Matala BioSteps Plus Kit – Complete Multi-Stage Filtration System for Ponds (Up to 2,000 Gallons)

The Matala BioSteps Plus Kit (SKU 31337 / MPN BSTP-Plus) is the entry-level complete filtration kit in the Matala BioSteps family — everything you need to get a pond's filtration running, without a UV clarifier or waterfall spillway. The kit pairs the BioSteps-II gravity filter with the Magna-Flow 1100 EZ pump, EZBio 11 Plus prefilter, diverter valve, and 25 ft of 3/4” kink-free hose, sized for water garden ponds up to 2,700 gallons (or koi ponds up to 1,350 gallons). The BioSteps-II filter uses six Matala mats in three densities (2 Green + 2 Blue + 2 Gray) to deliver progressive filtration: large solids first, fine biological filtration last. With 200 sq ft of biological surface area and an ideal operating flow of 800–900 GPH, it provides excellent mechanical and biological filtration in a compact gravity-fed format. The UV clarifier and waterfall spillway can be added as optional upgrades at any time. 2,700 Gal (WG) / 1,350 Gal (Koi) 800–900 GPH Operating Flow MF-1100EZ Pump 6 Matala Mats 200 sq ft Surface Area 25 ft 3/4” Hose No UV Clarifier No Waterfall Spillway 📦 What’s Included in the 31337 Box BioSteps-II Filter body — 6 Matala mats (2 Green, 2 Blue, 2 Gray); ~20”L × 15”W × 23”H Magna-Flow 1100 EZ (MF-1100EZ) submersible pump — max 1,100 GPH; ~900 GPH at 3 ft head; 18 ft, 16 gauge, 110V cord EZBio 11 Plus prefilter — 4”D × 8”L green coarse mesh; protects pump while allowing debris to reach the filter Diverter valve — for precise flow control; also allows flow diversion to an optional fountain or jet 25 ft × 3/4” kink-free hose (PVC 75) Hose clamps All connectors and fittings for complete installation Installation instructions Not included: UV clarifier (optional upgrade) | Waterfall spillway (optional upgrade — included in Plus W Kit, SKU 31351) | Drain valve Key Features & Benefits 🪜 Progressive Density Filtration Six Matala mats in ascending density — 2 Green (coarse) catching large solids, 2 Blue (medium) for mid-range debris, 2 Gray (fine) for biological filtration — create a staircase sequence that protects finer media and extends cleaning intervals. 🧬 200 sq ft Biological Surface Area The BioSteps-II filter provides 200 square feet of surface area for beneficial nitrifying bacteria — the biological engine that converts toxic ammonia into safer compounds. This capacity handles the waste load of a fully stocked koi pond up to 1,350 gallons. ⚙️ Matched Pump + Filter System The MF-1100EZ pump is specifically matched to deliver 900 GPH at 3 ft head — the BioSteps-II’s ideal operating flow. The included diverter valve lets you fine-tune flow through the filter and optionally divert a portion to a separate fountain or decorative jet. 🛡️ EZBio 11 Plus Prefilter The 4” × 8” prefilter mounts on the pump intake, protecting the impeller from large debris while allowing finer particles to pass through to the BioSteps-II for biological processing. Reduces pump maintenance without over-filtering before the biological stage. 🔄 Gravity Return + Easy Backwash Water flows from pond to pump to filter and returns by gravity to the pond or waterfall — no pressure is required on the return side. The sloped filter bottom with drain plug allows backwashing: open the plug to flush settled waste without disassembling the filter. ⬆️ Upgradeable to Waterfall or UV The BioSteps-II housing is designed to accept optional add-ons at any time: the 16W EZClear UV clarifier for green water control, or the 11.25” waterfall spillway for a gravity-fed waterfall feature. If you already know you want these, see the Plus W Kit (31351) or the Premium Kit. Technical Specifications Specification Value SKU / MPN 31337 / BSTP-Plus Kit Type Basic — Filter + Pump + Tubing (no UV, no waterfall) Max Pond Size (Water Garden) 2,700 gallons Max Pond Size (Koi Pond) 1,350 gallons Filter Operating Flow 800–900 GPH (design point) Filter Max Flow 1,060 GPH Filter Surface Area 200 sq ft Filter Dimensions (approx) ~20”L × 15”W × 23”H Filter Media 6 Matala mats: 2 Green (coarse) + 2 Blue (medium) + 2 Gray (fine) Pump Model Magna-Flow 1100 EZ (MF-1100EZ) — mag-drive submersible Pump Max Flow 1,100 GPH (approx. 