So I've preordered the Klir Di-4 from Joe @ Iconic Aquariums, waiting for that to be released at the beginning of September. I've never run filter socks on my tank, since I knew myself well enough to realize that I wouldn't change them often enough. I've got a lot more fish in my system now than I ever did before, partly due to purchases, partly due to a friend of mine moving away and wanting his babies to go to a good home (including an 8" cubicus who poops about as much as my dog). So while my tank params are fine due to weekly water changes, aggressive skimming with biopellets, and a 12x18" dual side algae scrubber, I'm really starting to notice a lot of particulates in the water column. So I'm gonna start socking.
I looked at the Theiling Rollermat, which I honestly like the design of better than the competitors (seems easier to change roll, seems less likely to have a churning water surface that dislodges large particles as the roll as advanced, etc), it has the big drawback of needing to be plumbed directly into major flow, and also has a relatively low GPH rating.
Looked at the Clarisea, which honestly seems to combine the drawbacks of the rollermat with its own issues... Needs to run in sump, needs to be plumbed in, needs to be fully removed for maintenance, expensive. Also d0esn't seem to have much support in US.
So that landed me with the Klir Filter, which has zero reviews since it's not out, but claims to be a drop in replacement for either 4" or 7" filter socks. This is the only product that I can add to my system without extensive replumbing, so it starts off well. It does need to be removed from the system for roll change, but since it's not actually plumbed in, it seems like it has an advantage. It's rated for higher GPH than the Rollermat, and can be partially bypassed easily. It's also less expensive than the competitors. The downside I see is that since water enters at the top, it might have trouble removing larger particles (like mysis) which I've seen videos of the Rollermat removing without issue. So time will tell on that.
Anyway, I'll add my experience with the Klir once I've got it in and running.
I looked at the Theiling Rollermat, which I honestly like the design of better than the competitors (seems easier to change roll, seems less likely to have a churning water surface that dislodges large particles as the roll as advanced, etc), it has the big drawback of needing to be plumbed directly into major flow, and also has a relatively low GPH rating.
Looked at the Clarisea, which honestly seems to combine the drawbacks of the rollermat with its own issues... Needs to run in sump, needs to be plumbed in, needs to be fully removed for maintenance, expensive. Also d0esn't seem to have much support in US.
So that landed me with the Klir Filter, which has zero reviews since it's not out, but claims to be a drop in replacement for either 4" or 7" filter socks. This is the only product that I can add to my system without extensive replumbing, so it starts off well. It does need to be removed from the system for roll change, but since it's not actually plumbed in, it seems like it has an advantage. It's rated for higher GPH than the Rollermat, and can be partially bypassed easily. It's also less expensive than the competitors. The downside I see is that since water enters at the top, it might have trouble removing larger particles (like mysis) which I've seen videos of the Rollermat removing without issue. So time will tell on that.
Anyway, I'll add my experience with the Klir once I've got it in and running.
