Mechanical Filtration

[dtracy1119]

Just wanted to know how many of you guys use filter pads for mechanical filtration??? I was leaning more to use only a protein skimmer and no filter pads or socks.

 

[cgdcinc]

It’s all in what you want to do. I personally use socks and filter floss in my tanks. I have read here a lot of people don’t use anything.
I like the way they polish the water and trap some of the junk so it doesn’t end up settling in the sump. But I still have to clean it every couple months.
I think it would depend on your set up.

 

[Antics]

After trying mechanical vs none I prefer the cleanliness of the socks and/or floss. If I change them every other day I can keep my sump completely clean for months on end without any build up. I think a sump without mechanical filtration can obviously work fine, but I'd rather just buy 10-20 filter socks and cycle through them.

 

[WVNed]

I dont use any now. I have in the past but always end up pulling them out.

 

[ca1ore]

Highly overrated in my view. Design your system properly, and water quality and clarity is easily accomplished without mechanical filters.