Filter Socks - What is your opinion?

[Rich Klein]

Hey Folks,

I've got dual 4" filter socks (long) installed in my sump now. My sump has a large protein skimmer and a 15 gallon refugium with chaeto, rocks etc.

My filter socks tend to get clogged very quickly. What are folks opinion on actually using filter socks? I've actually removed them from my system altogether the last few days and I've still got great readings on my water parameters. The chaeto is sort of acting like a mechanical filter for me; though not to the same degree. If I do add socks back in; I'll probably go to a sock that allows more flow pass through so it doesn't clog.

So what do folks think?

Hate filter socks - My DT water is crystal clear with just my Chaeto-Refugium and Skimmer. I have to dose N & P to keep levels readable, so I don't need filter socks for nutrient export.

 

[drblakjak55]

Socks difficult to clean and clog in 3 days. Now using 200 micron mesh. Still clog to point of spillover at 3 to 4 days but very easy to power wash and reinsert in five minutes.

 

[drblakjak55]

Switched to 200 micron mesh from socks. Socks were difficult to clean lasting three days. The mesh also lasts three or four days before overflowing but a five minute power wash and back in. I also would say I use the mesh around time of water changes running 50% without

 

[vetteguy53081]

Been using them several years with benefits rather than issues. Cant complain
Key is to pull them about every 5 days and replace with spare set(s) and wash in warm water cycle in machine ( I use no soap or bleach) and let it air dry.

 

[alex.mccann99]

I use the 200 micron mesh filter socks. They take just minutes to clean and don't clog as quickly. I change it out evert 3 to 4 days.

 

[Mark Gray]

I took mine out maybe 8 months ago, seems like it didn't hurt anything and I sure hated washing sock so I like not using sock don't think I will ever go back

 

[Charlie’s Frags]

I use filter socks but going to try these with filter floss so I can stop washing the socks.

I was excited about these when they first came out but unfortunately I was pulling them out every day to replace the filter media. Socks last a week before they start to over flow so I went back the them.

 

[FLSharkvictim]

I am so glad this product is coming out very soon b/c you have no idea what a pain in the ice it is to change and clean your filter socks as we all know. I just counted over 50 filter socks in my garage, and I am not kidding, sad but true! Well, after attending RAP in Orlando this year and had a nice long talk with Jack who is the inventor of the @Klir filter system. CoralVue will be releasing these models in the next few months. The Klir will be making two different sizes one for your 4'' filter sock hole which is the Klir DI-4 and they will have the Klir DI-7 for your 7'' filter sock hole in your sump! Also, you have the options, you can buy it manually where you turn it yourself every few days or for a little more you can get one with a motor so it's fully automated which is what I will be doing for my SCA 150 build that I have been designing for the last year. I have all of my electronics, all my GHL dosing pumps , MaxiSA, GHL 2.1, ProfiLux4, all AI Hydra HD lighting, Reef Octo REGAL Skimmer, Clear Water Scrubber, and ones the Klir DI7 gets released I will be adding one to my new Elite Aquatics RS40 Sump.. Stay connected with me below:

This how the Klir operates if you haven't seen it in action!

 

[PhreeByrd]

I don't use filter socks and never have. They must be cleaned or replaced every few days or they become nitrate factories, and I don't need all that maintenance. My entire sump is a filter. Skimmer, then a shallow bed of reef mud, and then a crapload of tubeworms that I allow to grow as they are able. Chaeto starves in my sump, so I don't use it. My tank water is crystal clear, and there are no measurable nutrients (with any hobbyist test kit or device I have used) in the return water. I rarely run carbon, and haven't used a phosphate reactor for years. I also rarely siphon out the bottom of the sump... maybe once a year or so. This is a mixed reef with a medium-heavy bioload.

I could see somebody who wants to remove free-floating algae from the water using filter socks (at least temporarily), but for me they would be pretty useless and a pita for maintenance.

If your filter socks are capturing food, then the solution is simple. Turn off your sump return when feeding. Keep the food in the tank where it belongs so your critters can consume it. If after feeding you're still seeing food making it to the sump, then you're feeding too much. Once you get this right, filter socks will do little to nothing for you.

 

[leepink23]

I was excited about these when they first came out but unfortunately I was pulling them out every day to replace the filter media. Socks last a week before they start to over flow so I went back the them.

I started mine Saturday and so far as of now it still looks good for me. I am using pinky’s filter floss. I should get a week out of it.

 

[mtraylor]

That's a pretty neat invention. Not sure how much detritus would leak out each side of that thing due to water flow but its pretty cool. I will stick to socks to get 100% absorption, but that would be a great idea for traveling. A no worry solution.

 

[Jerry Ebner]

I like filter socks the tank seems to run better I change them every 3-4 days and have enough so I have fresh ones . When I get enough to wash I soak them in bleach water for a day and then wash them out good then air dry So far so good and its been over a year with this practice and the tank test fine no fish or coral loss.

 

[drcrook]

Well I'm filter sock free for almost 2 weeks I think now. My nutrient levels are just as low as previously; so the socks didn't do anything to help in that space. I do notice small particles floating in the display column; but I'm fairly certain I had that 2 weeks ago and its really like barely visible. I think I'm going to just run sock free. Reduced maintenance and my tank looks very very healthy.

 

[Neo Jeo]

I hate changing filter socks, but I hate cleaning detritus out of my sump more. So I use filter socks.

How do you clean detritus out of the sump?

 

[Captain Quint]

I prefer the
200 Micron Nylon Monofilament Mesh Filter Sock w/ Plastic Ring

*doesn't clog as much and rinses out easily.

 

[BigJim]

How do you clean detritus out of the sump?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bucket-Head-5-gal-1-75-Peak-HP-Wet-Dry-Vac-BH0100/202017218

 

[ChrisW]

I was informed the filter sock is bad b/c it catches and essentially removes copepods from the tank. Was i misinformed? I was introducing them into the tank for mandarins. But i have alot of debris floating about in the DT, which is really quite irritating. Any alternatives to the sock?

 

[Neo Jeo]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bucket-Head-5-gal-1-75-Peak-HP-Wet-Dry-Vac-BH0100/202017218

Interesting. My sump has water in it I just suck it out into a bucket with this device a?

 

[BigJim]

Interesting. My sump has water in it I just suck it out into a bucket with this device a?

Yes. It works quite well for such an inexpensive device. Just make sure you get a good seal when you attach it to the bucket.

 

[timnem70]

I use those too and love em. Cap., Do you have any concerns, as I did with what you see when you pull a cloth sock out and its gross, clogged with stuff and dark dark brown and the mesh being relatively clean, only having large particles visible? Guess all that other stuff is being used, Macro growth is crazy so my barometer. I think it's a good in between option. At least in my case as I only use a sock when feeding heavily or when stirring up crud.

I prefer the
200 Micron Nylon Monofilament Mesh Filter Sock w/ Plastic Ring

*doesn't clog as much and rinses out easily.