Hey Guys I'd like your Opinion. Auto Filter Roller

Mebeknob · Jul 24, 2016

Daniel Morales said:
Yeah it has an emergency overflow its internal,timer based,and no lid.

I would consider buying this at maybe 125$.
I think you've got a great start to something that could be competitive with the theiling. It should be a little nicer if you want 350$. (Flame polished acrylic, different colors, more in depth electronics, lid,etc)

You've got me thinking on different ways to make one now!

domination2580 · Jul 25, 2016

I like the idea but are ypu able to program how much the roller rolls per minute or hour?

willieboy240 · Jul 25, 2016

350 is steep for someone making it in their garage. I would pay 399 and get a professional one that is tried and true. I think people would be a player at 125 to 150. I think in a few years there will be more coming to market tho.

DBR_Reef · Jul 25, 2016

I built something very similar- cost me about $30
Here is a DIY tutorial if anyone is interested
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2552341

Jongalt26 · Jul 25, 2016

Whats the minimum width of the unit? If it fits in my sump i would buy it today.

monkiboy · Jul 25, 2016

143MPCo said:
I kind a like the idea but I'm on the fence a little bit, filter socks when used and allow to dry before being washed have a fairly odiferous smell to them, and I'm being polite! In effect, the accumulated roll of waste material shouldn't be any different but at least you don't have to wash it. Just think how bad it will smell after being left for prolonged amount of time on the roll.

But that's really my only gripe about the design.

I use the theiling roller mat on a few systems without issue. you would think it would create an odor but there isn't one. it may have to do with the fact the thieling roller mat's roll, being dispensed and the exhausted is completely contained under a lid.

BRS mentions the lack of odor on their unit as well over several months. they are solid units.

350 for the one posted by the OP seems a bit rich for what is shown and described but I do like how it looks like it's flow capacity is greater due to a larger filtering surface area and emergency overflow.

SALTHEAD · Jul 26, 2016

I have two Theiling Roller Mat incorporated into my system. I did this because they are rated for 600 gph. and I wanted to have the option to run my system at 1000gph if needed. Check out the video at brs, its enlightening on how they work. They are automatic with water height in the canister and it works well. As the media gets dirty the water level gets higher and a float switch turns on the roller. once there is enough clean media the water level drops and you are working with clean media again. The lid keeps the smell of the spend media inside the unit so it does not smell up the sump area. I have been running the units for 5 months now and I am truly spoiled not having to deal with filter socks anymore.

Robthorn · Jul 26, 2016

I too worry about smell. As lazy as I am, I am not this lazy and if the one brs has is only good for 600gph that is a crazy price with many people needing many units. You could change out filter socks once a week and throw them in the trash for 3 years with the cost of running these things.
Plus I run 25 micron socks. What is the micron rating of these rolls?

revhtree · Jul 26, 2016

DBR_Reef said:
I built something very similar- cost me about $30
Here is a DIY tutorial if anyone is interested
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2552341

No problem with the link but it would be nice to have here as well!! Maybe recreate a new thread here?

DBR_Reef · Jul 26, 2016

revhtree said:
No problem with the link but it would be nice to have here as well!! Maybe recreate a new thread here?

updated build thread complete, it's hard keeping a presence on multiple forums

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-auto-filter-rollermat-for-60.258744/#post-3064644

Ray's Reefing · Aug 6, 2016

Mebeknob said:
I would consider buying this at maybe 125$.
I think you've got a great start to something that could be competitive with the theiling. It should be a little nicer if you want 350$. (Flame polished acrylic, different colors, more in depth electronics, lid,etc)

You've got me thinking on different ways to make one now!

I am the one that made this filter and it cost me more than 125.00. I do understand that cost is a factor to all reefers but this is something i built for myself and would never use a filter sock again. The thought of selling these was just an idea and maybe 300 to 350 is steep but can you put a price on your time!

Ray's Reefing · Aug 6, 2016

Robthorn said:
I too worry about smell. As lazy as I am, I am not this lazy and if the one brs has is only good for 600gph that is a crazy price with many people needing many units. You could change out filter socks once a week and throw them in the trash for 3 years with the cost of running these things.
Plus I run 25 micron socks. What is the micron rating of these rolls?

I made this filter and can tell you there is no smell, the spent roll stays moist as to witch no smell. this filter has had water pass through it at 1650 gallons per hour with no issues.