900 GPH at 3 ft head) Pump Cord 18 ft, 16 gauge, 3-prong grounded, 110V Prefilter EZBio 11 Plus — 4”D × 8”L, green coarse mesh Diverter Valve Included — flow control + optional fountain/jet diversion Tubing 25 ft × 3/4” (PVC 75) kink-free hose Inlet Fitting (swivel) 3/4”, 1”, 1-1/4”, 1-1/2” barbed Outlet Fitting 1.5” or 2” gravity return Drain Sloped bottom + sludge drain plug; optional drain valve not included Warranty Not confirmed — contact Matala directly BioSteps Kit Family — Choose the Right Kit Kit Name SKU Filter + Pump + Hose Waterfall Spillway 16W UV BioSteps Plus Kit ← This 31337 ✓ — — BioSteps Plus W Kit (with Waterfall) 31351 ✓ ✓ — BioSteps Pro Kit (with UV) BSTP-Pro ✓ — ✓ BioSteps Premium Kit (Full) BSTP-Premium ✓ ✓ ✓ 💡 Upgrade at Any Time The BioSteps-II housing is designed to accept optional add-ons: Add a 16W EZClear UV Clarifier for green water control Add a Waterfall Spillway for a gravity-fed waterfall feature If you already know you want both, consider the BioSteps Premium Kit — or call us at (765) 508-4352 to help size the right system for your pond. Frequently Asked Questions What is included in the Matala BioSteps Plus Kit? The Matala BioSteps Plus Kit (SKU 31337 / BSTP-Plus) is the basic kit — it includes everything needed to run a complete gravity-fed filtration system, without a UV clarifier or waterfall spillway: BioSteps-II Filter body with 6 Matala mats (2 Green, 2 Blue, 2 Gray) Magna-Flow 1100 EZ (MF-1100EZ) submersible pump with 18 ft cord EZBio 11 Plus prefilter (4”D × 8”L green mesh, mounts on pump) Diverter valve for flow control and optional fountain diversion 25 ft × 3/4” kink-free hose Hose clamps and all connectors for complete installation If you want a waterfall spillway as part of your system, see the BioSteps Plus W Kit (SKU 31351). If you want UV green water control, see the BioSteps Pro Kit. Both upgrades can also be added to the 31337 at a later date. What is the maximum pond capacity for the BioSteps Plus system? The BioSteps Plus Kit is rated for water garden ponds up to 2,700 gallons. For koi ponds with higher biological waste loads, the recommended maximum is 1,350 gallons to maintain adequate nitrification and water clarity. The filter’s 200 sq ft of biological surface area provides the capacity to support these fish loads when operated continuously at 800–900 GPH. How does “Progressive Density” filtration maximize water clarity? The BioSteps-II contains six Matala mats in three densities, arranged in a staircase sequence: 2 Green mats (coarse) — capture large solids first, protecting finer mats from premature clogging 2 Blue mats (medium) — capture mid-range particles; primary biological colonization zone 2 Gray mats (fine) — fine mechanical filtration and maximum surface area for beneficial bacteria This six-mat design provides over 200 square feet of surface area for beneficial bacteria and a cross-flow design that traps debris effectively even at higher flow rates without channeling. Is the Magna-Flow 1100 pump energy efficient? Yes. The Magna-Flow 1100 EZ (MF-1100EZ) is a mag-drive (magnetically driven) submersible pump with significantly lower power consumption than traditional centrifugal pumps of comparable flow. At its matched operating point of approximately 900 GPH at 3 ft of head, it delivers the ideal flow rate through the BioSteps-II filter for optimal mechanical and biological filtration performance. The included diverter valve lets you fine-tune the flow delivered to the filter and optionally route a portion to a separate jet or decorative fountain, giving you precise control over the system’s operation. How often does the BioSteps Plus Kit require maintenance? Maintenance requirements are minimal when the system runs continuously. Practical guidance: Clean the filter mats only when flow is noticeably reduced — not on a fixed schedule Always rinse mats in a bucket of pond water, never chlorinated tap water — tap water kills the beneficial bacterial colony living in the mats Use the sloped bottom and drain plug to backwash settled sludge from the filter before and after mat cleaning Clean the EZBio 11 Plus prefilter on the pump when pump flow drops noticeably Run the system continuously 24/7 for optimal biological filtration — shutting the pump off stops oxygen flow to beneficial bacteria Why Buy from Pond Pro Direct? Authentic Matala products with full manufacturer support Expert pond sizing and system 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