@Tula I use the Matala EZ-Bio filters also for my in pond pumps and the filter material is very nice. I believe the Savio filter pads are 1 inch thick, the skimmer pad is a bit thicker. I find both products will build up equally when the string algae shows up, but other then that I rinse the filter pads once a month. the skimmer pad I have to rinse a lot, but I have lots of trees etc so the skimmer and pad are doing the job. On my size pond I should've installed 2 skimmers. As far as the Savio filters, I love them. I have 3 above ground and the waterfall filter in ground. I have all the above ground with drains for easy flushing. I should have installed a drain on the waterfall filter also but I did not seeing it was in the ground, so I need a vacuum to clean it and empty it for the winter. I may add a drain this year. The Savio units are very easy to setup and I find the spring flo media works great and cleans very easy at the end of the season. They are pricey for what they are but they are strong and look decent. I actually picked up 2 off craigs list for very cheap.