filter socks or no filter socks?

[flobup]

preparing to set my first sump up which is a ruby 30, it came with two filter sock holders but im aware theres some conflict about using them as some say they are nitrite factories/remove benifical things from water. was wondering if any experienced hobbyist have any imput?

 

[Captmcfly]

From what I’ve read many experienced reefers don’t use them. I’ve only been doing this a couple year but I also don’t use them, primarily because they filter out my pods and other good things in the water . I only use chaeto for all export I have a small air stone in the sump to promote gas exchange. I cut the socks in half and left them In so the water would run down them simply to keep it quiet . But they are basically just cloth tubes, there is no bottom. So long story short no filter for me !! No skimmer either !

 

[SPR1968]

It’s personal preference and depends how clear you want your water etc. Their not Nitrate factories as they should be changed regularly. I change mine every 3 -4 days when ready.

I use filter socks and filter wool and my water is gin clear most of the time. I also use UVC and carbon.

But it’s your tank so.......

 

[flobup]

It’s personal preference and depends how clear you want your water etc. Their not Nitrate factories as they should be changed regularly. I change mine every 3 -4 days when ready.

I use filter socks and filter wool and my water is gin clear most of the time. I also use UVC and carbon.

But it’s your tank so.......

what is uvc?

 

[SPR1968]

what is uvc?

UVC is a more powerful UV steriliser the C being type C ultraviolet radiation

 

[jrill]

I use a filter cup with some floss in place of the sock alot easier to clean.

 

[DarthSimon]

You can check out the KLIR by Coralvue. Mine is working well. Got rid of filter socks!!

 

[lapin]

Use the socks
They are not nitrate factories. What they filter out, would remain in the tank. It allows you to remove the large particles out of the water column. Later when your tank is established and matured you can think about removing them. You should have a mature filter system by then.

 

[Duffer]

I’m a filter sock guy, switch them out every 2-3 days and the crap they collect is amazing

 

[klm2500hd]

I only use socks if blowing off the rocks, and even then only sometimes, but also an old tank with nitrates undetectable. I like to run a dirty tank too, as far as letting algae grow. I also prefer a piece of floss on a flat tray versus a sock. Put it in for a few hours and toss when done.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

I like socks. Keeps noise down and sump clean. General consensus is they are a maintenance pain.

 

[lolgranny]

I’ve always been one for protection, yes I wrap it.

I feed a ton of food so rather then the food falling into the sump I’m able to keep it more clean by using them.

Cleaning them does suck.

 

[Cory]

If i kept pooping in the corner of my house and never cleaned it up, id eventually die from disease. This is my logic for using filter socks in my tank.