Theiling Rollermat vs. Refugium

[cdmckinzie]

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the roller mat used instead of socks? it does the same thing. If you don't use socks now you shouldn't need a roller mat. A refugium is for biological filtering and raising pods and good algae so you have live food for fish and corals, it's completely different than what a roller mat or socks do. And wouldn't it be easier to pull out 2 little socks than to pull out that huge mat?

 

[Husker]

The reason I was considering the rollermat was to have the features of filter socks without needing to change them so frequently. I don't use them now, but I have a lot of particulates flying around in the water all the time. It might be nice to have more water clarity.

I am leaning now towards setting up this 40 Breeder I have as a display refugium and then just having my sump be a sump.

 

[Husker]

This is my idea...

 

[Husker]

If you really like the idea of a roller mat, i would do both the roller mat and the refugium.
They serve two different purposes.

Personally, I don't like socks or the idea of a roller mat.
I just got a new sump myself and went with a LifeReef Berlin Sump with Refugium.
http://lifereef.com/berlin.html
Simple, proven design. Build quality is outstanding. It uses filter pads instead of socks, so you can use any material you like or a mix. So much easier to clean and cheap/easy to swap out completely.
They are made to order so they can be customized to your needs. Mine is pretty much "stock" and I'm just waiting on a couple filter canisters. I made my fuge a couple inches smaller to fit the length of my stand.
There is a wait list though.

I am a big fan of simple and proven designs. I don't run any reactors or dose anything funny. I like the idea of just a big skimmer and a refugium, which is basically what I am running now. Those sumps with the external fuge box look pretty sweet. I don't like the idea of having to manually change out mechanical filtration so frequently, but the idea of filtering out some of the particulates is appealing. However, all those particulates might actually be benefitting my tank.. who knows.

 

[d2mini]

I am a big fan of simple and proven designs. I don't run any reactors or dose anything funny. I like the idea of just a big skimmer and a refugium, which is basically what I am running now. Those sumps with the external fuge box look pretty sweet. I don't like the idea of having to manually change out mechanical filtration so frequently, but the idea of filtering out some of the particulates is appealing. However, all those particulates might actually be benefitting my tank.. who knows.

Right, I'm right there with you. Socks are a major pain and clean too well IMO.
I like the integrated Accessory Rack which holds the filter canisters (along with probes, dosing lines, whatever). Use them or don't. I usually run some carbon. Will have a second on hand just in case of an emergency where I might want to run phosban or something. The filter pads are large and I will take it out and rinse it in the sink once every few weeks and then put it back in. No need to run through the washer, bleach, etc. The fuge takes care of nutrient export.

 

[lauderdalestunner]

I run an 8" by 8" square of floss in a 90 and only change out weekly. Heavy fish load

 

[Wiz]

Display fuge and skimmer. Thats my system and my vote. Dont like reactors, socks etc..... either. think the roller mat is easier than socks but the same. I believe the particles in the water are healthy. As long as you watch your nutrients.

 

[Husker]

Holy sandbed on that fuge!

 

[Wiz]

Holy sandbed on that fuge!

5 inches of oolitic sugar fine sand. Top layer about 1 inch of regular live sand. Huge has been running for about 4 years now. And keeps my over stock tank nice and clean. Modeled after ron shimeks article.

http://www.ronshimek.com/deep_sand_beds.html

 

[Husker]

I think I might go that route. I have to do a bit of tricky plumbing through a wall, and I'm not sure I am brace enough for that deep sand bed, but otherwise it looks like a sweet system. I am planning a mostly SPS tank, so the display fuge is also a good spot for anemones and mean soft corals.