The fleece filter roller category appears to be heating up with the announcement of the ClariSea Fleece Filters distributed by CoralVue. The ClariSea is a new mechanical fleece filter similar to the Theiling Roller Mat that has been available in the US for some time now. Similar in design, the ClariSea offers aquarist two different models. The SK-10 filters water for aquariums up to 105 gallons while the SK-15 is rated for aquariums up to 265 gallons. Both the Theiling and the ClariSea are designed to remove suspended particles (such as micro algae, detritus, food, organic waste etc.) from the water column to obtain crystal clear water and optimal light penetration.
Advantages Vs. Filter Socks:
- Saves time on cleaning filter socks
- Flexible mounting
- Compact design
- Automatic advance of fleece
- Integrated Bypass function
- Fail Safe overflow design
- Trapped organics are removed from the water column
Disadvantages:
- Initial upfront costs
- Replacement cost of roller mats
- Moving parts / wear and tear / Repair or Replacement cost
- Compatibility with existing sump designs
Theiling Automatic Roller Mat features/Specs:
Plumbing:
This product is manufactured in Germany so an adapter kit is required for US / Imperial connections ($23.99).
Details:
- Dimensions: 17″ long X 10″ wide X 19″ tall
- 1x Roller mat unit
- 1x Power Supply
- 1x Roll of Fleece
- 2x 40mm ABS Bulkhead
- 1x 25mm ABS Bulkhead
- Price: $399.99
- 135 foot Replacement Roller Fleece $29.99 (reg. price)
- pump requirement: Up to 600 GPH (recommended 200 – 600 GPH)
ClariSea SK-10 Fleece Filter Features/Specs:
- Nominal filtering capacity: ~25 microns
- Max flow rate: 500 GPH
- “Hang-On” mount adjustment: +/- 5cm (2″)
- Nominal filtering capacity: up to 25 microns
- Recommended Aquarium Size: up to 105 gal
- Inlet connection: 32mm (1 1/4″)
- Footprint: 4″ x 5.3″ x 17.7″ (w x d x h)
- Filter fleece: 4″ width – length 82ft
- Nominal filtering capacity: ~25 microns
- Max flow rate: 1250 GPH
- “Hang-On” mount adjustment: +/- 10cm (3.92″)
- Nominal filtering capacity: up to 25 microns
- Recommended Aquarium Size: up to 265 gal
- Inlet connection: 40mm (1 1/2″)
- Footprint: 8.66″ x 6.3″ x 17.7″ (w x d x h)
- Filter fleece: 6″ width – length 82ft
Time will tell if fleece roller systems become main-stream devices for aquarium hobbyists. For now, at least, it looks like as demand increases, other manufacturer will be entering this market space. If you are currently running or have ever used a fleece roller system then please share your experiences in the comment section.
In a later article, we will discuss the new Royal Exclusiv Dreambox 3.0 filter systems with integrated fleece rollers (show below.) Who wouldn’t want one of these hooked up to their aquarium?
