Bacteria (e.g., Dr Tims, Seachem Stability) Clogging Socks in Hours?

[DiZASTiX]

In a situation of a tank a few months old, going thru a separate cycle, can nitrification bacteria, such as Dr Tims One and Only, Seachem Stability, and API Starter, or possibly even ammonia and nitrite binding agents cause filter socks to within 24 hours?

If so, should the socks be changed immediately, or should I wait until nitrite has dropped from 2 ppm? I'm wondering because I'm unsure if those are bacterial colonies on the sock pores (in which case, the socks should stay, so they can help populate the live rock) or if they're consumed bacterial wastes (in which case, a sock change is warranted).

 

[Pennywise the Clown]

I'm sure Dr Tims advise to remove filter socks when dosing their product.

 

[DiZASTiX]

That is true. Having used the product before, I did it this time by memory, and forgot about the socks. Of course, this doesn't hurt anything, but could reduce the efficacy of the dosing--but the question is just that: are socks reducing the efficacy, or are they catching waste material from bacterial?

At this point, should I change the socks, or leave them alone to overflow?

 

[McArcher]

If you are concerned about losing the bacteria colonies in the socks, you could always take them out of the holders and just put them in the bottom of the sump for a few days to let them seed the rest of the tank

 

[NinnJinn]

Yes they do recommend that you remove the socks. I'm no expert but I would think you would have beneficial bacteria on the sock and then when you take the sock out you don't have any.