In a reef tank, I agree. But in a fowlr? If I ever got to zeros, I wouldn't be worried.For me low nutrients is the goal. Gotta have some. IME. But YMMV.
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In a reef tank, I agree. But in a fowlr? If I ever got to zeros, I wouldn't be worried.For me low nutrients is the goal. Gotta have some. IME. But YMMV.
When I was fighting the dirty phases of dinos, I tried several settings from shortest (0.2-0.4) to longest (for me) *(2.0 - 2.2). What I found was it did not matter what setting it was on, my daily useage was roughly the same - the only difference I noted was how often the wheel advanced. I currently use 3.0-3.2 as the days of heavy roll useage are gone and this setting 'lasts' about 2-3 hours before advancing. My daily average as of right now is 33.0" and am getting ~18-21 days out of a roll. This roll is likely to be longest running it was installed on 11.28.22 and is @82.4' used.Wow. That’s pretty quick to burn through a 1200 roll.
What length do you have the auto advance set to? I changed mine to the lowest possible setting (0.2-0.4 inches) and it definitely cut back on the usage. I’m ok with a little bit dirtier roll in exchange for increased longevity.
Agree 100% that it’s worth it.
There are days I open my sump and wonder what died - but I have to open the door. Is it the roll? Skimmer? Both? IDK, but I never smell it in the room space - only under tank.Ok I get the advantages of a filter roll, and have been looking into getting one, but how does the spent roll smell when sitting in your sump rotting?
I mean some people think a skimmer cup stink, and they have carbon tops, etc for them. So how does the spent roll smell?
This is the only thing that concerns me with them.
Not as bad as you think. My skimmate locker is wafting more. Once the fleece dries, it ain't bad.Ok I get the advantages of a filter roll, and have been looking into getting one, but how does the spent roll smell when sitting in your sump rotting?
I mean some people think a skimmer cup stink, and they have carbon tops, etc for them. So how does the spent roll smell?
This is the only thing that concerns me with them.
I can only speak to my experience (ReefMat 1200), but I have never noticed a smell from my used filter roll. To be fair I've never actually sniffed it, but I don't smell anything nasty and it's pretty dirty.Ok I get the advantages of a filter roll, and have been looking into getting one, but how does the spent roll smell when sitting in your sump rotting?
I mean some people think a skimmer cup stink, and they have carbon tops, etc for them. So how does the spent roll smell?
This is the only thing that concerns me with them.
Thank you for the coolant paper ideal, I will try it.My DIY roller mat has been running for years without issue. There are only 2 moving parts, one of which is a float valve. It is equivalent in failure points to my DIY ATO. A filter roller can be completely silent if you get your down pipes submerged at the right depth (which is easy to do). For me, the filter roller moved my (filtration) maintenance to a monthly cadence which was my intended goal.
Edit: if you do go with a filter roller, strongly consider buying coolant paper as opposed to the media the manufacturer sells. precon sells custom sizes here in the US
Quick question for you ...how big is your tank ? I have one 1200 reef mat *redsea set for a new 350 gallon build ....but, i can adjust the sump box to accomodate two if needed.....thoughts ? One or two is the big question thanksI like my reef mat 1200. I will say this - don't beleive the numbers they give on expected roll life. I currently average 30" per day - which is my best (lowest value ever). My tank is only 10 months old, and I went through some new-tank/dry-rock growing pains (dinos etc.) and I was burning through a roll every 4-7 days (@ now $31.99/roll). It was exhausting getting through the 'dirty' phases. I am now seeing roughly 20 days per roll. Is it worth it - I would say yes.