Filter socks

renato120 · Aug 16, 2015

Hey guys I need to buy some more filter sock for my return water.
When I first bought it, I didnt look if it was 100, or 200 micron
What is difference?
I have a good deal on 100 micron on ebay. I dont know wich one its better the 100 or 200 micron.
Thanks.

redfishbluefish · Aug 16, 2015

renato120 said:
When I first bought it, I didnt look if it was 100, or 200 micron
What is difference?

About a 100 microns!

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

I actually prefer 200 micron because it takes out enough of the nasties, and even at that, I need to change out every 2....and if I'm lucky, 3 days. I would think 100 micron socks would only last a day on my dirty tank setup, and I don't want to do it every day.

You didn't mention, but do you prefer mesh or felt? I'm running mesh.

Downbeach · Aug 16, 2015

I was running 200 micron mesh socks too, mostly to keep unwanted critters, and an occational itinerant fish out of my sump.

Reduck · Aug 16, 2015

200 micron mesh here.. Just ordered a spare set actually.
I never used them prior to this tank and they look like they do a nice job. I guess it can be a pain washing them once a week but if I keep a couple extras in play it shouldn't be too bad.

renato120 · Aug 16, 2015

redfishbluefish said:
About a 100 microns! Sorry, I couldn't resist.

I actually prefer 200 micron because it takes out enough of the nasties, and even at that, I need to change out every 2....and if I'm lucky, 3 days. I would think 100 micron socks would only last a day on my dirty tank setup, and I don't want to do it every day.

You didn't mention, but do you prefer mesh or felt? I'm running mesh.

I have no Idea about mesh or felt! I thought it was only one type of sock... So the 100 gets more dirt..

redfishbluefish · Aug 16, 2015

renato120 said:
I have no Idea about mesh or felt! I thought it was only one type of sock... So the 100 gets more dirt..

Microns is a size....the 200 micron sock has bigger "holes" than the 100 micron. Therefore smaller pieces of detritus get caught in the 100 micron sock versus the 200 micron. The 100 micron clogs up sooner because of the smaller size of the holes. Hope this helps.

renato120 · Aug 16, 2015

I will buy some 200 then

filek · Aug 17, 2015

I would say DIY them, I make them myself and they cost me maybe 2c a sock super simple to make. I found them to work better than the store one

Harold Green · Aug 18, 2015

The 200 micron are fine enough to make the water have a polished look and I end up rinsing mine every second or third day also.

retiredsailor · Aug 18, 2015

filek said:
I would say DIY them, I make them myself and they cost me maybe 2c a sock super simple to make. I found them to work better than the store one

Can you tell us how you make them? Or link a thread if you already have? Thanks in advance.

Ian

TaylorPilot · Aug 18, 2015

I would stick with the 200. My experience echos some of the other posters. They are good for about 2 maybe 3 days depending on flow rate and number of socks. Also, as they get older, they tend to get more "fluffy" if that makes sense, and I think the pores close up. This causes them to clog faster. IMHO.

The 200 micron have always polished the water for me pretty well.

filek · Aug 18, 2015

ok sorry took me a while but here is the link for DIY filter socks, I did do a slight change in them than the person in this post. The rigid tubing, i made it round the size i need and every time I change the sock I take it out and put it in the new sock. Another thing I do is after I finish sawing about a 100 or so (whenever I have time) I take a soldering iron with a cutting attachment and I run it around the outside edge gluing the sock together. Anyway here is the link: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-filter-socks.162584/