235gal tank with 180gal sump - 1-8-25 Update

[Jimbo327]

I’ve heard the same thing regarding the roller filters. I’m going to be using a Red Sea 1200 and I’ve got a raiser ready to go. Hopefully we will be able to share our findings and help each other find a good sweet spot.

The RS reefmat 1200 is designed to hang on the sump wall, so it is automatically higher, more stable, and easier to maintain (change out rolls). I think this is the reason why the reefmat 1200 is one of the most popular fleece roller. My number 1 regret in setting up my tank is not installing a fleece roller because it is just too convenient and who the hell likes to change messy filter floss/socks.

 

[Jimbo327]

Thanks for all you input Jimbo!
I have never used a fleece roller in the past.
This is a basement sump, and I have access to all sides. The middle section is for a fuge.

I am going to use a milk crate, or an egg crate stand to raise the fleece roller.
The RK2 skimmer can be installed internally or externally. My initial plan was run it in sump because it is a counter current skimmer so water level doesn't. The height of the weir is 18" which is above the skimmer return pipe so it too would have to be raised. Now I am leaning towards mounting it externally on a stand alongside of the sump. It is amazing that even with a years' worth of planning I am still making modifications.

Once again all input is greatly appreciated. Regards Dan

And if you have sump in the basement, then access would be much easier, so it may not be a problem. But yes, most skimmers will need a stand. I think RO skimmers like a ~8" water level in the sump.

One thing you need to check is if you keep the sump at 18" water, how much backflow from the DT can it hold if the return pumps are shut off. The sump will need to hold all that flow in the pipes, overflow box any back syphon. You can install check valves, but they are not ideal as some can stick open over time. Murphy's law. It should be fine because you can keep your return section low, and that should give you more room for backflow. Most people don't keep the return section low because of the noise as the splash from the refugium section to return section may be too high of a drop. But again, if in basement, you may not care about the noise.

 

[danreef55]

I’ve heard the same thing regarding the roller filters. I’m going to be using a Red Sea 1200 and I’ve got a raiser ready to go. Hopefully we will be able to share our findings and help each other find a good sweet spot.

Hi Les,
I ordered one of these. https://www.milkcratesdirect.com/mini-super-crates/mini-super-crate as a base for the skimmer

 

[Jimbo327]

Hi Les,
I ordered one of these. https://www.milkcratesdirect.com/mini-super-crates/mini-super-crate as a base for the skimmer

Whatever brand of skimmer you use, find out the water level it likes to sit in the sump, and get the right height stand.

 

[lesismore]

The RS reefmat 1200 is designed to hang on the sump wall, so it is automatically higher, more stable, and easier to maintain (change out rolls). I think this is the reason why the reefmat 1200 is one of the most popular fleece roller. My number 1 regret in setting up my tank is not installing a fleece roller because it is just too convenient and who the hell likes to change messy filter floss/socks.

My Red Sea roller filter can be either hung on the side of the sump as you mentioned or you can use the legs that it came with and have it sit inside the sump. My sump is eurobraced so I will have to use the latter option. When I contacted Red Sea they suggested setting the water level to be half way between the water inlet and the water sensor. However, when I chatted with reefers who used the reef mat, some suggested raising the unit more so the water level is about around the height of the inlet to extend the life of the roll. Hopefully I will become a pro at changing rolls fairly quickly.

 

[danreef55]

I plumbing running through the floor to the sump has been plumbed. This was challenging because I was working alone.

Still remaining to be accomplished:

• Build the bean animal overflow system
• Final plumbing from the tank to the pipes in the basement.
• Build the control board & mount the control equipment
• Make connection to equipment in sump which is the easy part because I don't have kneel down
• Install the lights in the canopy
• Install the display tank controllers in stand

Finally, GET WET!!!!

 

[lesismore]

I plumbing running through the floor to the sump has been plumbed. This was challenging because I was working alone.

Still remaining to be accomplished:

• Build the bean animal overflow system
• Final plumbing from the tank to the pipes in the basement.
• Build the control board & mount the control equipment
• Make connection to equipment in sump which is the easy part because I don't have kneel down
• Install the lights in the canopy
• Install the display tank controllers in stand

Finally, GET WET!!!!

Spectacular work as always! Congrats on achieving another big milestone. Everything looks so precise and well laid out.

 

[danreef55]

Spectacular work as always! Congrats on achieving another big milestone. Everything looks so precise and well laid out.

Thanks Les. Taking it slow and trying to get it right the first time.

 

[mpatterson42]

It's looking great! What is the pump next to the filter roller for?

 

[danreef55]

It's looking great! What is the pump next to the filter roller for?

Thats to run the RK2 external skimmer.