Micron filter bag getting dirty after just 3 days

[Kayzah]

Hi there,

I filled my tank with water on Thursday (3 days ago).

I didn't turn on the skimmer until today. I didn't want to run the skimmer immediately as I had added some bottled bacteria in my tank.

But today I realized that my micron filter bag is already "dirty", even though my tank is empty. Just saltwater, bottled bacteria (Seachem Stability and other) dosage every now and then, dry rocks (marco rocks)



Is that happening because I didn't run the skimmer right from the outset?
Is this serious, and should I clean my filter bag immediately?

Thank you

 

[Big G]

Most keep extra filter bags so you can rotate them as needed. What you are probably seeing is debris coming off of the rocks and sand (if you have sand). I toss my dirty bags into the washer with bleach on gentle cycle. Make sure they get a good rinse cycle. Let them dry for a few days. Any remains bleach will dissipate as the sock/bag dries. Hope this helps. Cheers!

 

[Kayzah]

Ok thank you, I'll do that! I'm gonna buy replacement extra-bags too.

 

[Finhead]

You could also do what many of us do and not run a filter sock at all. I haven't run one in 2 years now.

 

[DSC reef]

It's normal for the socks to get dirty quickly, it won't matter if your skimming or not. I try to keep a weeks worth and rotate every 3 days and wash once a week.

 

[GoVols]

I ran along time without filter socks because I did not want to have to keep up with a lot and machine washing them.
But.. Been running the Red Sea 225 micron nylon mesh filter sock for about 1.5 years. Love them and my sump stays a lot cleaner.

I can get about six months from one of those and they clean up easy with a hose pipe or your kitchen sink sprayer.

 

[Kayzah]

Thank you all for your feedbacks. I really appreciate.

 

[Big G]

rotate every 3 days and wash once a week.

^^^ exactly. As DSC says. Especially if you are dealing with the algae & toothbrush routine.

 

[Jeepguy242]

i only run socks when i see alot of particulates in the water... just wash them and replace...

it won't hurt to go a couple of days without them and then put them back in when they are clean

 

[GoVols]

^^^ exactly. As DSC says. Especially if you are dealing with the algae & toothbrush routine.

(lol)
I rinse out my nylon mesh sock about every two to three days... already cleaning out the skimmers collection cup anyways might as well get the sock too.. ;Woot ;Woot

 

[Jeepguy242]

(lol)
I rinse out my nylon mesh sock about every two to three days... already cleaning out the skimmers collection cup anyways might as well get the sock too.. ;Woot ;Woot

if your gonna have to smell the nasties, might as well get it over with all at once LOL

 

[Jeepguy242]

(lol)
I rinse out my nylon mesh sock about every two to three days... already cleaning out the skimmers collection cup anyways might as well get the sock too.. ;Woot ;Woot

i usually empty the skimmer cup every night as i have been skimming on the wet side to get my GHA under control... filter bag every 3 also... but only when i run it...

 

[Midrats]

I like filter cups over socks with floss and a sprinkle carbon or whatnot. No spraying or washing, just throw the floss in the trash and refill.

 

[recess62]

I like filter cups over socks with floss and a sprinkle carbon or whatnot. No spraying or washing, just throw the floss in the trash and refill.

Where do you buy these?

 

[CoralReefer1019]

no socks for me, you should try it

 

[Midrats]

Where do you buy these?

Marine Depot. There are a few other iterations on the market if you look around. I got mine directly from The Machine Shop, but it looks like MD carries it now.

 

[recess62]

no socks for me, you should try it

I don’t run socks either. I also don’t run GAC. I liked the idea of putting in some filter floss and putting some Rox8 on top when I want to polish the water. Seems easier then putting in the reactor

 

[Midrats]

I don’t run socks either. I also don’t run GAC. I liked the idea of putting in some filter floss and putting some Rox8 on top when I want to polish the water. Seems easier then putting in the reactor

The cup is great for this. I run Tunze Macro Wadding in it so it's not super aggressive mechanical filtration and it lasts about a week before it needs changing. It leaves plenty of particulates behind for my filter feeders. I sprinkle a small amount of Seagel in there to keep the water colorless and phosphates in check. I find running chemical media in this way is a great middle ground between an aggressive reactor and a passive filter bag.

 

[srad750c]

I never use socks, I like to see what grows in sump. I have an aquaclear HOB filter sponge in my overflow, I clean it weekly, 5 mins of my time. Toss out for new twice a year.

 

[Pivitol]

I use DIY felt filter socks, changed out every other day. Made over 200 4"x12" socks for around $40. I Switch them out until I fill a 5gal bucket, turn them inside out and wash with bleach in the washing machine plus an extra rinse cycle and throw them in the dryer. (Still have about 150 that have never been used)