Matala Blue Filter Media for Fine Mechanical and Biological Filtration Matala Blue is a medium-high density filter foam that catches fine suspended particles that coarser media passes through. It sits in the middle-to-late stages of a multi-layer filter, after black and green media have already pulled out large debris, and it's where the water starts to clear. The tighter cell structure also provides a large surface area for beneficial bacteria colonization, making it an effective biological stage as well as a mechanical one. Sold per square foot, it cuts to fit any filter chamber. Where to Use It Place Matala Blue downstream of coarser black or green media. At this stage, water entering the blue layer is already free of large debris, so the tighter foam can work on the fine suspended solids and dissolved organic compounds that cause cloudiness. In a well-designed filter, the water entering this stage is amber and leaving it is noticeably clearer. Blue media needs more frequent rinsing than black because it captures smaller particles that compact faster. Specification Value Density Medium-high / fine mechanical and biological Filtration Stage Third or fourth stage in multi-layer system Pore Size Finer than black and green, coarser than grey Standard Sheet Size 39" x 48" x 1.5" thick (99 cm x 122 cm x 3.8 cm) Sold Per square foot Lifespan 2 to 3 years with regular rinsing Maintenance Rinse with pond water, not tap water. Blue media compacts faster than black or green because of its tighter pore structure. During peak summer, rinse every 5 to 7 days. Keep a spare sheet cut to size so you can swap it out and rinse the used sheet without taking the filter offline. Ideal for the fine mechanical and biological stages of multi-layer pond filters, water gardens with moderate to high stocking density, and koi ponds where water clarity is a priority.
