Red Sea ReefMat Filter 250

• Self-advancing fleece roller – the unit only feeds new fleece forward when the mat has loaded up, so a roll isn't wasted advancing on a timer.
• Rated to 3,500 L/h – sized for systems up to 250 L with headroom for a well-stocked reef's mechanical load.
• Solid-state level sensing – no float switch or moving sensor to foul or stick.
• Integrated media basket – room for chemical filtration media, such as carbon or GFO, alongside the mechanical fleece stage.
• Kink-resistant inlet hose – 32 mm ID corrugated hose with a universal PVC connector, positionable to either side of the unit.
• ReefBeat app monitoring – end-of-roll alerts and dispensing logs over Wi-Fi, so roll changes happen on your schedule rather than as an emergency.

Red Sea makes the ReefMat in three sizes. All three work the same way – the sizing difference is flow capacity and how wide a fleece strip they carry, not filtration quality.

Size to your system's total volume, not just the display – a 250 L display over a 100 L sump is a 350 L system, which calls for the ReefMat 500. Running a unit near the top of its flow rating shortens roll life, since more water is being polished through the same width of fleece.

3,500 L/h is Red Sea's maximum flow capacity for the unit, not a flow-with-media-loaded figure – Red Sea has not published a curve showing how flow changes as the fleece loads with waste. That's normal for a passive roller filter, but it means the number on the box is a ceiling rather than a running average. In practice, flow through a loading fleece pad falls gradually until the sensor calls for the next section, at which point it resets. If you want guaranteed turnover for a specific bioload, plumb the ReefMat as a polishing stage after your main return rather than as the sole flow path.

• ReefMat 250 drive unit, head unit and solid-state level sensor
• Integrated media basket
• 32 mm kink-resistant inlet hose with universal PVC connector
• Mounting legs / bumper kit
• One 32 m fleece roll
• Power supply

A replacement fleece roll and a spare power supply are both sold separately for ongoing running and as backup.

Suited to marine and reef systems up to 250 L wanting continuous mechanical filtration without sock changes – nano and small-to-mid reef tanks with a compatible sump. Not suitable for freshwater use, and not sized correctly for systems over 250 L, where the fleece will load and need changing more often than the roll length comfortably allows; step up to the ReefMat 500 instead.

Routine care is a fleece roll change every 5–8 weeks on a moderately stocked reef – faster on a bare-bottom, heavily-fed system, slower on a lightly stocked one. Wipe the drive rollers and level sensor free of salt creep at each roll change, and rinse the media basket if it's carrying chemical media. The ReefBeat app's end-of-roll monitor gives advance warning based on your system's actual usage pattern, so you can order the next roll before the current one runs out.

Run the included power supply through an RCD-protected outlet and keep a drip loop in the cable before it reaches the socket. The unit itself operates at low voltage (12 V DC) once past the power supply, but the supply itself connects to 240 V mains.

Covered by Red Sea's 24-month manufacturer warranty from the date of purchase, which applies in addition to your consumer guarantee rights under Australian Consumer Law. Standard parcel delivery – no special freight handling required.

How often does the fleece roll need changing?

Roughly every 5–8 weeks on a moderately stocked reef system. Bare-bottom or heavily-fed tanks will load the fleece faster; the ReefBeat app tracks your actual usage and gives advance notice before a roll runs out.

Can I run the ReefMat 250 without the app?

Yes – it advances the fleece automatically based on its own level sensor regardless of a Wi-Fi connection. The app adds remote monitoring and end-of-roll alerts rather than being required for basic operation.

Does it replace my main filter?

It replaces the mechanical stage – filter socks, sponges or pad media – with continuous fleece filtration. Biological filtration (live rock, sump media) and any chemical filtration you run are separate and still needed.

Will this fit a system bigger than 250 L?

It's rated to 250 L total system volume. Running it on a larger system means more flow through a narrower fleece width than it's sized for, shortening roll life – step up to the ReefMat 500 or 1200 for larger volumes.

Is this for freshwater or saltwater?

Saltwater and reef systems only.