Matala Filter Media Mats – 24" x 39" x 1.5" (Bundle of 4) | Low to Super High Density
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Description
Matala filter media is the professional standard for biological and mechanical pond filtration. Unlike foam blocks and quilted filter pads that compress, lose surface area, and degrade within 2-3 seasons, Matala's rigid thermopolypropylene structure maintains its open fiber geometry indefinitely — supporting dense biofilm colonies while allowing free water flow without channeling or pressure drop.
This listing is the 09998 Complete Bundle of 4 — one half-sheet of each density in the Matala system: Black (Super Coarse), Green (Coarse), Blue (Fine), and Gray (Super Fine). Together, these four sheets form a complete progressive filtration system that handles everything from coarse leaf and debris removal to fine particle polishing and maximum biological surface area.
- (1) Black — Super Coarse, Low Density (62 sq.ft./cu.ft.) — 1st stage, coarse debris
- (1) Green — Coarse, Medium Density (96 sq.ft./cu.ft.) — 2nd stage, medium particles
- (1) Blue — Fine, High Density (124 sq.ft./cu.ft.) — 3rd stage, fine particles
- (1) Gray — Super Fine, Super High Density (171 sq.ft./cu.ft.) — 4th stage, polishing
The Four Matala Densities
Best for: First stage, coarse debris, high-flow skimmers, leaf/algae trapping
Best for: Second stage, medium particles, good mechanical + biological balance
Best for: Third stage, fine particle capture, excellent biofilm colonization
Best for: Final polishing stage, maximum biological surface area, koi systems
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | 09998 |
| Bundle Contents | One (1) of EACH density: Black + Green + Blue + Gray |
| Sheet Dimensions | 39.5” L × 24” W × 1.5” Deep (all densities) |
| Weight per Sheet | 6–8 lbs (varies by density) |
| Volume per Sheet | 0.8 cu.ft. (6 gallon volume) |
| Specific Gravity | 0.95 — slightly buoyant (must be wedged or weighted) |
| Material | Thermopolypropylene (thermo-polypropylene compound) |
| Non-Toxic | Yes — safe for fish, koi, invertebrates, aquatic plants |
| Reusable | Yes — rinse, reinstall; replace only when physically damaged |
| Cutting | Cut to fit with serrated knife (turkey carver) or utility blade |
| Applications | Skimmers, waterfall boxes, biofilters, settling chambers, upflow filters |
| Saltwater Safe | Yes |
Complete Density & Surface Area Reference
| Color | Official Matala Name | Bio Surface Area | Open Space | Individual SKU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | Super Coarse | 62 sq.ft./cu.ft. | 92% | FSM190-1/2 |
| Green | Coarse | 96 sq.ft./cu.ft. | 93% | FSM290-1/2 |
| Blue | Fine | 124 sq.ft./cu.ft. | 94% | FSM365-1/2 |
| Gray | Super Fine | 171 sq.ft./cu.ft. | 94% | FSM460-1/2 |
Individual half-sheets (24”×39”×1.5”) are available separately by SKU. Individual quarter-sheets (24”×19.5”) are also available for smaller filter chambers.
How Much Matala Do You Need?
| Pond Type / Fish Load | Sheets per 1,000 Gallons | Recommended Densities |
|---|---|---|
| Water garden, minimal fish | ~1 sheet per 1,000 gal | Black + Green for solids removal |
| Ornamental pond, medium fish load | 2–3 sheets per 1,000 gal | All four densities in progressive layers |
| Koi pond, heavy fish load | 3+ sheets per 1,000 gal | All four densities; may need multiple Blue/Gray layers |
| High-density koi/show pond (no plants) | 4–6+ sheets per 1,000 gal | All four densities; multiple chambers |
At 0.8 cu.ft. per sheet, this 4-sheet bundle provides 3.2 cu.ft. of media — sufficient for a 1,000–1,600 gallon pond with medium fish load, or a 3,000+ gallon water garden with minimal fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Progressive Density' concept and how do I arrange these mats?
Progressive density means placing coarser media first (water enters it first) and finer media last, so each stage handles progressively smaller particles without clogging the downstream layers:
- 1st stage — Black (Super Coarse, 62 sq.ft./cu.ft.): Traps leaves, large algae clumps, and coarse debris. Its 92% open structure handles high flow without pressure drop.
- 2nd stage — Green (Coarse, 96 sq.ft./cu.ft.): Captures medium particles after the Black pre-filters the larger material.
- 3rd stage — Blue (Fine, 124 sq.ft./cu.ft.): Fine particle removal and strong biological colonization with 94% open space.
- 4th stage — Gray (Super Fine, 171 sq.ft./cu.ft.): Final polishing and maximum biological surface area for nitrifying bacteria.
This arrangement prevents premature clogging and maximizes the useful life between cleanings. Note: Matala has a specific gravity of 0.95 (slightly buoyant) — it must be wedged firmly in the filter chamber rather than simply placed flat.
How much surface area do Matala mats provide for biological filtration?
Matala provides between 62 and 171 square feet of biological surface area per cubic foot, depending on density:
- Black (Super Coarse): 62 sq.ft./cu.ft. — 92% open space
- Green (Coarse): 96 sq.ft./cu.ft. — 93% open space
- Blue (Fine): 124 sq.ft./cu.ft. — 94% open space
- Gray (Super Fine): 171 sq.ft./cu.ft. — 94% open space
Each half-sheet in this bundle represents 0.8 cubic feet of media. At 94% open space, even the densest Gray mat allows free water and oxygen flow to the bacteria colonies growing throughout the fiber structure — unlike compressed foam, which closes off internal porosity over time.
Can I cut the 24" x 39" Matala mats to fit my specific pond filter?
Yes. Matala cuts cleanly with a serrated blade — a standard kitchen turkey carver (medium-to-fine tooth serration, 8” blade) works well for most cuts. For the Black density (most open weave), a fine-tooth hacksaw or pipe-cutting saw may provide a cleaner cut due to the looser fiber structure. The rigid thermopolypropylene construction holds its shape after cutting without fraying or losing structural integrity, unlike foam which tears and compresses.
Matala can also be cut with a circular saw (fine-tooth blade reversed) for very clean edges, but hand tools are sufficient for most filter customizations.
Are Matala filter mats safe for koi, goldfish, and aquatic plants?
Yes. Matala is made from Thermopolypropylene — a non-toxic, pH-neutral polymer compound that contains no chemical adhesives, plasticizers, or additives harmful to aquatic life. It will not leach any compounds into pond water under normal use conditions. Matala is used globally in municipal wastewater treatment, aquaculture, and public aquarium filtration — its safety profile is extensively documented.
How often do I need to clean Matala filter media?
Significantly less often than foam or fiber media. The rigid open structure resists compaction and deferred clogging that progressively reduces flow in foam pads. For most pond applications: rinse the coarser mats (Black/Green) once or twice per season in a bucket of pond water (not tap water, to preserve bacteria colonies). The finer mats (Blue/Gray) may need cleaning once annually if used downstream of the coarser stages.
Key maintenance note: always rinse in pond water, not tap water, to preserve the beneficial bacteria biofilm. The rigid structure survives aggressive hosing without losing its shape or surface area.
Why Buy from Pond Pro Direct?
- Authentic Matala filter media
- Expert filtration design 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
