Filter Socks

ccejka · Jul 9, 2019

I know some people love them some people say they just add to the problem....

I am currently running a new build that runs 3 4" filter socks. My only issue is bought them from BRS I got shorts ones without really realizing it but figured they would work. Now that the system is up and running the socks are clogging in less than 24 hours...

Is this normal? I planned to change them 3 times a week but I am changing them everyday some times twice a day. I am going to order some more socks from BRS soon and going to get 4" x 14" hoping the more surface area will help them last a little longer.

What filter socks do you guys run is there different levels of micron?

rkpetersen · Jul 9, 2019

If you've got a sizable bioload and relatively high return pump flow, filter socks can definitely clog quickly.
If you're using felt socks, I've found that those clog up really fast.
I'm currently using 200 micron mesh socks, and clean them about every 3 days.
You want to clean filter socks every 3 or 4 days anyway; longer, and they start adding to nitrate/phosphate levels in the water.
As you mention, some people just eliminate them entirely. Or switch to cups with disposable filter floss.

Butuz · Jul 9, 2019

Check out a roller filter like Clarisea or Klir. No more sock changes.

ccejka · Jul 9, 2019

I don't have the room for the filter rollers or I would be all over that.

I ordered some 14" felt socks to see if that helps if I still run into the issue then I will probably order some mesh socks.

The bio load is low right now but as it gets worse I assume my problem will get worse..

JumboShrimp · Jul 9, 2019

Have you thought of filter “cups”— filled with cheap, easy to discard floss? Just an idea.

ilyad · Jul 9, 2019

I second JumboShrimp... grab some filter media cups that go instead of the sock and fill them with filter floss... look for the stuff that looks like pillow stuffing. That will catch so much gunk out of your tank, and its cheap enough to toss every other day. Also, if needed, you can use the filter cups later to run media like GFO or carbon in baggies and get good water flow through it. The cups wont cost you much more than the socks, but will last you tons longer.

ccejka · Jul 9, 2019

ilyad said:
I second JumboShrimp... grab some filter media cups that go instead of the sock and fill them with filter floss... look for the stuff that looks like pillow stuffing. That will catch so much gunk out of your tank, and its cheap enough to toss every other day. Also, if needed, you can use the filter cups later to run media like GFO or carbon in baggies and get good water flow through it. The cups wont cost you much more than the socks, but will last you tons longer.

My only thing about cups is that I used the filter floss that was in a roll and I didn't like cutting it up to make the squares to put in there. I went socks so I could just change them out quickly, but if I could just pillow stuffing and put it in there till it is full I will send the socks I just bought back to BRS and get cups.

JumboShrimp · Jul 9, 2019

Make sure the pillow stuffing isn’t chemically treated (such as with a flame retardant) and you’ll be good to go. I despise filter socks, by the way (lol).

ilyad · Jul 9, 2019

ccejka said:
My only thing about cups is that I used the filter floss that was in a roll and I didn't like cutting it up to make the squares to put in there. I went socks so I could just change them out quickly, but if I could just pillow stuffing and put it in there till it is full I will send the socks I just bought back to BRS and get cups.

You can use pillow stuffing that is not treated with anything. It has to be 100% polyester without any treatment. Walmart sells some of that. But when I said it, I meant to use made for aquariums filter floss but stuffing style. Here is an example of what I was talking about. Does not have to be this specific kind. One of my local LFS sells these by huge bags for like $15 which lasts me 6 months. Its more expensive than the pillow filler, but I know its not treated with anything.

ccejka · Jul 9, 2019

Oh ok... I would happily spend the bit extra for the peace of mind...

Now what cup does everyone use?

ilyad · Jul 9, 2019

Ive seen many people use this one. I've not personally used it, so I dont know if its good or not... but I cant see how that something like that can be bad.

saltyhog · Jul 9, 2019

ilyad said:
Ive seen many people use this one. I've not personally used it, so I dont know if its good or not... but I cant see how that something like that can be bad.

I may have to try that one. I was using the Red Sea version but they are not sized correctly for my Trigger sump..they are a little too small to fit well.

JumboShrimp · Jul 9, 2019

I would agree that they are pretty much all the same. Get the right diameter and length to fit your circumstances, and you’re in business.

lapin · Jul 9, 2019

I change my 4 ea 4x14 felt socks every 2 days. I prob have 50 or so in rotation. I have some from brs, amazon and others

joe0813 · Jul 9, 2019

I use filter socks after a water change and then filter cups with pillow stuffing after

ilyad · Jul 9, 2019

lapin said:
I change my 4 ea 4x14 felt socks every 2 days. I prob have 50 or so in rotation. I have some from brs, amazon and others

Time to switch to filter floss!

lapin · Jul 9, 2019

ilyad said:
Time to switch to filter floss!

No flossing for me. I had fresh water tanks back in the 70's. When HOBs were the only filters besides undergravel filters

ryeguyy84 · Jul 9, 2019

I order mine from here, super cheap and work great

https://clearchoiceaquatics.com/collections/filtration

ccejka · Jul 10, 2019

I have 2 cups already so I will probably run a sock in the first of 3 holes to catch the most water and run the cups in the next two spots.....

Now if I could pick your brain about the bubble trap area of my sump at my refugium.... I am running a thin black sponge in that area but it seems to be heavily restricting my flow and even causes the water level to rise behind it and has overflowed the return chamber baffle. I have considered some type of screen to catch the big stuff and not running a sponge in that area what is the groups ideas to fix this problem.

lapin · Jul 10, 2019

ccejka said:
I have 2 cups already so I will probably run a sock in the first of 3 holes to catch the most water and run the cups in the next two spots.....

Now if I could pick your brain about the bubble trap area of my sump at my refugium.... I am running a thin black sponge in that area but it seems to be heavily restricting my flow and even causes the water level to rise behind it and has overflowed the return chamber baffle. I have considered some type of screen to catch the big stuff and not running a sponge in that area what is the groups ideas to fix this problem.

Comes in coarse to fine
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/aquamesh-blue-3.html