
- Complete system — no guessing on pump or hose size: Every component in the Premium Kit is factory-matched to the BioSteps-II filter. The MF-1100EZ pump delivers ~900 GPH at 3 feet of head — Matala’s ideal flow rate for maximizing biological contact time in the six filter chambers. No separate sizing research, no incompatible pump, no wrong-diameter hose.
- Progressive-density Matala filtration — 200 sq. ft. of bacterial surface area: The BioSteps-II filter contains six chambers in sequence: first the two coarse green pads intercept large particles, then the two medium blue pads handle mid-size debris, and finally the two fine gray pads complete mechanical filtration while providing the densest surface for nitrifying bacteria. Each density grade colonizes a different ecological community of beneficial bacteria — the “progressive filtration” design means no single mat handles the full load.
- Cross-flow design prevents plugging: Unlike straight-through filters where debris accumulates perpendicular to flow and can block the entire media face, the BioSteps-II uses a cross-flow pattern that traps solids while maintaining water flow through the media bed, even at higher flow rates.
- 16W EZClear UV clarifier eliminates green water: The integrated Phillips UV lamp targets the DNA of suspended single-cell algae (the cause of green water blooms), rendering cells unable to reproduce. In a properly sized system, green water typically clears within 14 days. The 9,000-hour lamp life means annual replacement at normal continuous operation. Note: UV clarifiers address suspended algae only — string algae on pond surfaces is not affected by UV.
- Magna-Flow MF-1100EZ magnetic-drive pump: Mag-drive pumps have no shaft seal to wear out and no oil that could contaminate pond water — the magnetic coupling between impeller and motor is inherently efficient and long-lived. At ~900 GPH at 3 feet of head, the MF-1100EZ delivers the precise flow rate the BioSteps-II filter is engineered around. The 18 ft cord with 3-prong grounded plug reaches most standard pond installations.
- EZBio 11 Plus prefilter on pump inlet: The prefilter sleeve (4" diameter × 8" long, green coarse mesh) mounts directly on the MF-1100EZ inside the pond, protecting the pump impeller from leaves and debris while still allowing nutrient-laden water to pass through to the BioSteps filter for biological processing.
- Diverter valve for flow control: The included diverter valve allows fine-tuning of the flow rate through the BioSteps filter, and can redirect a portion of the pump output to a separate fountain jet or water feature, giving the system design flexibility beyond simple filtration.
- Gravity return — no pressurized plumbing: Filtered water exits the BioSteps at the outlet at the same level it flows in, returning to the pond by gravity over the waterfall spillway or through a 1.5”/2” pipe connection. No pressure fittings, no pressurized seals, no pump-down risk on cleaning day.
- Expandable and modular design: For heavily stocked koi ponds or future fish load increases, two BioSteps-II units can be run in parallel on the same pump system, effectively doubling filtration capacity without replacing infrastructure.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Kit Model | BSTP-Premium |
| PPD SKU | 31368 |
| Water Garden Max | Up to 2,000 gallons |
| Koi Pond Max | Up to 1,000 gallons |
| Recommended Flow Rate | 800–1,100 GPH (optimal ~900 GPH at 3 ft head) |
| Pump Included | Magna-Flow MF-1100EZ | Magnetic drive | Max 1,100 GPH | ~900 GPH @ 3 ft | 18 ft cord | 16 AWG | 110V |
| UV Clarifier | 16W EZClear | Phillips UV lamp | 9,000-hour lamp life | Electronic ballast | Replace lamp annually |
| Pump Prefilter | EZBio 11 Plus (4” dia. × 8”L, green coarse mesh — mounts on pump in pond) |
