Reefmat fleece usage

jbm0676 · 2026-06-05T10:08:40-0400

I have a reefmat 500 for my 120 display and 40 gallon breeder sump. Typical use has always been 25-45 inches a day and I wanted to get that down some, so I’ve tried to raise the reefmat a couple inches. The risers won’t work because my sump is rimmed so I’ve basically added stilts. I slid 1” pvc over the legs and cut them to a length that raised the mat the 2 or so inches. I had run out of roller mat, so for a week I went without, I assumed the new roll would be used quickly in the beginning because the water hasn’t been filtered in a week. That did happen, it was using about 4-5 inches an hour at night but progressively used less and less throughout the day to the point it was only an inch by 8 in the evening. So I thought ok the water is cleaner now and I’ll get to see how much less I’ll be using since I raised it. Last night the same thing happened, 4-6 inches an hour throughout the night, so now I’m confused what’s happening.

The pumps run the same 24/7, protein skimmer runs 24/7 and uv as well. I don’t have a refugium, so no reverse lifting at night. My return pump is running at a minimum flow and I’m not dosing anything at all yet. I’m also not using any media in the basket beneath the reefmat. I can’t figure out why even when the tank goes to sleep I’m burning the most mat.

Project1004 · 2026-06-05T10:47:58-0400

I also use reefmat 500 but in a 50Gal system. My daily usage is about 12” but was at 18” just a week ago. It’s lower now from lowering the flow of the return to the lowest and also able to turn off the roller at night allowing the water to trickle. It was loud when the return was running at higher speed and the splash and salt spots were everywhere so I stopped but now I’m back to turning off at night so my corals can eat if there is anything in the water column instead of having them pulled out my the roller.

My tank also runs same amount of rolls daily. Since you already are at the lowest speed, do consider turning off at night.

exnisstech · 2026-06-05T11:08:57-0400

Mine is in a 65g and usage is all over the place. I don't even pay attention to the daily use any longer.

Project1004 · 2026-06-05T11:43:45-0400

exnisstech said:
Mine is in a 65g and usage is all over the place. I don't even pay attention to the daily use any longer.

Wow, that’s very low for the size of the tank. You must have very clean tank with slow flow.

I do get more used on the days I disturb the tank.

exnisstech · 2026-06-05T12:13:36-0400

Project1004 said:
Wow, that’s very low for the size of the tank. You must have very clean tank with slow flow.

I do get more used on the days I disturb the tank.

Return is a Jebao DCP 5000 at 75%. In tank flow is two 6075 orcas at 70% two MP40s at 65% and a jebao MP40 knock off at 50%. Most of my detritus settles in a back corner and the tank is bare bottom.