Manufacturers ID:FSM190-1/2 Color: Black Density: Low Approximate Thickness: 1.5" Length Width: 39"x 24" Surface Area per Sq. Ft.: 62 SQ. FT./CU. FT. 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. 1 single layer of 1.5 inch thick media 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. Each additional layer you add will trap a smaller and smaller particle without clogging. That's the big advantage to Matala media in general, if you use it correctly, it can hold tremendous amounts of debris without clogging. When you use the Black or Green Matala for mechanical / solids filtering, you may use the garden hose to spray them clean. In general these two color densities are use as mechanical solids filter pads and you are not concerned with losing any bacteria with a hose washing. The dirt falls off very easily.
