Roller Mats

Dive Deeper: Info & Tips for Aquarium Roller Mats

If you're tired of swapping out filter socks or manually cleaning mechanical filtration, roller mats are one of the easiest upgrades you can make. These automatic fleece filter systems remove detritus and debris from your water before it has a chance to break down — helping improve clarity, reduce nutrient buildup, and take one more chore off your list.

At Top Shelf Aquatics, we carry a range of roller mat systems to fit different sump configurations and tank sizes. From compact in-sump models to standalone units, these filters are designed to keep your reef clean with minimal upkeep. Whether you're running a heavy bioload or just want to simplify your routine, adding a roller mat can make a noticeable difference in overall tank stability.

Choosing the Right Aquarium Roller Mat for Your System

At Top Shelf Aquatics, we offer in-sump roller mats designed for plug-and-play filtration within modern reef sump layouts. These internal fleece rollers are compact, efficient, and ideal for hobbyists looking to reduce filter sock maintenance without needing to reconfigure their plumbing.

• In-Sump Installation: All the roller mats we carry are designed to sit directly in the sump. Most models include adjustable brackets or rails to fit snugly into standard sump chambers, making them an excellent upgrade for existing systems without requiring external plumbing.
  
  
• Automatic Waste Removal: As water passes through the roller, it traps detritus and organic waste on a fine fleece material. Once clogged, the system advances fresh fleece automatically, keeping flow unrestricted and maintaining consistent nutrient export.
  
  
• Models We Offer: Our lineup includes options from trusted brands like Deltec, ClariSea, ReefMat (Red Sea), known for their reliability, quiet operation, and smart integration with sump designs. Choose your model based on roller width, flow rate, and available sump space.
  
  
• Ideal for High-BioLoad Systems: Roller mats are particularly effective in tanks with heavy feed schedules, lots of livestock, or large coral colonies. By exporting waste early in the filtration chain, they help reduce strain on skimmers and biological filtration.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Aquarium Roller Mat

• Install at the First Stage of Filtration
  For best results, place your roller mat in the first chamber of your sump — right where water from the overflow enters. This ensures maximum removal of detritus and particulates before they reach your skimmer or biological filtration.
• Match Flow Rate to Roller Specs
  Roller mats are designed to handle a certain amount of flow. If your return pump exceeds the recommended flow rate, you might see water bypassing the fleece. Adjust flow with a valve or T-off excess water back into the sump to stay within the unit’s performance range.
• Keep Spare Fleece Rolls On Hand
  It’s a good idea to keep an extra fleece roll or two around, especially if your system has a heavy bioload. This avoids downtime when a roll runs out and ensures continuous filtration.
• Check for Proper Tension and Advance
  If your fleece isn’t advancing correctly, double-check the tensioning, gear alignment, and sensor function. A quick inspection every few weeks can prevent issues from building up unnoticed.
• Don’t Over-Rely on the Roller
  While roller mats are great at trapping debris, they don’t replace other forms of filtration. Maintain your skimmer, keep up with water changes, and monitor nutrient levels to ensure long-term system health.

Expert Tips

• Use a Roller Mat During Heavy Feed Periods
  Roller mats are especially useful during coral feeding, fish acclimation, or cleanup after aquascaping. They'll catch uneaten food and suspended detritus quickly, helping you avoid nutrient spikes.
  
  
• Monitor Fleece Consumption Rate
  If you're burning through fleece rolls too fast, it may indicate a larger nutrient issue — like overfeeding or underperforming biological filtration. Take it as a sign to check your nutrient export and husbandry routine.
  
  
• Combine With a Protein Skimmer for Best Results
  A roller mat catches the solids, while a protein skimmer pulls out the dissolved organics. Running both creates a highly effective one-two punch in nutrient control and water clarity.
  
  
• Label the Install Date on the Roll
  Marking the fleece with the install date can help you track how long each roll lasts and plan for replacements more accurately.
  
  
• Secure Roll Ends With a Clip
  Occasionally, fleece rolls may unspool too loosely or fall out of alignment. A small plastic clip or binder clip at the end of the roll can help keep things tidy.

Installation & Maintenance Tips

Installation

• Measure Your Sump Space First: Roller mats come in various sizes, so check the footprint of your sump’s first chamber before choosing a model. Make sure there's enough clearance for both the unit and fleece roll changes.
  
  
• Drop-In Setup: Most in-sump roller mats are designed for quick drop-in installation. Some models include adjustable brackets or mounting rails to secure them in place without any custom work.
  
  
• Direct Water Flow Through the Roller: Position the roller so water from your overflow enters the intake chamber directly. Avoid placing it in a spot where water can bypass the fleece roll, which would reduce efficiency.
  
  
• Maintenance
• Replace Fleece Rolls as Needed: Frequency will vary based on your tank’s bioload, but most reef tanks go through a roll every 4–8 weeks. Heavily stocked systems may need replacements more frequently.
  
  
• Wipe Down the Housing: Every 3–6 months, give the roller unit a quick wipe-down to remove salt creep, buildup, or any blockages around the drive system.
  
  
• Inspect the Sensor or Float Mechanism: Whether your roller mat uses an optical sensor or float valve, check that it moves freely and isn’t being blocked by salt or detritus. A quick rinse in RO/DI water can help keep things running smoothly.
  
  
• Check for Proper Advance: If the fleece doesn’t advance, double-check the drive gear, power supply, and sensor positioning. Most issues are minor and can be resolved with a quick reset or repositioning.