4" vs. 7" filter socks.

[BZOFIQ]

Planning my new build and wanted to hear opinions on using 4-inch vs. 7-inch filter socks.

Advantages of one over the other. If you went with particular size and now think the other size would be better; tell me why too.

 

[andrewkw]

I would say a lot depends on your sump size. I have a small sump so I am using 4". If I had a larger sump I'd be using 7". The one thing I like about 7" over 4" is you can run less in the washing machine at a time. If I put 2 filter socks in the washing machine I don't feel like they come as clean as 4 + a couple of fish towels but that could be my imagination.

 

[lion king]

The 4" is going to clog alot faster; I use nopox in my system with the 4" socks and I have change about every 4-5 days. I wish I could have used 7" socks, got me thinking if I should remodel.

 

[cracker]

I use a 4 inch on my 75 reef & a much larger on the 180 fish only . I use the bigger sock to accommodate 2 large drains. " I think" a larger sock just holds more stuff before clogging to create a bigger source for nitrates. So I change both often. What size fits your sump best is really the concern.

 

[hart24601]

I think it's harder when the choice is 2 4" socks vs a single 7". I think somewhere I read the 2 4" socks have more surface area than a single 7 inch?

 

[Brew12]

I think it's harder when the choice is 2 4" socks vs a single 7". I think somewhere I read the 2 4" socks have more surface area than a single 7 inch?

My current sump uses a 7" sock. My new sump will use (3) 4" socks. This will give me more surface area and take up less sump space.

I do like how easy the 7" socks are to turn inside out and clean so I'm sure I will miss that.

 

[mlb75]

Like the others I think a lot of it depends on the space you have available and or quantity you're willing to run. I run a single 7" on my system because of where I have it placed, if I went overflow to sock then I probably would have run 2 7" just because I don't want to have to change them as frequently and I have the space. As it is I change it twice a week at a minimum but that also depends on flow so we're back to your system playing a part in the decision.

What size tank, how big is the sump going to be, and how much flow are you planning to have through the sump? What other filters or reactors will you be using and how will they be sized? How many fish in the system? How strict are you on your maintenance schedules? All of those answers would matter to me if I was deciding which way to go.

 

[TroyHoot]

I use a 7 inch. I change every 3 days. I like the 7 because my main drain and backup can both drain into it. Then my emergency is outside of it so I hear it in case. Easy to flip and clean. I have 8 of them. wash them when i use the last one.

 

[BZOFIQ]

Guys, thanks for your replies.

I am planning for 2 x 7" but I see a lot of new sumps with two to four 4-inch socks instead. Was wondering why most new sumps lean towards the smaller socks. I figured I'd ask before finalizing my plans.

 

[BZOFIQ]

.....

I do like how easy the 7" socks are to turn inside out and clean so I'm sure I will miss that.

I though about that too. 7" socks while hard to, can be turned inside out for pre-washing before being dumped in the washing machine. This is what I currently do with my setup.

I don't think that would be possible with 4-inch ones.

 

[BZOFIQ]

The 4" is going to clog alot faster; I use nopox in my system with the 4" socks and I have change about every 4-5 days. I wish I could have used 7" socks, got me thinking if I should remodel.

Do you swap to 1 micron socks when using nopox?

 

[Pivitol]

I use 4" homemade filter socks and change them every other day. They turn inside out pretty easily, best part about the diy is I have about 50+ socks that cost less than $15 total.

 

[BZOFIQ]

I use 4" homemade filter socks and change them every other day. They turn inside out pretty easily, best part about the diy is I have about 50+ socks that cost less than $15 total.

I take they don't have that plastic ring that sits in the sump cutout.....or are you doing something new?

 

[Brew12]

Was wondering why most new sumps lean towards the smaller socks.

I think it is a space issue. Since most sumps are divided in straight lines you can put the drain and 3 of the 4" socks in a 16" wide sump in a 6" space. To put the drain and 2 of the 7" socks in a line would take around 9" of space. So, the 4" socks save 3" worth of space that can be used for the skimmer or fuge sections.

 

[iLLwiLL]

I got a used sump that had spots for 4x 4" socks and I really wanted to use fewer larger socks. I wound up busting out the dremel and modified the 4 holes into 2 larger ovals. Now the 7" socks fit just fine and its not taking up a ton of floor space.

 

[Pivitol]

I take they don't have that plastic ring that sits in the sump cutout.....or are you doing something new?

I use 4" pvc pipe cut about 1/2" wide and slide it into the top of the sock