Carbon and gfo in a filter sock

scrapdaddy · Jun 1, 2017

I have 3, 4 inch openings for filter socks on my sump. I have been using 3 felt socks. I am now having an issue with phosphates and nitrates. My question is can I run carbon and gfo in a mesh filter sock in my sump or will it be a waste of time and money. Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

saltyfilmfolks · Jun 1, 2017

That will work. Don't overly pack the media bags so you keep good flow through them.

Keep in mind these won't effect your nitrates.

borrowedlight · Jun 1, 2017

A reactor would definitely work better I think just to maximize flow through the media but socks should still do something. Just make sure you change it out often enough. And don't expect an instant drop in phosphates, it will take a little bit to bring them down.

scrapdaddy · Jun 1, 2017

saltyfilmfolks said:
That will work. Don't overly pack the media bags so you keep good flow through them.

Keep in mind these won't effect your nitrates.

ya, I am working on that as well. Wanted to try and tackle things one problem at a time to see what was actually causing the issue. I feel like old filter socks were a large part of my nitrate problem. They are slowly coming down now that I have changed them out and cleaning the one remaining felt sock every 3 days.

Every time I have asked or read about phosphate control everyones first response is are you using GFO so I decided to try it but after buying my own ro/di unit this week funds are low and a reactor is not possible. Therefore it GFO or phosban or something along those lines in the mesh filter sock for a while. Any preference?

Thanks for the info/advise
W

scrapdaddy · Jun 1, 2017

borrowedlight said:
A reactor would definitely work better I think just to maximize flow through the media but socks should still do something. Just make sure you change it out often enough. And don't expect an instant drop in phosphates, it will take a little bit to bring them down.

Thanks, will do. I was thinking weekly change.