After doing some research on filter rollers, I thought I would share what I came up with regarding the difference brands of filter rollers and how the pricing would work out for a nice sized tank.
The tank ratings are confusing, given some that the units have almost identical fleece, and theoretically should clog at the same rate. I guess it shows how arbitrary the ratings are between manufacturers. I chose the most similar models, usually the largest, to compare the units.
1. Teilung Roller Matt. $395
2. KLIR DI-7. $299 + $150 for bracket if not used in sock tray.
3. CLARISEA SK-5000 Gen 2 $399
From what I see online, the Clarisea SK-5000 Gen 2 is the most feature laden, with the alarms at a low fleece condition. Its fleece is much shorter than the Theiling or KLIR units, but is also 20 micron versus the 50 micron filter of its competitors. Will definitely need changing more often.
The bubble Magnus looks like the most budget friendly, "Only what you need and nothing more" option.
Fleece cost is generally consistent at around $.25 per foot, but the Clarisea has slightly more expensive fleece at $.36/FT - which is much finer than the other brands at 20 micron. This will improve tank clarity, at the expense of using more fleece. It seems to
Fleece cost is not non-significant. If the advertised ratings (~2 months) are accurate, you are paying ~$180 a year. This assumes that your tank has the same waste as the manufacturer tested it with...... In my experience, I generally get 2/3 to a half of what manufacturers advertise: so ~$300 year in fleece.
What are your thoughts? Is a filter roller something you are interested in adding to your tank, at ~$300 initial cost and $200-$300 a year in fleece? Or will you stick with changing floss once a week, and put that $$$ towards something else?
TheHarold
The tank ratings are confusing, given some that the units have almost identical fleece, and theoretically should clog at the same rate. I guess it shows how arbitrary the ratings are between manufacturers. I chose the most similar models, usually the largest, to compare the units.
1. Teilung Roller Matt. $395
- Holds 135 ft of 50 micron 6" wide fleece. Roll cost: $30 $.22/FT
- Rated 200-600gph
- 17" long X 10" wide X 19" tall
2. KLIR DI-7. $299 + $150 for bracket if not used in sock tray.
- 150 feet of 50 micron 6" wide fleece. Roll cost: Unknown
- Rated 1800 GPH
- 7" Long x 7" Wide x 19.5 tall (**Without filter bracket)
3. CLARISEA SK-5000 Gen 2 $399
- 82 Ft of 20 Micron 6" wide fleece. Roll cost: $30 $.36/FT
- Rated 1320 GPH
- SMART ALARM: Out of floss, jam, etc. <-- Awesome feature IMO!
- 82 Ft of Unknown Micron 6" wide fleece. Roll cost: $19, $.24/FT
- 12" long x 15.5 wide by 14" tall
From what I see online, the Clarisea SK-5000 Gen 2 is the most feature laden, with the alarms at a low fleece condition. Its fleece is much shorter than the Theiling or KLIR units, but is also 20 micron versus the 50 micron filter of its competitors. Will definitely need changing more often.
The bubble Magnus looks like the most budget friendly, "Only what you need and nothing more" option.
Fleece cost is generally consistent at around $.25 per foot, but the Clarisea has slightly more expensive fleece at $.36/FT - which is much finer than the other brands at 20 micron. This will improve tank clarity, at the expense of using more fleece. It seems to
Fleece cost is not non-significant. If the advertised ratings (~2 months) are accurate, you are paying ~$180 a year. This assumes that your tank has the same waste as the manufacturer tested it with...... In my experience, I generally get 2/3 to a half of what manufacturers advertise: so ~$300 year in fleece.
What are your thoughts? Is a filter roller something you are interested in adding to your tank, at ~$300 initial cost and $200-$300 a year in fleece? Or will you stick with changing floss once a week, and put that $$$ towards something else?
TheHarold
