[fieldnstream]

I'm reviving this old post as I'm tired of searching posts for the night, why wouldn't coconut fiber mat work instead of Fiberglass screen ? I like to build my tanks as natural as possible and personally like the coconut mat. I've had one going for a year now in a 29 gallon tank with no problems, but I'm building a large 55 gallon tank setup this time and I don't want to have to tear it down in 2 years. Just wanting thoughts on why coconut matting wouldn't work, I'm afraid I'm gonna learn why in a few hours after seeing some replies.
Thanks,
Dan

I think the biggest issue would be the cocomat disintegrating. I haven't ever tried it...sounds like a pretty cool idea. Keep in mind that the cocomats are bonded, so they aren't totally natural, probably about the same as having some screen in there.