Blue R-Matala Pre-Coiled Pond Filter Media Roll – 6” Thick
Professional Drop-In Filter Media for Round Pond Filters & Barrel Systems
Blue R-Matala is a pre-coiled roll of durable blue Matala filter media wound into a spool and factory-glued for easy installation. Designed as a convenient “drop-in” filter cartridge, it is ideal for round filter tanks, DIY barrel filters, and gravity-flow pond filtration systems.
Each Blue R-Matala coil is 6 inches thick and available in multiple diameters to fit a wide range of round filtration tanks.
Designed for a Tight, Proper Fit
Blue R-Matala is hand-made at the factory and intentionally produced approximately 1/2” to 3/4” larger than the advertised diameter. This oversized design helps the media wedge tightly against the inside wall of the filter tank, preventing dirty water from channeling around the filter media.
For best results:
- Measure the inside diameter of your round filter tank
- Add 1/2” to 3/4” to select the correct R-Matala size
- If your tank size falls between available diameters, purchase the next larger size and trim it down for a custom fit
Excellent Mechanical & Biological Filtration
Blue R-Matala is highly effective at trapping:
- Small algae particles
- Fish waste
- Uneaten fish food
- Fine suspended debris
- Bacterial floc and detritus
It also provides excellent surface area for beneficial bacteria growth, making it an outstanding biological filter media for koi ponds, water gardens, aquaculture systems, and DIY biofilters.
Progressive Pond Filtration Setup
For maximum filtration efficiency, Blue R-Matala should be installed:
- After Green Matala
- Before Gray Matala
This layered approach improves “Progressive Filtration” by capturing increasingly finer particles as water moves through the filter system.
Ideal for DIY Barrel Filters
Blue R-Matala is a popular choice for homemade barrel filters and round gravity-flow filter tanks. Most standard barrels can hold up to three layers of R-Matala, creating up to 18 inches of deep filter media for superior mechanical and biological filtration.
Multiple layers of Blue R-Matala can also be used independently to create an efficient deep-bed biofilter system.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Routine cleaning helps maintain strong water flow and filtration performance.
Recommended cleaning method:
- Use a water pump with a flexible hose
- Pump pond water over the R-Matala while it remains inside the filter tank
- This helps loosen trapped debris without removing the media
If the filter becomes heavily clogged, remove the R-Matala from the tank for a deeper cleaning.
Important:
- Do not clean biological filter media with chlorinated tap water
- Chlorine may damage the beneficial bacteria biofilm essential for biological filtration
Important Hair Algae Notice
Blue R-Matala is not recommended for filtering string or hair algae. Hair algae can become entangled within the media and may be difficult to remove during cleaning.
For hair algae filtration, a layer of 1.5” Black Sheet Matala is recommended instead.
Features & Benefits
- Pre-coiled and factory-glued for easy installation
- Designed for round filter tanks and barrel filters
- Strong mechanical and biological filtration performance
- Helps improve water clarity
- Excellent surface area for beneficial bacteria growth
- Ideal for koi ponds, water gardens, and aquaculture systems
- Reusable and easy to maintain
- Available in multiple diameters
- 6-inch thick filter media coil
Common Applications
- Koi pond filtration
- DIY barrel filters
- Gravity-flow pond filters
- Biological pond filters
- Mechanical pond filtration
- Aquaculture filtration systems
- Water garden filters
Blue R-Matala Filter Media FAQs
Find answers to the most common questions about Blue R-Matala pre-coiled filter media, including sizing, installation, cleaning, biological filtration benefits, and compatibility with pond and gravity-flow filtration systems. Learn how this high-performance filter media helps improve water clarity and supports healthy, beneficial bacteria growth in koi ponds and water gardens.
What is Blue R-Matala filter media used for?
Blue R-Matala filter media is designed for biological and mechanical pond filtration. It helps remove fish waste, algae particles, uneaten food, and suspended debris while supporting beneficial bacteria growth for healthier pond water.
Can the Blue R-Matala roll be used in round filter tanks?
Yes. The pre-coiled design is specifically made for round filter tanks, barrels, vortex systems, and gravity-flow filters. It installs easily as a drop-in filtration cartridge.
How thick is the Blue R-Matala media roll?
Each Blue R-Matala pre-coiled filter media roll is 6 inches thick and can be stacked multiple layers deep for enhanced filtration performance.
Can I cut the filter media to fit my filter tank?
Yes. The media can be trimmed with a utility knife for custom sizing and precise fitting inside your filtration system.
What size should I order?
Measure the inside diameter of your filter tank and select a roll approximately 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch larger for a tight wedge fit that prevents water bypass.
Does Blue Matala support beneficial bacteria growth?
Yes. Blue Matala provides a large surface area that promotes healthy bacterial biofilm colonization for effective biological filtration.
Can this media be cleaned without removing it from the filter?
Yes. The media can be cleaned directly inside the tank using pond water and a hose, making maintenance quick and convenient.
Should I clean the media with tap water?
No. Chlorinated tap water can kill beneficial bacteria living on the media. Always use pond water or dechlorinated water for cleaning.
Is Blue R-Matala good for hair algae filtration?
No. Hair algae can become tangled in the blue media structure and make cleaning difficult. Black Matala media is typically recommended for heavy hair algae applications.
Can multiple Blue R-Matala rolls be stacked together?
Yes. Multiple coils can be stacked up to 18 inches deep to create a deeper filtration bed for increased mechanical and biological filtration efficiency.
