Filter Sock vs Rollermat

[Variant]

I know there are a few other threads that debate whether filter socks or roller mats are better.

I wanted to specifically ask this in the context of larger tank owners.

1. What size tank do you own (gallons)
2. What kind of tank is is (FOWLR, SPS, LPS, Softie, Mixed)
3. What do you use (filter sock, roller mat)
4. Why you like what you use

 

[Oldreefer44]

180
mixed
roller mat
Dont have to clean sox every couple of days. Also matt does much better job of filtering out fine particulates.

 

[Oberst Hajj]

270g
FOWLR
Roller mat
I don't have time/make time or forget to change out socks. That said, my tank seems to go through roller mats fast. I installed my first set (I run two on my tank) in late July and I am close to needing to install my 3rd set now. At $70 a set, that is adding up fast. I plan to program them via the Apex to only power on for certain times during the day. That will slow down how fast I go through them, but also reduce their effectiveness.

 

[Miami Reef]

Tank size: 250 gallons

Tank type: Mixed reef (mainly fish and SPS corals)

Filter socks or roller mats: Filter socks

Why filter socks? Because it’s cheap and easy to maintain without worrying about technicalities that could fail. I like to keep my system extremely simple. I use 100 micron socks and stick them in the washer for 25 minutes without soap nor bleach when they are dirty.

 

[BiggestE22]

Roller mat all the way if you have the room and money

 

[Reef.]

I know there are a few other threads that debate whether filter socks or roller mats are better.

I wanted to specifically ask this in the context of larger tank owners.

1. What size tank do you own (gallons)
2. What kind of tank is is (FOWLR, SPS, LPS, Softie, Mixed)
3. What do you use (filter sock, roller mat)
4. Why you like what you use

Might be worth adding in the question what micron size do you use, as comparing a 300micron sock to a 20 micron filter roller wouldn’t be a fair comparison.

 

[Zach B]

150 DT
Mixed Reef
Roller Mat
Easy & Convenient For Me

 

[Miami Reef]

Lol. I’m getting peer pressured over here!

Does ANYONE with a larger tank still use filter socks? Is it just me???
Lol. Send help.

 

[Oberst Hajj]

Lol. I’m getting peer pressured over here!

Does ANYONE with a larger tank still use filter socks? Is it just me???
Lol. Send help.

You're so 80s. lol

 

[Sleepingtiger]

270g
FOWLR
Roller mat
I don't have time/make time or forget to change out socks. That said, my tank seems to go through roller mats fast. I installed my first set (I run two on my tank) in late July and I am close to needing to install my 3rd set now. At $70 a set, that is adding up fast. I plan to program them via the Apex to only power on for certain times during the day. That will slow down how fast I go through them, but also reduce their effectiveness.

I think someone posted that he washes and reuse old mats. Mentioned it took him 20 minutes to re roll the mat.

 

[Miami Reef]

You're so 80s. lol

Gah! It’s true though. I don’t even have an APEX…

I test everything by hand. I’m really old school…and the worst part is that I’m so young! I should be leading by example.

 

[MichaelReefer]

1. What size tank do you own (gallons)--- 150 Gallon
2. What kind of tank is is (FOWLR, SPS, LPS, Softie, Mixed)--- Mixed
3. What do you use (filter sock, roller mat)---Roller Mat
4. Why you like what you use--- Love it and will never go back. Quick, easy.

 

[Oberst Hajj]

I think someone posted that he washes and reuse old mats. Mentioned it took him 20 minutes to re roll the mat.

I'll have to give that a shot and see how much work it is.

 

[New&no clue]

1. 180-gallon DT (2) 34-gallon Sumps
2. Mixed
3. both sumps have roller mats
4. busy life, roller mats cut down on maintenance as you don't have to change them every couple days. Once tuned they last for a good amount of time so the cost to buy new mats every couple months is low. For me they help keep nutrients down as they roll quicker then I was changing socks. I don't have to wash anything anymore. I could probably go on and on, but for my tank and life style roller mats are ideal.

 

[reef_ranch]

340 display, 40g frag tank, 40 g sump
I use 3 -7" 200 micron filter socks and change them out about every 2 weeks. I've looked into roller mats but (a) it would be hard to fit one in my sump and (b) from what I'm reading it may not be much of a cost savings. Still, I'm considering buying one and modifying it to fit.

 

[MichaelReefer]

340 display, 40g frag tank, 40 g sump
I use 3 -7" 200 micron filter socks and change them out about every 2 weeks. I've looked into roller mats but (a) it would be hard to fit one in my sump and (b) from what I'm reading it may not be much of a cost savings. Still, I'm considering buying one and modifying it to fit.

Roller mats arent really meant to be "cost saving," its Time saving. For those of us that have busy lives, work long hours, etc, its one less thing to have to remember

 

[reef_ranch]

Roller mats arent really meant to be "cost saving," its Time saving. For those of us that have busy lives, work long hours, etc, its one less thing to have to remember

I'm one of those that work long hours and have busy lives, but changing three socks takes me less than 5 minutes and gives me a chance to look at the sump and make sure everything's operating properly. While I love me some good reef gadgets, it wouldn't make sense to spend the hours and money required to modify a roller mat in order to save a few minutes a month. That said, I'll probably have one built into the next sump I buy.

 

[Reef Diaper]

Another option is our disposable filter socks. They are a very simple solution and don't require additional space in your sump.

 

[reef_ranch]

Another option is our disposable filter socks. They are a very simple solution and don't require additional space in your sump.

No 7"?

 

[Reef Diaper]

Currently we only make a 4" sock. We might make a 7" version in the future, but this will require new tooling and a lot of time. For a short term solution we created an adapter for our 4” filters. It obviously wouldn't provide the capacity of the 7", but it would provide an option for systems with light bio loads. We are testing the prototypes now. Let me know if you have any other questions.