Matala EZ Bio 20 Pre-Filter – Biological & Mechanical Pond Prefilter

The Matala EZ Bio 20 Pre-Filter (SKU 99990, MPN EZBIO20) is a double-core biomechanical pre-filter for pond pumps up to 3,405 GPH. It fits directly on the intake of most submersible pond pumps, protecting the impeller from debris while simultaneously providing biological filtration surface area for beneficial bacteria colonization. The progressive dual-density construction — coarser outer Green core catching large debris first, finer inner Gray core capturing fine particles — delivers two-stage mechanical and biological filtration in a compact 8" × 8" unit. The EZ Bio 20 is expandable: multiple units can be chained together via the 1.5" male/female threaded ends on the internal slotted pipe, allowing you to increase biological surface area as your pond matures. Universal barbed adapters are included for connection to 1"–1-1/2" tubing. Cleaning is done by dunking the media cores in a bucket of pond water — preserving the beneficial bacteria colonies that make the biological filtration effective. 99990 / EZBIO20 Max 3,405 GPH 8” × 8” Double Core FPT Inlet (1-1/2”) Modular / Expandable ⚠ Connection type — FPT inlet: The EZ Bio 20 filter body has a 1-1/2" FPT (Female Pipe Thread) inlet. An included 1-1/2" MPT (Male Pipe Thread) adapter screws into this inlet, and barbed fittings for 1"–1-1/2" tubing are also included. Most submersible pump outlets are MPT — they connect directly into the filter's FPT inlet. Do not attempt to mate two MPT fittings. ✅ Cleaning critical tip: Always clean EZ Bio media cores by dunking vigorously in a bucket of pond water — never use chlorinated tap water. Chlorine kills the beneficial nitrifying bacteria colonized on the Matala media, eliminating the biological filtration that makes this pre-filter more than just a mechanical screen. Key Features & Benefits 🔬 Progressive Dual-Density Construction The EZ Bio 20 uses two distinct Matala media densities: a coarser outer Green core (8" dia) captures large debris — leaves, fish waste, string algae — before it can reach the pump; a finer inner Gray core (4" dia) then captures finer particles. This progressive filtration extends cleaning intervals because the outer media intercepts most bulk debris before it can load the inner media. 🧫 Biological Colonization Surface Matala's structured open-cell media provides enormous surface area for beneficial nitrifying bacteria. These bacteria convert toxic ammonia (fish waste) into less-harmful nitrate through the nitrogen cycle. By running water continuously through the pre-filter, you create a 24/7 biological treatment stage on the pump itself — supplementing your main biofilter or acting as the primary biological filtration in simpler pond systems. 🔗 Modular — Chain Multiple Units The internal slotted pipe has a 1.5" male thread on one end and a 1.5" female thread on the other. This allows multiple EZ Bio 20 units (or EZ Bio 11 units) to be chained together by connecting their pipes, extending the total biological media surface area to match high fish loads or larger ponds. Stack units vertically or horizontally depending on your installation. 🔧 Universal Pump Compatibility The 1-1/2" FPT inlet accepts an included 1-1/2" MPT adapter that connects directly to most submersible pump outlets. Included barbed adapters cover 1", 1-1/4", and 1-1/2" ID tubing for installations where the filter is placed at a distance from the pump rather than directly on the intake. Compatible with mag-drive and direct-drive submersible pond pumps from most major brands. 🛡️ Protects Pump Impeller Submersible pump impellers are damaged by rocks, gravel, heavy leaf debris, and fibrous material that bypasses the factory intake guard. The EZ Bio 20's outer media acts as a significant protective barrier, capturing these materials before they can enter the pump. Pumps running behind a properly maintained EZ Bio pre-filter typically last significantly longer than those running unprotected in pond water. 🔄 Replaceable Media Cores Both media cores are removable and available as separate replacement items: Gray core (4" dia × 7.5") and Green core (8" dia × 7.5"). When properly maintained with pond-water cleaning, Matala media can last for years. If media becomes permanently compacted with minerals or organic deposits that cleaning can't remove, individual cores can be replaced without purchasing an entirely new unit. Technical Specifications Specification Value SKU 99990 (Matala MPN: EZBIO20) Configuration Double Core (EZ Bio 20) Maximum Pump Flow 3,405 GPH Dimensions ~8” diameter × 8” length Filter Body Inlet 1-1/2” FPT (Female Pipe Thread) Filtration Type Mechanical + Biological (two-stage) Outer Core Green Matala media, 8” dia × 7.5” (coarser — captures large debris) Inner Core Gray Matala media, 4” dia × 7.5” (finer — captures fine particles) Modular Connection 1.5” male thread on one pipe end, 1.5” female on other — can chain multiple units Cleaning Method Dunk cores vigorously in bucket of POND WATER — never tap/chlorinated water Replacement Media Available: Gray core 4”dia × 7.5” and Green core 8”dia × 7.5” (sold separately) Connection Options — What's Included Connection Type Details Included? Direct pump connection 1-1/2” MPT adapter fits into filter's 1-1/2” FPT inlet — direct mount to most pump outlets ✓ Yes (1-1/2” MPT adapter) 1-1/2” ID tubing Barbed fitting for 1-1/2” inside diameter flexible tubing ✓ Yes 1-1/4” ID tubing Barbed fitting for 1-1/4” inside diameter flexible tubing ✓ Yes 1” ID tubing Barbed fitting for 1” inside diameter flexible tubing ✓ Yes EZ Bio Series Comparison Model Cores Dimensions Max GPH EZ Bio 11 (EZBIO11) Single core 4-5/16” × 7-7/8” 1,980 GPH EZ Bio 20 ← This (EZBIO20) Double core 8” × 8” 3,405 GPH Frequently Asked Questions How does the Matala EZ Bio 20 improve pond pump performance? The EZ Bio 20 acts as a biomechanical pre-filter that simultaneously protects and enhances pump performance: Mechanical protection: The dual-density Matala media captures debris before it reaches the impeller. The coarser outer Green core intercepts large debris first; the finer inner Gray core captures fine particles. This prevents impeller wear, jamming, and the flow reduction that occurs when debris bypasses the factory intake guard. Biological filtration: Matala's structured open-cell media provides enormous colonization surface for beneficial bacteria. As water flows through continuously, these bacteria process ammonia and contribute to the nitrogen cycle — turning the pre-filter into a biological treatment stage, not just a debris screen. What is the maximum GPH flow rate for the EZ Bio 20? The EZ Bio 20 is rated for pumps up to 3,405 GPH maximum. For context, the smaller EZ Bio 11 (single core) handles up to 1,980 GPH. If your pump exceeds 3,405 GPH, the EZ Bio 20 will experience rapid media loading and reduced flow — consider using multiple EZ Bio 20 units in parallel or switching to a larger pre-filter system. For best biological filtration performance, some reduction in flow rate allows bacteria more contact time with the water. Operating at 50–70% of maximum rated flow generally provides a good balance of pump performance and biological efficiency. Is the Matala EZ Bio 20 modular or expandable? Yes — the EZ Bio 20 is designed for expansion. The internal slotted pipe that holds the media cores has a 1.5" male thread on one end and a 1.5" female thread on the other. This allows you to screw two or more units together (connecting male end to female end), extending the total media length and biological surface area. This expandability is particularly useful when adding fish to a pond and needing more biological filtration capacity without replacing the pump or installing a completely separate filter system. What pump connections does the EZ Bio 20 support? The EZ Bio 20 filter body has a 1-1/2" FPT (Female Pipe Thread) inlet. Included in the box are adapters that allow connection to: 1-1/2" MPT pump outlet: Most submersible pond pump outlets are 1-1/2" MPT — the included MPT adapter screws directly into the filter's FPT inlet, allowing direct mounting on the pump 1-1/2", 1-1/4", or 1" ID flexible tubing: Barbed adapters allow the filter to be placed at a distance from the pump via flexible tubing Note: the filter body's connection is FPT (female) — do not attempt to connect two MPT fittings together. How do I clean the EZ Bio 20 without killing beneficial bacteria? Cleaning is straightforward but the method matters critically: Fill a bucket with pond water — not tap water. Chlorine and chloramines in tap water will kill the beneficial bacteria colonized on the media, eliminating the biological filtration and requiring weeks for new colonies to re-establish. Remove the filter from the pump and disassemble: unthread the black top cap, pull the media cores off the white inner pipe. Vigorously dunk each media core in the bucket of pond water, repeating until debris is dislodged. Spray wash the white plastic inner pipe with tap water (the hard plastic doesn't host significant bacteria colonization). Reassemble and reattach to pump. How often? Frequency depends on your fish load and organic debris level. In high-load ponds, weekly cleaning may be needed initially; well-established ponds with stable biology often go 2–4 weeks between cleanings. Why Buy from Pond Pro Direct? Authentic Matala products — genuine filter media and components Expert pond filtration 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