Dual Rollermats on my tank - load balancing

[JvC]

So I have just setup a new tank, I combined a 65 and a 75 into a 300. I had a single Reefmat 1200. And it was processing about 950 GPH. This lead to rapid use of the roll, exceeding 200 inches.

I decided to install a second Rollermat 1200 and split the load. Now the issue became getting the two to process the same amount of roll per day, so that the flow was even. At first, I just split the main drain and thought gravity would do the rest. Well, it did, but it sent most of the flow to the right. Pobably the path of less resistance. So, I was able to recycle the plumbing from the 65 and the 75 (no money spent this time - major victory by itself, but I have extra valves now b/c they were plumbed in a different application and I put them too close to cut and reuse) and get valves installed on the returns to coltrol the flow. After it was re-plumbed with valves, the flow still was sending most to the left. So, I restricted the valve to the left drain a bit and evened the flow.

RET-1 is my left return to the tank. RET-2 is my right return. And RDRAIN is the right drain to the right Reefmat.

Here is the install:

I have the return split between the two. And the overflow from the tank is also plummed into the left rollertank. So no water comes from the tank that is not sent through one of the Reefmats.

jvc

 

[ShepherdReefer]

Just a question, why two?

 

[JvC]

Just a question, why two?

I had a single Reefmat 1200. And it was processing about 950 GPH. This lead to rapid use of the roll, exceeding 200 inches.

 

[Whiskeyboy84]

Ok so I am also wondering why you’re worried about the rapid depletion of a single roll vs the possibly slower depletion of two rolls anyway you split it your processing the same turnover. As for wanting to equalize flow across the two rollers I think I am tracking why you did that as well I just think you may be over complicating this situation I am not familiar with the optimized flow rates of roller mats because I am stuck in the filter sock era lol as far as processing 950 gph that is a reasonable flow through your sump so I wouldn’t try to slow that down too much however there has been evidence that 2-3x turnover is all you really need through the sump with a well designed filtration system so you could feasibly slow your return pump down and bring your rate down around 600-700 gph. Which would lower your rates through each roller mat to 300-350 which may help further.

 

[JvC]

Ok so I am also wondering why you’re worried about the rapid depletion of a single roll vs the possibly slower depletion of two rolls anyway you split it your processing the same turnover.

I would have thought so too, but, at least based on my setup, the ratio of flow to amount of roll used was not liner. The usage is less overall spread between the two. Stated another way, the slower flow results in more time for the water to filter through the mat material when in the chamber, which results in less usage overall.

As for wanting to equalize flow across the two rollers I think I am tracking why you did that as well I just think you may be over complicating this situation I am not familiar with the optimized flow rates of roller mats because I am stuck in the filter sock era lol as far as processing 950 gph that is a reasonable flow through your sump so I wouldn’t try to slow that down too much however there has been evidence that 2-3x turnover is all you really need through the sump with a well designed filtration system so you could feasibly slow your return pump down and bring your rate down around 600-700 gph. Which would lower your rates through each roller mat to 300-350 which may help further.

DT is 300. I am doing a little over 3x.

 

[Whiskeyboy84]

I would have thought so too, but, at least based on my setup, the ratio of flow to amount of roll used was not liner. The usage is less overall spread between the two. Stated another way, the slower flow results in more time for the water to filter through the mat material when in the chamber, which results in less usage overall.



DT is 300. I am doing a little over 3x.

Ok so I am following on the slower flow resulting in a more optimized use of the roller mat itself my next question is is there a point of diminishing returns where the cost of replacing the rolls become more than the nutrient export benefits that’s one reason why I stick to filter socks ie re-usable: also at what point are you stripping too much nutrients from your water and bottoming out your NO3 PO4? Just wondering if bypassing one altogether would allow you to maintain more stable parameters without having to dose Nitrates and Phosphates.

 

[JvC]

... is is there a point of diminishing returns where the cost of replacing the rolls become more than the nutrient export benefits ... at what point are you stripping too much nutrients from your water and bottoming out your NO3 PO4? Just wondering if bypassing one altogether would allow you to maintain more stable parameters without having to dose Nitrates and Phosphates.

I think you may be right.