Filter Socks - What is your opinion?

[ScottB]

Further evidence that every tank is different. I have always used socks 24/7 at 100 to 225 micron. Agree they are a PITA to clean every 3/4 days even though I keep a dozen on hand.

I'm gonna try the suggestion to go sockless unless I am blasting and doing WCs.

I do run carbon & GFO and barely show a trace of nitrate. In fact, I could probably use a little nitrate.

 

[mta_morrow]

FWIW:
I ran sockless for years, but now I run the Red Sea 225 micron nylon mesh filter sock.

They are so easy to clean and get about six months per sock.

I run these as well. I have 2 pair. When they start to overflow, or get close, I swap them and clean the dirty pair. That’s about every 3-4 days.

When you say they last about 6 months, what do you mean? I’ve only had mine going since mid February so I am approaching that 6 month mark.

Thanks GoVols!

 

[PhreeByrd]

Just for those who may not realize this... If your filter media (or socks) can filter for months or even weeks without clogging, then either your water is clean enough that they are unnecessary or they just aren't filtering anything. That's the way filtration works. A good filter is not necessarily one that lasts a long time. In fact the reality is usually just the opposite.

 

[GoVols]

I run these as well. I have 2 pair. When they start to overflow, or get close, I swap them and clean the dirty pair. That’s about every 3-4 days.

When you say they last about 6 months, what do you mean? I’ve only had mine going since mid February so I am approaching that 6 month mark.

Thanks GoVols!

I get about six months out of one of those Red Sea mesh socks, before they ware out.

But... (lol) I shoot them clean with an garden hose...

 

[Da Ghost]

Recently stopped using socks when i went on vacation. I did not want the guy i had coming to have to deal with the swap out. I came back to what i believe is a much healthier tank. I have yellow sponge growing and my pod population has exploded. My corals have better PE and i think the color is a little more robust. I will let this run for a few months and see where i am. I did notice my PO4 and No3 rose slightly depending on your view this could be good or bad. Both have steadily dropped to more respectable numbers after 1 month. Po4 .08-.13 No3 0-2. Overall I have not noticed any adverse effects only positive. Will contiue to monitor.

 

[saltyhog]

I recently changed from three 4" socks to using three of the Red Sea filter canisters with polyfill in them. They fit in the sock holders perfectly and it's much faster/easier to than changing socks and washing them. So far, so good!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Still have faith in useage of socks, however as a test , considering trying a pair of mesh as I now run an algae scrubber

 

[Tomlagoon]

Done with socks since installed Trigger Triton 34 sump - not doing Triton method . 2ppm nitrates.

 

[saltyhog]

Still have faith in useage of socks, however as a test , considering trying a pair of mesh as I now run an algae scrubber

@vetteguy53081 what do you think of this product? I've been using these filled with polyfill. Super easy to change out and no washing or rinsing socks!

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/4-filter-media-cup-red-sea.html

 

[vetteguy53081]

Im entertaining trying one to see if it stretches out change intervals and allows better buffering of my water

 

[member 99594]

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.

How did this work out? I was thinking about adding a piece of PVC on my drain to extend to about 2" below the sump water level and just let it drain into the skimmer section. I have carbon and phosban on the next section and will be adding a reactor for a refuge. I am about 2 months in and can't stand filter socks, they are driving me nuts.

 

[mta_morrow]

So, here is my personal compromise

I have 2 filter sock holders for my tank

I now run one nylon mesh, and 1 felt sock.

I like the clean polished water, and I like stuff feeding my corals. So this works for that purpose.

I also dislike cleaning felt socks. So, the nylon cleans up by hand in the deep sink in a minute. I have 4 of these.

I have 8 felt sock at this time. When I pull out the dirty one, I turn it inside out and do a quick rinse, then into a bucket of water till all socks are dirty. Then high pressure nozzle them, let them dry and start all over.

 

[hart24601]

I always want to run sockless, so every year or so I try it but after cleaning the sump I switch back. Not with my FW tanks, those don't seem to build up detritus in sump quite as much.

 

[member 99594]

I am thinking about putting something under the drain to hold floss, just pull and toss weekly. However, I am afraid I will shock my system and then have to deal with particles in my water column.

 

[Da Ghost]

I am thinking about putting something under the drain to hold floss, just pull and toss weekly. However, I am afraid I will shock my system and then have to deal with particles in my water column.

if you do it gradually you should not shock you system. I removed mine all at once because i was going away on vacation and it did not shock the system however if that is a concern gradually remove the socks or reduce the days u use them. As for particles n the water col. I have not noticed this. Although I do a have a chambered sump with chato to scrub the water as it passes through

 

[member 99594]

I may have to "create" a section for refuge before the skimmer.

I only have a main section and a return section. I could use a very sturdy foam brick to separate the drain to skimmer section. Do you think that would work?

 

[EMeyer]

I will never use socks again. Vacuuming the sump occasionally is a non issue.

This. After trying both ways, I am convinced mechanical filtration is a negative in a reef tank, not a positive. I shake my head looking at these "automated filter roller machines".

My tanks have never been happier than when I removed my socks.

As you correctly point out, vaccuuming the sump is an easy and very infrequent task. I do this maybe twice a year. Socks are a pain, and have to be changed every few days.

 

[EMeyer]

Just for those who may not realize this... If your filter media (or socks) can filter for months or even weeks without clogging, then either your water is clean enough that they are unnecessary or they just aren't filtering anything. That's the way filtration works. A good filter is not necessarily one that lasts a long time. In fact the reality is usually just the opposite.

Ha, this. So much. Basic principles of filtration 101: if your filter doesnt get clogged its not actually doing anything.

Come to think of it, I am seeing a lot of folks recommending larger pore sizes in these socks to minimize maintenance. Which is just a small step in the right direction.

Me, I've moved to 1 1/2 " pore size (the drain pipe itself). And it never gets clogged or has to be changed!

 

[USMA36]

I used to run socks on my 90 gallon. I stopped because o have a trigger 36 sump and the sock placement absolutely sucks. The sock holders are in the first chamber along with the skimmer. The skimmer blocks access to the socks and overall makes it a pain in the butt to change them. Especially because I use some flexablemhose to get the return below water line for the noise. I find I need to vacuum my sump every 4 months or so. I may try the filter floss thing if anyone knows what cups will fit in the trigger sump sock holder. Overall the trigger 36 is poorly designed if you want to use socks. Otherwise it’s great. The next size up has the socks on the left in their own chamber which is much more user friendly.

 

[P-Dub]

So, here is my personal compromise

I have 2 filter sock holders for my tank

I now run one nylon mesh, and 1 felt sock.

I like the clean polished water, and I like stuff feeding my corals. So this works for that purpose.

I also dislike cleaning felt socks. So, the nylon cleans up by hand in the deep sink in a minute. I have 4 of these.

I have 8 felt sock at this time. When I pull out the dirty one, I turn it inside out and do a quick rinse, then into a bucket of water till all socks are dirty. Then high pressure nozzle them, let them dry and start all over.

Great minds think alike. Pretty much the exact thing I do.