If you're passionate about reef tanks and looking for an easy, reliable filtration upgrade, the Red Sea NanoMat might just be the perfect solution. Designed primarily for Red Sea's Max Nano aquariums, this compact fleece roller also fits virtually any standard four-inch filter sock holder, making it incredibly versatile and user-friendly. In this article, we'll explore why the NanoMat stands out among fleece rollers and how it can simplify your aquarium maintenance routine while saving you money.
Table of Contents
- Introducing the Red Sea NanoMat
- Specifications and Compatibility
- How the NanoMat Works
- Smart Controls Without WiFi
- Easy Installation and Maintenance
- Fleece Rolls and Cost Efficiency
- Why the Red Sea NanoMat Stands Out
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Introducing the Red Sea NanoMat
The Red Sea NanoMat is a drop-in, plug-and-play fleece roller that offers reef keepers a practical alternative to traditional filter socks. While it’s tailored for Red Sea’s all-in-one systems, it also fits standard four-inch filter sock holders found in many sumps. This means you can finally ditch those often frustrating filter socks without breaking the bank.
Despite being a simplified version compared to other models in Red Sea’s fleece roller lineup, the NanoMat retains all the essential features that make fleece rollers effective and easy to maintain. It boasts quick fleece swapping and uses titanium probes for reliable water level sensing.
Specifications and Compatibility
The NanoMat is recommended for aquarium systems up to 200 litres (53 gallons), supporting a maximum flow rate of 250 gallons per hour. Its compact size—roughly 4 inches wide by 3.5 inches deep at the driver unit and standing 16.5 inches tall—allows it to fit perfectly in Red Sea’s G2 series Max Nano tanks, Reefer series sump filter sock holders, and nearly any standard four-inch filter sock holder.
How the NanoMat Works
Functionally, the NanoMat operates like most fleece rollers. Water enters through a side port, flows downwards through the fleece, and exits via grills on the sides of the unit. During this process, particulate waste gets trapped on the fleece, keeping your aquarium water clean.
As the fleece accumulates waste, the water level inside the unit rises. Once it reaches the titanium level sensors, the drive unit activates to roll out the dirty fleece and replace it with fresh material. Importantly, the fleece is pulled out of the water, preventing trapped waste from breaking down and affecting water quality.
Smart Controls Without WiFi
Unlike Red Sea’s larger Reefer mats, the NanoMat does not have WiFi app control. However, it shares the same microprocessor technology, providing advanced features with simple plug-and-play operation. This means you still benefit from intelligent controls that prevent fleece waste during sump water level fluctuations and notify you via LEDs if fleece advance is paused.
The unit also includes onboard buttons allowing manual fleece advancement or toggling auto-advance on and off—handy for water changes and other maintenance tasks.
Easy Installation and Maintenance
Installing the NanoMat is straightforward:
- For G2 series Max Nano tanks: Remove the filter sock holder and drop the NanoMat directly into place.
- For Red Sea Reefer sumps: Use the included circular bracket without the red O-ring to slide the NanoMat in.
- For other standard four-inch filter sock holders: Add the red O-ring for a snug fit.
Swapping out the fleece is refreshingly simple compared to other four-inch fleece rollers. Just remove the unit, open the drive unit latch, take out the spindles, replace the old fleece roll with a new one, then reassemble and lock it back up. There’s no need to feed fleece through tight rollers or struggle with clearance issues.
Fleece Rolls and Cost Efficiency
The NanoMat uses approximately two-inch-wide fleece rolls, with Red Sea providing rolls just under 60 feet long. This length typically lasts several weeks for an average reef tank before needing replacement.
Replacement fleece rolls come in two-packs for about $20, meaning you can expect to spend roughly $10 per month on fleece. This is around 20% less expensive than other four-inch fleece rollers, making the NanoMat not only easier to maintain but also more budget-friendly.
Why the Red Sea NanoMat Stands Out
Beyond cost savings, the NanoMat shines because it addresses many common frustrations with other drop-in fleece rollers:
- No fiddly thumbscrews or complicated fittings.
- A refined fit and finish that feels high quality.
- Smarter control systems that reduce fleece waste.
- Simple, intuitive maintenance routines.
These features combine to make the NanoMat an excellent choice for reef keepers who value convenience, reliability, and efficiency.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to upgrade your nano or reef aquarium filtration, the Red Sea NanoMat offers a compelling package. Its compact design, ease of installation, simple maintenance, and cost-effective operation make it arguably the most user-friendly drop-in fleece roller available for four-inch filter sock holders today.
Whether you're a Red Sea tank owner or simply want to ditch traditional filter socks for a better filtration experience, the NanoMat is definitely worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the Red Sea NanoMat fit filter sock holders from other manufacturers?
Yes! The NanoMat is designed to fit virtually any standard four-inch filter sock holder. Using the included red O-ring ensures a snug fit in non-Red Sea holders.
Does the NanoMat have WiFi or app control?
No, the NanoMat does not offer WiFi or remote app control like the larger Reefer mats. However, it uses the same advanced microprocessor technology for reliable operation and includes onboard controls for manual or automatic fleece advancement.
How often do I need to replace the fleece?
With rolls just shy of 60 feet long and typical usage, you can expect to replace the fleece every three to four weeks, depending on your tank's bioload and filtration needs.
Is it difficult to swap out the fleece roll?
Not at all. The NanoMat’s design allows for quick and easy fleece replacement without dealing with tight rollers or complicated mechanisms common in other four-inch fleece rollers.
What is the maximum flow rate the NanoMat can handle?
The NanoMat supports a maximum flow rate of 250 gallons per hour (approximately 950 litres per hour), suitable for reef tanks up to 200 litres (53 gallons).
This article was inspired from the video What Makes Red Sea’s NanoMat So Awesome? | Drop a like and subscribe to show your support!
