Anyone using a rollermat instead of socks?
Do you like it?
How often do you need to replace the roll!
Thoughts?
Do you like it?
How often do you need to replace the roll!
Thoughts?
Rollermat (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter H2OHOH
- Start date
I run a Theiling rollermat and love it. I've noticed a big difference in how the tank looks since it's been in. It gives you the ability to remove waste before it reaches the nitrogen cycle and is self-cleaning.
I've had it running since the end of October and I haven't changed rolls yet. It's almost out and I have another roll waiting. The speed of which it is used is dependent on how much particulate is in the water, so everyone's results will be different.
I've had it running since the end of October and I haven't changed rolls yet. It's almost out and I have another roll waiting. The speed of which it is used is dependent on how much particulate is in the water, so everyone's results will be different.
The Klir filter that is coming out soon looks nice. They are making it smaller so it doesn't take up any more space than a filter sock.
OP
OP
That looks interesting. That will be cool to see how well it works.
I meant to ask... with the condensation in the lid is there a major risk of salt creep or leaking if this was plumbed externally?
jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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I like the rollermat in place of filter socks (and other mechanical filtration methods), but I've always had one idea that I haven't seen implemented yet. I'm assuming rollermat systems are run on a timed cycle or a constant feed rate.
What if the rollermat motor was controlled by a water level sensor?
As dirty water passes through the rollermat, the mat collects the detritus and uneaten foods and slowly begins to clog; thus reducing the flow through the mat. As the mat clogs, the water level would rise inside that area created by the rollermat. When the water level rises enough to trigger a sensor, the motor would turn on, roll up the dirty mat and replace it with a new section of clean mat and the water level inside that area would drop. Roll and repeat.
I see a couple advantages by having the rollermat being controlled by a water level sensor.
When the tank is running its normal routine, the rollermat functions as normal. But when you feed your tank and there is more "junk" in the water, the mat will clog up faster and the sensor will engage the rollermat to clean itself sooner; the same goes for when stirring up the sand bed or blowing detritus out of the rockwork. So if the rollermat is pulling out the added extra organics introduced to the water column faster, the less time it remains in the water to decompose.
I think this would maximize the efficiency of the mat as in that it will always be pulling out the same amount of junk from the water as the water level sensor dictates.
Does this make sense?
What if the rollermat motor was controlled by a water level sensor?
As dirty water passes through the rollermat, the mat collects the detritus and uneaten foods and slowly begins to clog; thus reducing the flow through the mat. As the mat clogs, the water level would rise inside that area created by the rollermat. When the water level rises enough to trigger a sensor, the motor would turn on, roll up the dirty mat and replace it with a new section of clean mat and the water level inside that area would drop. Roll and repeat.
I see a couple advantages by having the rollermat being controlled by a water level sensor.
When the tank is running its normal routine, the rollermat functions as normal. But when you feed your tank and there is more "junk" in the water, the mat will clog up faster and the sensor will engage the rollermat to clean itself sooner; the same goes for when stirring up the sand bed or blowing detritus out of the rockwork. So if the rollermat is pulling out the added extra organics introduced to the water column faster, the less time it remains in the water to decompose.
I think this would maximize the efficiency of the mat as in that it will always be pulling out the same amount of junk from the water as the water level sensor dictates.
Does this make sense?
Hate to break it to you... that's what it does. 
jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
Lifetime Member
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Hate to break it to you... that's what it does.
Really??? Damn!
I haven't looked at them since the first test models came out and they used a constant feed rate.
See Jason if you would have said "but on a computer" at the end of that explaination, you would have been granted a patent for that idea.
jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
Lifetime Member
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No, I was just late to the game (or ignorant) on this one. Although, I have other things I've thought I should look into a patent for.
OP
OP
Are those new ones out yet
My experience only applies to the Theiling version: While I have mine "in sump," it is technically external, as it is fastened to the sump with the stock rollermat bulkheads. The chamber it sits in can take in a little water before spilling out the side, but is really a dry chamber. I haven't noticed any leaking from the bulkheads nor the lid during the past year of running it. For dealing with condensation, several people with these have drilled small holes in the top of the lid to be condensation-free. I would be concerned with added smells from drill holes. While the condensation is unsightly, I haven't found it to be an issue, nor have I had any problems with salt creep. Your results may vary.