Filter Sock or Mesh Cleaning

Mike Yaniz · Jul 6, 2017

Hi everyone. I have a question regarding my filter sock. I have seen some that look like a soft material but mine is more of a mesh looking material. It is actually sewed onto the plastic ring. I have been taking it out every 3 days or so and running it under water rinsing the inside and outside, then placing it back in my sump. I have read people washing theirs in a washing machine with bleach and what not. Being that mine has the plastic ring and is of mesh nylon material, what would be the best way to clean it? Might be a dumb question but thought I would ask. I am a newbie.

Thanks. Happy reefing.

Jdeleon · Jul 6, 2017

they all have a plastic ring I believe, I throw them in the washing mashing with a swig of bleach, then let them air dry,,, I wait till all my socks are dirty so its usually about every 3 weeks I do a wash,

Mike Yaniz · Jul 6, 2017

thanks jdeleon.

Larry L · Jul 6, 2017

The felt filter socks usually need a good wash in the machine to get them clean, but I haven't found that to be necessary with mesh ones - I just rinse them out. I'm not sure bleaching the felt ones accomplishes anything useful other than making them a nicer color, and then you have to worry about making sure any remaining bleach/chlorine is neutralized.

GoVols · Jul 6, 2017

Larry L said:
The felt filter socks usually need a good wash in the machine to get them clean, but I haven't found that to be necessary with mesh ones - I just rinse them out. I'm not sure bleaching the felt ones accomplishes anything useful other than making them a nicer color, and then you have to worry about making sure any remaining bleach/chlorine is neutralized.

+1
Use the Red Sea 220 micron mesh nylon sock. Rinse it out every two days (while cleaning skimmer neck) with sink sprayer or outside with the hose pipe and sprayer. Get about six months per sock.

Larry L · Jul 7, 2017

GoVols said:
Use the Red Sea 220 micron mesh nylon sock. Rinse it out every two days (while cleaning skimmer neck) with sink sprayer or outside with the hose pipe and sprayer. Get about six months per sock.

Good point - even the mesh ones eventually get some accumulated crud that blocks the pores. I've never tried it but a vinegar soak might help when it comes to that.

GoVols · Jul 7, 2017

Larry L said:
Good point - even the mesh ones eventually get some accumulated curd that blocks the pores. I've never tried it but a vinegar soak might help when it comes to that.

Thank You
Going to try the vinegar soak.

Salty1962 · Jul 7, 2017

I use a felt sock when cleaning my tank and then put in a 100 micron mesh for continued use.

Gil03 · Jul 7, 2017

YOu don't need to clean the nylon socks like you do the thick mesh type, or rather it's not nearly as much a pain in the **** to clean the nylon. I just rub it together between my hands in the sink and it cleans in less than a minute. I keep a couple on hand so when i pull one out to clean it I replace with the dry one, switching to nylon has saved me a great deal of time on sock maintenance. Just be sure to swap it out at least twice a weak to set yourself up for success.