Should I change my filter socks?

AlexG · Mar 16, 2020

I just did a water change and with the pumps off I got a good look at my filter socks. Should I change them?

If you read this far I will add these filter socks have been in place for 6+ months. Could not resist posting these pictures for a laugh. I don't think I am going to change them so I can grow these sponges out.

Mr Fishface · Mar 16, 2020

WOW lol. Some impressive sponge growth for sure!

siggy · Mar 16, 2020

Once a week to 10 days for sure, some say every three days and some do every day

I got tired of cleaning them, so I'm on auto refill from Amazon.

AlexG · Mar 17, 2020

Mr Fishface said:
WOW lol. Some impressive sponge growth for sure!

Thanks I saw this and had to share it.

DeniableArc · Mar 17, 2020

How does the water even pass through?

Gareth elliott · Mar 17, 2020

I would carefully watch your water level.
Turn off your ato before removing.
wait a bit to see where the new water level is. Then make the appropriate adjustments.

Also test no3 and po4 before removing test the next day. Your tank may need additional feedings to make up for the detritus that had been collecting.
My thoughts anyway.

siggy · Mar 17, 2020

Alex, Do you even have fish ?

nereefpat · Mar 17, 2020

In the Big Rock Candy Mountian
You never change your socks

Sorry

NS Mike D · Mar 17, 2020

If you let detritus sit in a filter sock, it will breakdown into NO3 and PO4 thus defeating the purpose of the filter sock. General consensus is to change/clean the filter socks every three days (or twice a week).

that being said, if you are happy with your levels of NO3 & PO4 and your tank is healthy, then don't change a thing.

Some reefers have done away with filter socks for just this reason. Their mature tanks are in balance and no need for additional mechanical filtration (which can filter out good things like pods etc)

X-37B · Mar 17, 2020

Strange. I used to change once a week now twice a week. If I leave them in they would overflow.
They are only effective if they are changed before they get plugged up.
Might as well not run any.

Redfoxtang · Mar 17, 2020

That’s what my sump looks like as I don’t run filter socks. My skimmer is my filter sock!!

Coral Reef Keepers · Mar 17, 2020

AlexG · Mar 17, 2020

siggy said:
Alex, Do you even have fish ?

I do have a few fish. The system has two displays.

vetteguy53081 · Mar 17, 2020

MichaelReefer · Mar 17, 2020

siggy said:
Alex, Do you even have fish ?

holy cow... Ummmm you should change em at least 3-5 days lol.

Squidward · Mar 17, 2020

LOL they don't overflow?? Whenever mines start to overflow, I change them. Usually in 3-4 days for me.

AlexG · Mar 17, 2020

Squidward said:
LOL they don't overflow?? Whenever mines start to overflow, I change them. Usually in 3-4 days for me.

They do overflow but it does not impact they water flow through

AZMSGT · Mar 17, 2020

I would just get tired of the overflowing water sound. Guessing you have that part of your sump hidden away so you don’t hear it. If that’s the case, I would just remove them completely.