Red Sea ReefMat Filter 500
Wattage
10 W
Suits tanks
Up to 500 L
Flow rate
6000 L/h
Water type
Marine + Reef
Replace every
2 months
Warranty
2 years
Red Sea ReefMat Filter 500
The mid-size step up when a 250 L filter runs out of headroom. The Red Sea ReefMat 500 is the mid-tier model in Red Sea's automatic roller-fleece filter range — a wider fleece strip and roughly double the flow rating of the ReefMat 250, built for systems where a smaller unit would be changing rolls too often to deliver the convenience it's meant to. It works the same way as the rest of the range: fresh fleece feeds across the flow, the loaded section winds away on its own, and the Red Sea ReefBeat app tracks roll life and alerts before a change is due.
Key features
- Rated to 6,000 L/h — sized for systems up to 500 L, roughly double the ReefMat 250's flow ceiling.
- 350 mL integrated media basket — enough room for a meaningful dose of carbon or GFO alongside the fleece stage, not just a token amount.
- Wider fleece format — an 11.3 cm strip versus the 250's 8 cm, spreading the same load over more filtering surface per advance.
- Solid-state level sensing — no moving float switch to foul or stick.
- Ships fully assembled — out of the box and ready to plumb in without sub-assembly.
- ReefBeat app monitoring — end-of-roll alerts and dispensing logs over Wi-Fi.
Specifications
| Recommended system size | Up to 500 L |
|---|---|
| Maximum flow capacity | 6,000 L/h |
| Unit dimensions (L x W x H) | 21 x 27 x 42 cm |
| Fleece roll size | 11.3 cm wide x 28 m long |
| Fleece material | Non-woven polyester, approx. 50 g/m² |
| Media basket capacity | 350 mL |
| Roll life (moderately stocked reef) | Roughly 5–8 weeks |
| Inlet hose | 32 mm ID, kink-resistant, universal PVC connector |
| Power supply | 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz input; 12 V DC output |
| Power draw | 1 A, 10 W maximum (intermittent — draws power only while advancing fleece) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Red Sea ReefBeat app |
| Water type | Saltwater / reef only |
Which ReefMat do I need?
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.
| Model | Recommended system size | Max flow | Fleece width | Roll length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ReefMat 250 | Up to 250 L | 3,500 L/h | 8 cm | 32 m |
| ReefMat 500 | Up to 500 L | 6,000 L/h | 11.3 cm | 28 m |
| ReefMat 1200 | Up to 1,200 L | 9,000 L/h | 17 cm | 35 m |
If your system sits close to a boundary — say 450–550 L — buying up a size means longer intervals between roll changes rather than running the unit at the edge of its rating. A heavily stocked 400 L reef and a lightly stocked 500 L FOWLR won't load a ReefMat at the same rate even though the volumes are similar.
Performance
6,000 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. Flow through a loading fleece pad falls gradually until the sensor calls for the next section, at which point it resets. For guaranteed turnover on a specific bioload, plumb the ReefMat as a polishing stage after your main return rather than as the sole flow path.
What's included
- ReefMat 500 drive unit, head unit and solid-state level sensor
- 350 mL integrated media basket
- 32 mm kink-resistant inlet hose with universal PVC connector
- Mounting legs / bumper kit
- One 28 m fleece roll
- Power supply
A replacement fleece roll and a spare power supply are both sold separately for ongoing running and as backup.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suited to marine and reef systems up to 500 L wanting continuous mechanical filtration without sock changes. Not suitable for freshwater use. If your total system volume is comfortably under 250 L, the smaller ReefMat 250 costs less to buy and its narrower fleece will still be running at a sensible pace — there's no filtration benefit to over-sizing.
Care and maintenance
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 350 mL 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.
Safety
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.
Warranty and delivery
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.
Common questions
What's the difference between the ReefMat 250 and 500?
Flow capacity and fleece width. The 500 is rated to 6,000 L/h on an 11.3 cm strip versus the 250's 3,500 L/h on an 8 cm strip, and carries a larger 350 mL media basket — sized for systems up to 500 L rather than 250 L.
Does the bigger media basket mean I need to use more media?
No — it just gives you the option to run a fuller dose of carbon or GFO if your system calls for it. An empty or lightly filled basket doesn't affect the fleece filtration.
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.
Can I run it without Wi-Fi?
Yes — the fleece advances automatically from the unit's own level sensor. Wi-Fi and the ReefBeat app add remote monitoring and alerts but aren't required for basic operation.
Is this for freshwater or saltwater?
Saltwater and reef systems only.
