As with almost every product we’re eager to review, we didn’t start by reading the instructions or actually installing it, but by completely disassembling the entire device down to all its irreducible components. The first thing that surprised us when we got hands-on with the Red Sea ReefMat was that it feels like a first-generation product with so much attention injected into every element of its design.

The more we studied the ReefMat and prepared for the actual installation, the more excited we became, and now that the device is actually up and running, here are some of the first things we already love about RED SEA’s automatic filter roller

1. It disassembles completely – Depending on your point of view, this might seem like a small detail or a foregone conclusion, but for a device that relies on smooth operation to function properly, being able to maintain every component and the moving parts signals that we’ll enjoy the cleaning process even after it’s been running for a long time.
2. Standing or hanging operation – Red Sea isn’t the first automatic filter roller to work either standing or hanging on the edge of the aquarium sump, but the ReefMat does it a little better with a solid bracket and guard bars for suspended operation, and sturdy, robust feet for standalone applications.
3. Fully reversible – It would have been easy for Red Sea to design the ReefMat to work only with water coming from the side optimized for installation in Red Sea sumps, but the ReefMat isn’t just reversible—it’s also quite easy and straightforward to arrange the fittings to come from either side of the unit.
4. Solid and replaceable level sensor – An automatic filter roller is only as good as its moving parts, and in most models, the mechanical float switch is essential but can get stuck or fail. With a solid-state sensor that uses conductivity rather than an optical sensor, and with redundant electrodes, this is one less part you’ll have to worry about.
5. Flexible Tubing for Installation – I always knew that Red Sea would one day offer an automatic filter roller, but I always wondered how they would make installation easy for both current and future users. Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best—as the included corrugated "vacuum" hose with quick-connect fittings makes attaching the Red Sea ReefMat to the main drain incredibly easy and hassle-free.
6. Built-in Media Reactor – The integrated media basket in the ReefMat’s base is a very welcome surprise addition, essentially meaning you get an extra media reactor alongside the ReefMat without taking up extra space in the sump or requiring additional pumps.
7. 200-Micron Fleece – The decision to use a larger 200-micron porosity in their filter material was a brilliant move, with far-reaching implications. Not only will you get a lot more mileage out of each ReefMat roll, but it also means the used material has a chance to partially dry before being rolled up.
8. Designed with Maintenance in Mind – The most important design detail of the ReefMat that users will notice is how much thought Red Sea put into making it easy to maintain and replace used filter rolls. The lower retention roller is extremely simple to remove and replace—no dedicated stapler is needed—and there’s even a designated spot to place new rolls while installing fresh material.
9. Even Quieter Than Filter Socks – The best way to silence a reef tank’s operation is to use a continuous siphon overflow to eliminate gurgling. But even after that’s quieted, you can still hear the sound of water flowing over filter socks—especially as they clog and begin to overflow, splashing heavily into the sump. All things considered, the sound of moving water like this has always been a minor noise, but since most of the ReefMat is enclosed, the sound is reduced even further to a noticeable degree.
10. The First App-Controlled Filter Roll – The only thing we haven’t been able to test yet is the app connectivity, but from what we already know, it’s going to be an ace up Red Sea’s sleeve when it comes to differentiating their product from comparable models. Learning how much roll is used daily and getting notifications when it’s depleted can only enhance the overall user experience—and we’re hoping the ReefBeat app updates will be released any day now.