Redhot: I have the larger skimmer & use the 16" faceplate so no issues with the volume being moved through. I use the mat. One feeds a bead filter and one feeds a Bakki. The mat captures a lot of the algae glarf that would otherwise clog the beads or get trapped in the BH media where it would slowly rot. Cleaning the mat is a pain, but only because the mat is so effective as a mechanical filter. .... Good luck prepping for winter. I can tell it is coming. My pond water temp was down to 79F at 7am this morning. ...The koi certainly did not mind the "chill".