| Filter Mats | 6 Matala progressive-density pads: 2 Green + 2 Blue + 2 Gray |
| Biological Surface Area | 200 sq. ft. for beneficial bacteria colonization |
| Waterfall Spillway | Included — 11.25” weir width |
| Tubing | 3/4” I.D. × 25 ft kink-free hose + 2 hose clamps |
| Diverter Valve | Included (flow control; optional jet/fountain diversion) |
| Dimensions (filter unit) | ~20”L × 15”W × 23”H |
| Dimensions (with spillway) | ~24.4”L × 15.8”W × 24.8”H |
| Construction | Automotive-grade plastic (temperature-rated for cold and hot environments) |
| Inlet | Swivel fitting with 3/4”, 1”, 1-1/4”, and 1.5” barb options |
| Outlet | 1.5” or 2” pipe connection (or waterfall spillway) |
| Flow Type | Gravity return (open flow — not pressurized) |
| Drain | Sloped bottom with sink at outlet + drain plug; optional drain valve (sold separately) |
| Not for use in | Swimming pools or salt water |
What’s Included
- BioSteps-II gravity filter with 6 progressive-density Matala filter pads (2 Green, 2 Blue, 2 Gray)
- Magna-Flow MF-1100EZ magnetic-drive pump (1,100 GPH max; ~900 GPH at 3 ft head)
- EZBio 11 Plus prefilter (4” dia. × 8” long, green coarse mesh — mounts on pump inside pond)
- Diverter valve (flow control + optional fountain/jet diversion)
- 16W EZClear UV clarifier (Phillips UV lamp, 9,000-hour life, electronic ballast)
- Waterfall spillway (11.25” weir width)
- 3/4” × 25 ft kink-free hose with 2 hose clamps
- All connectors for assembly
- Drain plug (drain valve optional, sold separately)
- Installation instructions
BioSteps Kit Family — Choose Your Configuration
All BioSteps kits include the BioSteps-II filter with 6 progressive-density Matala pads (2 Green + 2 Blue + 2 Gray), the MF-1100EZ pump with EZBio 11 Plus prefilter, diverter valve, 3/4”×25 ft hose, and all connectors. Capacity for all kits: up to 2,000 gal (water garden) / 1,000 gal (koi).
| Kit | Pump | UV Clarifier | Waterfall Spillway |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioSteps Plus | ✓ MF-1100EZ | — | — |
| BioSteps Plus w/ Kit | ✓ MF-1100EZ | — | ✓ 11.25" weir |
| BioSteps Pro | ✓ MF-1100EZ | ✓ 16W EZClear | — |
| BioSteps Premium (this) | ✓ MF-1100EZ | ✓ 16W EZClear | ✓ 11.25" weir |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Matala BioSteps Premium Kit?
The BioSteps Premium Kit includes everything needed for a complete installation:
- BioSteps-II Filter — loaded with 6 progressive-density Matala filter pads (2 Green, 2 Blue, 2 Gray)
- Magna-Flow MF-1100EZ magnetic-drive pump with EZBio 11 Plus prefilter (4”×8” green mesh sleeve, mounts on pump inside pond)
- Diverter valve for flow control and optional fountain/jet diversion
- 16W EZClear UV clarifier with Phillips UV lamp
- Waterfall spillway (11.25” weir width)
- 3/4” × 25 ft kink-free hose with 2 hose clamps and all connectors
- Drain plug, installation instructions
An optional drain valve (for easier backwash maintenance) is sold separately and can be connected to the filter’s bottom drain fitting.
How does the progressive-density Matala filtration work?
The BioSteps-II filter contains six chambers in a step-wise sequence, each loaded with a different density grade of Matala filter media:
- Green pads (2, coarse density): First in the flow path. Intercept large debris — leaves, fish waste, sediment. Coarse structure resists rapid clogging at the system inlet.
- Blue pads (2, medium density): Second stage. Capture mid-size particles that passed through the green pads, while providing significant colonization surface for the first community of beneficial nitrifying bacteria.
- Gray pads (2, fine density): Final stage. Polish the water mechanically while hosting the densest biological bacterial community. Gray Matala provides up to 124 sq. ft. of bacterial surface area per square foot of media.
