Sheet Matala
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.
Matala has the following characteristics:
- Full size sheet 48" x 39" x 1.5" (120cm x 100cm x 4cm) for all densities; Black, Green, Blue and Gray.
- Half size sheet 24" x 39" x 1.5"
- Weight per full sheet is between 6 to 8 pounds depending on density.
- One sheet is 13 sq.ft.
- 8 sq.ft. equals 1 cubic ft of media.
- One full sheet equals 1.6 cubic feet or 12 gallon volume.
- Semi-rigid and self-supporting
- Specific gravity: 0.95. Slightly buoyant.
- Made of Thermopoly Propylene compound - Nontoxic to environment.
| 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%
|
Black Filter Media (Low Density)
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.
Green Filter Media (Medium Density)
The Green Matala can follow thereby trapping a medium size particle. Both Green and Black clean out very easily by simply shaking the pieces out before draining the sump. When you use the Black or Green Matala for solids filtering you may use the garden hose to spray clean them. The dirt falls off very easily.
Blue Filter Media (High Density)
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 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.
Gray Filter Media (Super High Density)
The Grey Matala Filter mats will filter out a much smaller particle 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 up flow filter designs.
-Pro Tip-
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.