Question about filter socks & Chaeto

[hrdneglcry]

I purchased some Chaeto at the LFS. Supposedly quite simple to take care of. I run two tanks and put it in the fuge of both. Saw a video of common mistakes while keeping Chaeto. One was bot using a filter sock before the Chaeto. I tried filter socks. My Fuge is not setup to hold one but I can make something. But the sock would restrict the flow from my overflow box. Sometimes very quickly. I know they need to be changed in 3-4 days but in two days m return pump was spitting air because flow was not getting into the sump. Looking for some tips or comments on it. Do you use chaeto without a filter sock before it?

 

[shakacuz]

i have a DIY fiji sump kit for my 20L on my 40B display. chambers are as follows: drain>socks>skimmer/heater chamber>refigum/bio media>bubble traps with sponge/more bio media>return. my socks do get dirty within 4-5 days, but the sponge clogs up every 2 days or so.