• Under moderate stocking and feeding conditions, a 35 m roll is typically expected to last 5 to 8 weeks (≈ 1 to 2 months) on an approximately 170-gallon reef system (~ 640 L).

• In bare-bottom systems (no sand or substrate) or systems with heavy particulate load (heavy feeding, abundant detritus), the roll’s life will be shorter.

• Early in the installation phase (after fitting a new ReefMat 1200 or switching rolls), the usage (i.e. rate of advancement) may be higher as the filtration regime stabilizes in the system.

• The roll should be replaced when it is fully used (i.e. no more fleece left to advance) or if mechanical issues like jamming or tearing occur.

How It Works in the ReefMat System

• Water in the filter chamber flows through the fleece roll, with suspended solids, detritus, uneaten food, and fine particulate matter being trapped on the fleece surface.

• As the fleece becomes clogged and flow resistance increases, the ReefMat’s sensors detect the back pressure or change in flow and trigger the motor to advance the fleece roll, exposing a new clean section.

• This mechanism allows the system to maintain effective mechanical filtration continuously, without having to manually clean or change filter pads or socks daily.

• When the roll is exhausted (you have advanced through all 35 m), you remove the spent roll and install a fresh replacement roll (RM 1200 35 m), ensuring proper alignment, tension, and threading so the drive and sensors function correctly.

Advantages:

• Consistent filtration performance — Because fresh fleece is continually presented, the filter doesn’t degrade gradually before you notice it.

• Reduced maintenance — No frequent manual cleaning of filter socks or pads; you can go weeks before needing to replace the roll.

• Good flow vs. filtration tradeoff — The 50 g/m² fleece density is chosen to allow reasonable flow while still capturing fine particles.

• Designed fit & reliability — Because it’s the OEM roll, it matches exactly the ReefMat 1200’s mechanical tolerances (spool size, drive engagement, sensor calibration).

Limitations:

• The roll’s lifespan is heavily dependent on your tank conditions — heavy feeding, high bioload, or poor maintenance (e.g. not skimming well) shorten it.

• You must have enough physical access to the ReefMat unit to swap rolls — ensure plumbing or other equipment doesn’t obstruct roll replacement.

• Proper installation (alignment, tensioning, threading) is critical. A misaligned roll or tension issue can cause jamming, tearing, or sensor mis-reads.

• The roll is consumable, so it’s wise to keep spares on hand, especially if your setup is remote or restocking is slow.

• As accumulation of debris occurs upstream, the performance of upstream filtration (skimmer, pre-filters, refugium) affects how quickly the fleece roll is used.