The combined surface area of all six pads provides 200 sq. ft. of total bacterial colonization area — supporting a complete nitrification cycle that converts fish-waste ammonia to nitrite to harmless nitrate. A cross-flow design traps solids progressively rather than stacking them at the first pad face, keeping the media bed open and the flow rate stable through extended service intervals.
What is the recommended pump flow rate for this filter?
The BioSteps Premium Kit is designed to operate at 800–1,100 GPH, with an ideal operating point of approximately 900 GPH at 3 feet of head. This is the flow rate Matala engineers the BioSteps-II around to maximize biological contact time between pond water and the nitrifying bacteria colonizing the filter pads.
The included MF-1100EZ pump is factory-matched to this range — it delivers approximately 900 GPH at 3 feet of head, which represents a typical installation with the pump in the pond and the filter set 2–3 feet above the water surface. The diverter valve allows fine-tuning if the head pressure at your specific site is different.
Do not substitute a pump rated above 1,100 GPH for this system. Higher flow rates reduce the biological contact time in the filter chambers, flush established bacterial colonies during cleaning, and exceed the EZClear UV clarifier’s design flow for effective sterilization.
Will the 16W UV Clarifier clear green pond water?
Yes — in a properly sized and operating system, the 16W EZClear UV clarifier typically achieves clear water within 14 days of continuous operation. The UV lamp emits light at the wavelength that damages the DNA of suspended single-cell algae (the cause of green water blooms), preventing the algae from reproducing. Dead cells are then captured by the BioSteps filter media on subsequent passes.
Two important qualifications: First, UV clarifiers target suspended algae only. String algae growing on pond walls, rocks, or waterfalls is not free-floating and does not pass through the UV chamber — UV will not address string algae. Second, if the pond is significantly overstocked or overfed, nutrient levels may sustain algae growth faster than the UV can address it. UV works best as part of a balanced system with appropriate fish load and feeding.
The Phillips UV lamp has a 9,000-hour service life (approximately one full operating season). Replace the lamp annually at spring startup to ensure continued effectiveness, even if the lamp appears to glow — UV output degrades before visible light output does.
How do I maintain the BioSteps filter?
The BioSteps-II filter is designed for easy maintenance with minimal disruption to the biological colony:
- Backwashing: Open the drain plug at the sloped bottom of the filter. The slope and extra sink at the outlet channel settled waste toward the drain. Heavy solids accumulated in the bottom chamber flush out without lifting the filter mats.
- Matala mat cleaning: When flow rate visibly decreases, rinse the filter mats by removing them and hosing them down. Always use pond water, not chlorinated tap water — chlorine kills the beneficial bacteria colonies that provide the system’s biological function. A bucket of pond water carried to the cleaning area is sufficient.
- UV lamp replacement: Replace the Phillips UV lamp once annually at spring startup, regardless of apparent lamp condition. UV output declines before visible glow does, and a degraded lamp provides false confidence while algae control diminishes.
- Frequency: During high-debris periods (spring cottonwood, fall leaf drop), check the filter more frequently. In steady-state summer operation, the cross-flow design typically allows weeks between mat cleanings.
Why Buy Matala Products from Pond Pro Direct?
- Authentic Matala products with full manufacturer support
- Pond filtration expertise — call for help matching filter to pond volume, fish load, and site conditions
- Price Match on identical Matala products from authorized retailers
Matala BioSteps Premium Kit (BSTP-Premium) — BioSteps-II gravity filter | MF-1100EZ mag-drive pump | EZBio 11 Plus prefilter | 16W EZClear UV (Phillips, 9,000 hr) | waterfall spillway (11.25" weir) | 3/4"×25 ft hose | diverter valve | 6 Matala pads (200 sq ft bio surface) | 800–1,100 GPH | 2,000 gal water garden / 1,000 gal koi | ~20"×15"×23"H | automotive-grade plastic | gravity return. Not for pools or salt water.
Questions about pond size, fish load, or filtration system design? Call or text (765) 508-4352 — Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST.
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