Reefmat fleece usage

[jbm0676]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[jbm0676]

I can have it turn off at night and then on in the morning, but I can’t figure out why the night uses so much, it didn’t do that before.

 

[Project1004]

I can have it turn off at night and then on in the morning, but I can’t figure out why the night uses so much, it didn’t do that before.

It could be that your tank is going thru new era/stage and possibly extruding more stuff at night. None the less, this is something that is not to overthink… or lose sleep over in my opinion.

 

[Project1004]

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.

Im guessing it’s because the bare bottom. Thats alots of flow pushing thru the return.

 

[exnisstech]

Im guessing it’s because the bare bottom. Thats alots of flow pushing thru the return.

I also have a lot of detritus being trapped in the rocks because my scape is poorly designed. I don't keep track of the days but I do blow the rocks off randomly so that may explain why some days my useage increases.
I've just never bothered to track it because I'm not going to change how I'm running the tank just to reduce the amount of floss being used. It's just one of those things I don't worry about. If anything I underthink things vs overthinking. It makes life easier for me

 

[jbm0676]

I can have it turn off at night and then on in the morning, but I can’t figure out why the night uses so much, it didn’t do that before.

It could be that your tank is going thru new era/stage and possibly extruding more stuff at night. None the less, this is something that is not to overthink… or lose sleep over in my opinion.

I’m just trying to save money on fleece rolls

 

[exnisstech]

I’m just trying to save money on fleece rolls

Search around here. There are some aftermarket alternative being used that are considerably lower cost vs the RS fleece.

PS. Here's one thread with some info

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reefmat-aftermarket-alternative.1020522/

 

[Project1004]

I’m just trying to save money on fleece rolls

You can actually recycle the filter media by rinsing it in a water (in the shower tub) and put them in a washer with bleach and wash in gentle cycle. Let it dry and roll it up again. There was a gentleman who did this and showed it here. I have 3 rolls in my garage that is waiting for this to be done. I think it’s worth it for sure.

 

[jbm0676]

I’m just trying to save money on fleece rolls

Search around here. There are some aftermarket alternative being used that are considerably lower cost vs the RS fleece.

PS. Here's one thread with some info

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reefmat-aftermarket-alternative.1020522/

I use those rolls, they work just as well as the redsea ones.

 

[exnisstech]

Sounds like shutting it down every so often is probably your only option to use less fleece.

 

[slingfox]

The Reefmat 500 is way undersized for your tank. Do not believe the marketing material saying it is okay for up to 130g systems. I run the Reefmat 1200 on a RedSea tank with 110g display + 30g sump. The sump fits the Reefmat 1200 perfectly so that is the unit best suited for a tank in this mid-range size. My average fleece utilization is 18 inches per day. My prior tank of same size used to run a bit higher at maybe 24 inches a day.

What return pump do you use and what intensity do you have it at? The Reefmat does not operate well if you run flow anywhere close to the max cited. The Reefmat will work at the higher flow end but it will burn through fleece unnecessarily. This is why you want to oversize the Reefmat if possible (ie, put in the largest unit which will physically fit into your sump).

With your current setup are you sure the unit is sitting at the appropriate height?