More Bio Media Specific Surface Area (SSA)
Lava Rock
Primary media used in the media bags of virtually all brands of "Pad-&-Media-Bag" style waterfall filters.
14.35 SSA per square foot (average)
86 SSA per cubic foot
Very difficult to clean
Requires high pressure cleaning
Bio-Balls
Sold primarily as a replacement or alternative for lava rock for "Pad-&-Media-Bag" style waterfall filters.
16.67-26.67 SSA per square foot depending on ball size.
100-160 SSA per cubic foot depending on ball size.
Matala
www.matalausa.com/characteristics.html
Used as an "up-grade" alternative to typical filter pads.
Black
10.33 SSA per square foot, 62 SSA per cubic foot, 92% open space
Green
16 SSA per square foot, 96 SSA per cubic foot, 93% open space
Blue
20.67 SSA per square foot, 124 SSA per cubic foot, 94% open space
Gray/White
28.50 SSA per square foot, 171 SSA per cubic foot, 94% open space
Rock & Gravel
3/8" - 1/2" smooth round gravel 12 SSA per square foot at 2" deep
72 SSA per cubic foot.
4" - 24" rock has an average 4 SSA
