How many filter socks do you keep on hand?

Daniel@R2R · Dec 20, 2016

How many filter socks should I be looking to buy? I'm thinking having just one change of socks doesn't make sense if it takes a washer load to wash them (especially since I have to pay to use a washer here). I figure I need to change them at least 1x per week (I realize that 2-3 days is better...but if I'm honest, there will be times it will be 1x per week).

Also, where is it cheapest to get them from? I'm looking for the ones with the plastic rings.

ngvu1 · Dec 20, 2016

I have 14. and Yes I wash them when there is 1 left

I keep them in a sealed bucket of water with no light....I do clean them with a garden hose before putting them into the storage container

Ray's Reefing · Dec 20, 2016

mdbannister said:
How many filter socks should I be looking to buy? I'm thinking having just one change of socks doesn't make sense if it takes a washer load to wash them (especially since I have to pay to use a washer here). I figure I need to change them at least 1x per week (I realize that 2-3 days is better...but if I'm honest, there will be times it will be 1x per week).

Also, where is it cheapest to get them from? I'm looking for the ones with the plastic rings.

you should try a automatic roller filter, lasts for months depending on your system.

DLHDesign · Dec 20, 2016

I've only got two sets - the one in my tank, and one drying. I remove one set, put the new ones in, wash the dirty ones, then hang them to dry. By the time I need them again (2-3 days), they are dry.

I don't wash mine in the machine - I think my wife would hurt me if I did...

I got mine from BRS. They are the RedSea specific ones, so the costs were annoyingly high wherever I looked for them...

jcoopcycle · Dec 20, 2016

Waters · Dec 20, 2016

I only keep 4......as long as I have 1 ready to go if needed, then I am good. I do find myself constantly replacing them though...eventually the plastic ring pulls away from the sock. I am sure a lot of that is due to me turning them inside out when I clean them.

MaiReef · Dec 20, 2016

I have 5. BRS seems to have them pretty inexpensive

lyscer · Dec 20, 2016

I have 15-20 DIY socks (https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-filter-socks.162584/). Since they don't have to be perfect the sewing wasn't too bad. Took me 3-4 hours one night and I was done. I think overall I spent < $30 for all of them. Makes it nice being able to pull it out, rinse it and toss it in a "dirty sock" bucket and then do a full load of them when I am down to a handful. I use to only have 2 and I would always feel the pressure of needing to clean them to make sure I had them on hand. Now I wash them every 4-5 months is all.

jsker · Dec 20, 2016

Between 20 and 90. When I get to about 20 I make another 90 to 100 for .20 a piece and toss them when they are dirty. They are very simple to make

Squirrel_reefer · Dec 20, 2016

Right now I have two socks

I wish it was two hundred, If money was no object I would have 20-30 on hand

DereksReef77 · Dec 20, 2016

I have about 20 that have been in circulation between all my tanks and just got 25 more off of ebay. So quite a few.

Mike_J · Dec 20, 2016

I have one filter sock that I just clean up and scrub down in less than 5 minutes and put back into the sump. Easy peasy.

NanaReefer · Dec 20, 2016

15+ usually wait till I'm down to one then wash [emoji2]

120reefkeeper · Dec 20, 2016

I'd say I have about a dozen . You may not have a choice as to how long they last. Sometimes mine go 5 days but most of the time I say it's 4 days. If they clog up then you'll have to change them or they will just overflow. I use the brs kind and they are really really good! Quality built and you can wash them in the washing machine with a little bleach. Here is the link .

When washing them fist run a small empty load with nothing in the machine except a little bleach. This will clean the machine out. Then load up all the socks turned inside out. Wash normal cycle with a little bleach and do an extra rinse cycle. Once they are done hang them up turned right side in for a few days before use. This way they completely dry .

I usually run a load when I get down to 2 or three good ones left so the freshly washed ones have time to dry. I've been doing it this way for a long time and have never had a problem.

Griff · Dec 20, 2016

I have 12. I turn them inside out. Run them through the washer with bleach. Do an extra rinse then toss them in the dryer.

ksfulk · Dec 20, 2016

I have a Red Sea Reefer, so it has two 4" socks in the sump. Currently I have 9 pairs of mesh socks, and 3 pairs of felt socks. Im running Zeovit, so Im in my sump every day, but I only change the socks about 2-3 times a week. I like being able to swap mesh or felt, depending on what Im doing. If Im on a week where Im doing sand vaccumming or blow detrius off the rocks, I'll toss in a pair of felt socks and change them the next day. I toss all of my socks in the sink and rinse them out, turn them inside out and then they sit in an old salinity bucket until Im down to a pair or so left, then I toss all of them in the washer with a little bit of bleach, run it through one cycle, then run it through a cycle with no bleach, and hang them to dry. Works like a charm.

NCreefguy · Dec 20, 2016

Got about 8-10 socks. When I'm down to one or two left,I let my wife know and she pre-washes them in the utility sink then tosses them in the washer with some bleach. I've got a great wife!

twilliard · Dec 20, 2016

I have 8
I make my own from 12x12 felt squares and a hot glue gun

shoelaceike · Dec 20, 2016

jsker said:
Between 20 and 90. When I get to about 20 I make another 90 to 100 for .20 a piece and toss them when they are dirty. They are very simple to make

Same. I wouldnt want those in my washing machine

aaron23 · Dec 20, 2016

take a look at the new filter socks by Skimz, theyre made of a different material not felt i think nylon. and you can just take it to the sink and wash off its so much easier than having to launder them