Filter sock or not??

[OREGONIC]

Did a search and can't find any recent threads on running filter socks or not. Just curious, who prefers running filter socks and who doesn't and why.

 

[Jim Harrison]

Following.

 

[OREGONIC]

Following.

Why do you choose to run your system the way you do?

 

[Jim Harrison]

Why do you choose to run your system the way you do?

My system isn't even up and running yet... Soon! The answer to this will help me decide, but I'm leaning towards using polyester fill for mechanical filtration. Cheap and easy.

 

[OREGONIC]

I personally have been running mesh socks and changing or cleaning every 5-7 days. The last few weeks i have noticed that they are not getting as dirty and am debating on not running at all. I currently am running an ATS and it has really been taking off lately. My nitrates are at just under 10 ppm and im starting to think that my ATS may work even better if i were not running a sock, so i pulled the sock off tonight to see how it goes.

 

[whiskeyreef]

I used to run polyester fill then went to socks now I'm kinda using both

 

[Jim Harrison]

I used to run polyester fill then went to socks now I'm kinda using both

I'm totally prepared to switch to socks if the fill doesn't really do what I need it to.

 

[keddre]

I run no mechanical filtration that I'm aware of, the reason is that I need to keep food in my water column 24/7. Plus whatever food does settle feed my cuc. IMO filter socks are helpful but unnecessary additions

 

[Florida Sunshine]

I have two socks in my sump. They get pretty dirty after a couple of days so I just assume that they are pulling out nasty stuff before it gets to my skimmer. I'm sure I am losing some pods and good stuff as well but I feel they help keep the tank clean as long as you change/wash them frequently. A dirty sock is worse than no sock at all.

 

[jaws789832]

I used to run socks but found it was catching too many pods so I switched to course filter media to catch any big particles but allow the pods to get through

 

[CodyRVA]

Filter socks are relative to your systems demands and design.

If you have an over size skimmer, went all out on biological, have a large fuge, carbon dose, GFO, etc... socks may be over kill and your system might be lacking the nutrition it needs. Conversely, if you don't equip any number of those things for example, you may need socks to help by mean of mechanical filtration. Ultimately, they are neither good nor bad, you just need to determine if your system is going to need them; and if they do, do you need high micron felt, mesh, etc.

Side note, IMO running socks in front of your skimmer makes the skimmer more efficient by removing larger particles prior to entering the skimmer body.

 

[seastar]

I tried to not run filter socks because I hate cleaning them, but my sump ended up way too dirty for my liking and the way my sump is designed, the socks quiet a lot of the sounds the water going into the sump makes.

I have since changed my mesh socks over to plastic cups filled with cheap throwaway filter floss and I can let that run for a week or so before tossing it.

 

[whiskeyreef]

I tried to not run filter socks because I hate cleaning them, but my sump ended up way too dirty for my liking and the way my sump is designed, the socks quiet a lot of the sounds the water going into the sump makes.

I have since changed my mesh socks over to plastic cups filled with cheap throwaway filter floss and I can let that run for a week or so before tossing it.

i like that i may give it a try

 

[andrewkw]

Considering if I don't change my sock after a week it clogs I think it's a good idea I run one. I run mine directly over the drain line so everything goes through it. I change twice a week. In the summer I hose them off then soak them in bleach for a few hours (septic tank) then run them through the wash. In the winter I rinse them in the sink then run them through the wash twice and bleach them every other time in a bucket.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

I like running them and I do but I am lazy about changing and cleaning them!

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

@dbl here is a good poll!

 

[seastar]

I like running them and I do but I am lazy about changing and cleaning them!

Join us on the filter floss side! Toss it out and re-stuff the cup, good to go.

 

[Holy_makerel]

I use them for two reasons. 1) keeps detritus out of my sump/skimmer area. 2) helps keep nitrates at a minimum.

I typically change mine 2x a week. Also run a GFO and carbon reactor and just installed a cheato reactor. 60 gal cube with 15 gal sump.

 

[keddre]

Can I ask a question on here (while I do it anyway)? I'm curious, Why do people run filter socks? While I can't due to my tank inhabitants, I don't see why I would want to in the first food as all food should be eaten by something eventually

Edit: forgot everyone doesn't run a fuge and have animal free spots where food would buildup...

 

[Heliarc19]

I run 2 socks, they get clogged and overflow about once a week. If they are catching that much I am happy to get it out of my tank.