Keeping it clean: Have you used a filter roller?

[Peace River]

Keeping it clean: Have you used a filter roller?

Not too long ago, filter rollers seemed to be the “in” piece of equipment and some suggested that it would “revolutionize” reef keeping. While this sentiment may have been overly optimistic, there are still many brands that offer filter rollers. Some people now use them as a go-to mechanical filter for cleaning the water in their reef system, others insist that they clean too well, and still others have never seen the value in the product. What about you – have you used a filter roller? Now that some of the hype in the industry has faded, please let us know your perspective on filter rollers and feel free to share any tips or recommendations.

Photo by @scottsweet


This QOTD is sponsored by: www.deltecdirectusa.com

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[Gumbies R Us]

I would like to eventually get one of these since I wouldn't have to use a filter sock anymore haha

 

[Doctorgori]

yes and it causes anxiety deciding between a roll of Reefmat and the car payment
…but I hated changing socks …
..eventually I want to take it offline

 

[thebootreefer]

I'm running the waterbox AIO 50.3 right now with the 2.75 filter socks... i forget/get lazy and causes huge problems. but with there not really being a "name brand" roller that works with this tank , I did find a nice roller setup to fit were my socks are now on Etsy I plan to replace with in a few weeks to try!

 

[Snoopy 67]

I have a Reef Factory unit.
They have 3 sizes & work very well.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Following! I'm trying to decide on which one of these to go with.

 

[TX_REEF]

Very happy with my ReefMat.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Bought the klir 4 when first released but it wouldn’t fit my sump at the time

 

[Jmp998]

Consistency is important. My Clarisea 5000 provides that. With socks I would get busy/lazy/forgetful/whatever, not change them for a week, then see phosphate and nitrate rising.

 

[dowdalld]

Using a Clarisea SK5000. An impulse purchase that I didn't think I needed but now wouldn't be without. Which is the complete opposite of most of my reef related buys.

 

[Formulator]

Just installed my new reef mat 500 2 days ago and I’m in love already. No more cleaning dirty socks! I only send about 80% of my drain to the roller, while the other 20% goes to my refugium and bypasses the roller into the sump. Still effectively removes a ton of debris, but gives my copepod population the fighting chance I want them to have for my mandrin (and other benefits of a healthy pod population).

 

[shakacuz]

never used a filter roller, but am hoping smarter reefs makes a nano 2-in-1 skimmer like their current auto cleaning filter roller + skimmer.

 

[smitten with ocean life]

i have the clarisea to replace my socks. really like it. i went with this brand because i didnt want one that needed ANOTHER app!

 

[Gtinnel]

I’ve never used one but I would like to. Most of the ones that I see won’t fit in my very crowded sump.

 

[KQuillan]

Roller all the way. I hate socks.

 

[esquare]

I have a Red Sea Reefmat 500 and like it but it works too well and I only run it about 2 hours a day

 

[TWYOUNG]

I have a Waterbox sump which would need to be modified to accommodate a roller. That plus having my sump in a separate fish room with a utility sink and powerful spray nozzle makes it convenient to clean the socks every other day, (which is usually how long it takes for water to begin bypassing them).

 

[Cristy17]

I just bought the RS 500 rollermat. I need to install it in the sump of the my RS 525XL. Unfortunately, I have to remove some glass panels which I am waiting to get the courage to do. I look very forward to no more socks! Four of them!

 

[Minifoot77]

I bought the aquamax I believe and its still sitting in its box...

 

[Bruttall]

300g 8ft Oceanic Display tank, 125g 6ft All-Glass custom sump. No socks, no roller mats, no sponges. No Mechanical Media filtration at all. I update regularly to my build thread and my water is always clear, very clear. I do a Coral Snow Flocculent treatment every weekend, helps balance my DKH, and it feeds my corals at the same time. My nutrient export takes place via my skimmer, and a healthy well lit refugium running a light cycle opposite my display. Short vid so you can see how clear my water is.