I'm pretty sure that all the problems some builds are seeing are from badly designed drip plates- the holes are too big. Holes should be ~1/4" and closely spaced. That and I'm not sure filter paper is as good an option as it seems. And maybe not designing in an overflow.
I have had a diy rollermat up and running for nearly 2 years with only 3 problems total- dc plug corroded in salt environment and now is finicky being plugged back in; silicon for uptake spool had to be replaced with epoxy; one of the pvc guides broke loose from silicon- the acrylic seems to stay put better. I am going to have to sew up a new filter roll though, mine is looking pretty tatty.
I have had a diy rollermat up and running for nearly 2 years with only 3 problems total- dc plug corroded in salt environment and now is finicky being plugged back in; silicon for uptake spool had to be replaced with epoxy; one of the pvc guides broke loose from silicon- the acrylic seems to stay put better. I am going to have to sew up a new filter roll though, mine is looking pretty tatty.