My solution to filter socks. Please give me your feedback.

[Sgt2404]

I just recently got back into the hobby after 25 years. I’m not real big fan of filter socks. It just seems that they’re so messy, hard to change and difficult to clean. Although my sump is designed to use a filter sock I decided to use this filter cartridge in the overflow instead. The cartridge is from a Marineland canister filter. It fits perfectly over my modified 1” pvc stub in my overflow. I’ve only had this tank set up for about 2 months and it seems to be working great. The filters are relatively cheap and they last forever. I literally have one that I used 25 years ago and it still works fine. When it starts getting blocked up I just flip it over since it’s only using less than half the filter at a time. To clean it I just spray it off then soak it overnight in a big plastic cup with a bleach/water solution. I’m interested to get feedback from the community if this is a good idea or not. Can you see any potential problems I might run into? Thanks guys!

 

[Water Dog]

Pretty interesting. I totally remember those filters. I probably still have the one that came with my Marineland HOT Magnum 250 filter sitting in my basement somewhere. How long does it take to clog? Do you change it out when you hear more water going down the emergency drain?

 

[mcarroll]

Love it!

 

[MZurlo]

 

[Scrubber_steve]

I use to plug one end & push the backyard hose in the other end & wammo, reverse flush the bliter.
Worked well.

 

[Sgt2404]

Pretty interesting. I totally remember those filters. I probably still have the one that came with my Marineland HOT Magnum 250 filter sitting in my basement somewhere. How long does it take to clog? Do you change it out when you hear more water going down the emergency drain?

I never wait until it goes down the emergency drain. It’s so easy to check condition of it because I always look at it every time I look at the tank. I usually flip it upside down every two days or so. Literally takes less than 10 seconds. I also have a mesh filter sock tied around the outlet of the emergency drain just in case water goes down it will be filtered before going in the sump.

 

[Reefcowboy]

Felt filter socks are a bad option. Clogg and hard to clean. Use mesh socks instead. They are easily cleaned and will filter all stuff you need. Lots of people get worried about socks, when in reality all they are needed for is to filter larger particles and food.

I have two mesh 4" socks in my sump and 2 spare ones. I use a pair for about 3 to 4 months cleaning them every week in the sink (less than 30 seconds), then throw them out. My systems have all been Sps only and as far as I can tell mechanical filtration is mainly water clarity and food waste control. Corals will be fine with of without socks.

They are also cheap.
Felt are a waste of time