SmarterReefs 2 in 1 Roller Filter and Skimmer Long term reviews? Frag System?

[BigWillStyle]

What are the long term reviews of the 2 in 1 roller filter users? I am considering a 500 gallon XL unit or two of the smaller ones for a 400 gallon frag system. The other option would be a pair of filter rollers and a very large skimmer. Anyone actually use this design? What is your setup/bioload?

 

[shakacuz]

i don't particularly use this skimmer, but would love to in the future. @telegraham has one for his IM100 i believe. not sure of any other members here who do use it. maybe try the search function to see if any other threads were made?

 

[telegraham]

What are the long term reviews of the 2 in 1 roller filter users? I am considering a 500 gallon XL unit or two of the smaller ones for a 400 gallon frag system. The other option would be a pair of filter rollers and a very large skimmer. Anyone actually use this design? What is your setup/bioload?

James at SmarterReefs gave it to me, so consider that when reading that it's so boring! You install it and it just works. Because I like it so much, I purchased the filter roll re-roller. I wash the fleece, so no waste.

I'm currently running it in a way that allows me to push a button on the unit to turn the fleece. I don't want my tank to be super clean, so I occasionally let the filter roller overflow. While running it this way, the skimmer functionality isn't impacted.

 

[BigWillStyle]

James at SmarterReefs gave it to me, so consider that when reading that it's so boring! You install it and it just works. Because I like it so much, I purchased the filter roll re-roller. I wash the fleece, so no waste.

I'm currently running it in a way that allows me to push a button on the unit to turn the fleece. I don't want my tank to be super clean, so I occasionally let the filter roller overflow. While running it this way, the skimmer functionality isn't impacted.

How well does the skimmate removal work? Does it collect on the side that is going to be pulled into the filter? How does one get it for testing purposes lol

 

[telegraham]

How well does the skimmate removal work? Does it collect on the side that is going to be pulled into the filter? How does one get it for testing purposes lol

It collects on the sides that are wiped and on the roller material itself.

 

[BigWillStyle]

It collects on the sides that are wiped and on the roller material itself.

Does it collect on the side that is about to be submerged to be used as the roller filter function? I am worried about it adding fresh skimmate directly into the water column.

 

[telegraham]

Does it collect on the side that is about to be submerged to be used as the roller filter function? I am worried about it adding fresh skimmate directly into the water column.

The bulk of what it will collect will be above the water column in the bubbles on the inside of the roller mat. What is wiped is minimal.

 

[fushi]

I have been running the standard sized one for a few weeks now and really like it. I was previously running a Reefmat 500 and used cheaper aftermarket filter fleece.

I originally bought the Smarter reefs filter/skimmer for a frag set up that I haven't had a chance to finish building. However I got tired of dealing with the Reefmat and threw the smarter reefs on my 80 gal tank.

The stock redsea fleece only lasts 2 weeks in my tank and is it is actually a pain to change if you have a tight sump cabnit, the aftermarket fleece lasts about a month (its longer). The redsea also uses a conductive switch witch either go bad or get dirty and become ineffective. Redsea customer service was easy to work with and replaced my fault switch.

The Smarter reefs filter didn’t skim as well as I wanted it to in the stock configuration, it created large bubbles and flat foam. So I 3d printed some new parts and it now works perfectly, super frothy foam with tiny bubbles.
I believe the main issue is the stock Venturi, but that was an easy part design and replace.
I will post the modified parts on printables.com when I get some time next week.

All in all I am very happy with the Smarter reefs filter/skimmer and plan on buying another.

Hope this helps,
Fushi

 

[BigWillStyle]

What parts did you have to print? Just the Venturi?

That’s honestly a concern with new tech like this. Is there good product support?


When I am looking at the $1200 and less tested model, I am nervous. At this point I might reshuffle my other sump with a Klir 7 in and skimmer I already have.

 

[fushi]

What parts did you have to print? Just the Venturi?

That’s honestly a concern with new tech like this. Is there good product support?


When I am looking at the $1200 and less tested model, I am nervous. At this point I might reshuffle my other sump with a Klir 7 in and skimmer I already have.

I printed a new Venturi (that made all the difference), a snail guard, and a flow director for the bubbles (I don't think did a ton, but I like it).

The owner of Smarter reefs was very responsive and helpful over email when I inquired.

I have a Klir 4 and the smarter reefs is a way better design. The klir 4 is a pain to clean, refill, and the cost of the filters is ridiculous $16 for 25 yards.
My aftermarket filter floss for the Reefmat 500 is $10 for a 50yard roll.

(If someone is looking for Reefmat floss Precision Converting sells filter floss for the Reefmat 500 and 1200 ask for Steve)

 

[BigWillStyle]

I printed a new Venturi (that made all the difference), a snail guard, and a flow director for the bubbles (I don't think did a ton, but I like it).

The owner of Smarter reefs was very responsive and helpful over email when I inquired.

I have a Klir 4 and the smarter reefs is a way better design. The klir 4 is a pain to clean, refill, and the cost of the filters is ridiculous $16 for 25 yards.
My aftermarket filter floss for the Reefmat 500 is $10 for a 50yard roll.

(If someone is looking for Reefmat floss Precision Converting sells filter floss for the Reefmat 500 and 1200 ask for Steve)

Interesting, I would love to see the parts. I am an engineer and might be able to collab. I am looking at the 500g model but it has dual pumps instead. Hopefully I can use your parts.

I have a KLIR 7in in my 76/40 combo sump and another on the way for a 150 sump that is on hold. They are expensive! Do you know of any aftermarket options availible for it? Would Precision Converting be able to help?

 

[fushi]

Interesting, I would love to see the parts. I am an engineer and might be able to collab. I am looking at the 500g model but it has dual pumps instead. Hopefully I can use your parts.

I have a KLIR 7in in my 76/40 combo sump and another on the way for a 150 sump that is on hold. They are expensive! Do you know of any aftermarket options availible for it? Would Precision Converting be able to help?

I’ll try to post them later today.
If it’s the same pump they should fit, if not I’m happy to modify the size or send you the fusion360 file to adjust.

For the Klir no, Precision Converting told me they are unable to cut the rolls that short, they mainly supply filter rolls for cnc and other industrial machines.

 

[fushi]

@BigWillStyle

Smarter reef parts

https://www.printables.com/model/971328-smarter-reefs-skimmer-venturi-and-snail-guard

https://www.printables.com/model/971343-smarter-reefs-skimmer-tube-flow-director-lowprofil

 

[wrbtanis]

I replaced my RSK600 dc with the 2-1 and plumbed it into both of my drains and I don't think I can ever go back. It's a pain to install if the tank is already running but between being an fairly oversized skimmer and a filter roller with machine washable rolls it's completely worth the price and setup time! My unit did come missing a couple of parts but James at smarter reefs was super quick about sending out the parts and rushing shipping.

 

[telegraham]

plumbed it into both of my drains and I don't think I can ever go back

I have mine operating with the connected pump, so not plumbed. My sump is fairly small, so leaving everything connected and just dropping the SmarterReefs unit into the large sump section worked well.

Will so be re-rolling my second washed roll.