Skimmer going nuts

jpontier212 · Jan 1, 2017

Hello and happy new years to all. I would like to say that i have been more than fortunate to have found such an awesome group of people that share my same passion of the hobby. With that being said, I'm having a problem with my protein skimmer. Every time i change my filter socks, my skimmer goes insane. I believe my washing machine might have left some soap on the socks and that may be what's creating this. But i have rinsed the socks after the rinse cycle on the machine twice and it still does it. What can i do?

george1381 · Jan 1, 2017

Do you use soap?

TRPlacek · Jan 1, 2017

Don't use soap. I don't use filter socks anymore but when I did I only washed them in hot water only.

ReeferMaddness843 · Jan 1, 2017

If using a washing machine for socks you could run one cycle before washing socks with bleach only. Then run a load of socks with an extra rinse cycle. Hang em up and allow to fully dry before replacing. Residual soap may show no issues now, but I could see it being a problem over time. I personally don't run socks and have a diy filtration as I don't like doing laundry for myself. Figure I don't like washing my own socks, can't imagine I'd like washing my Fish's socks. lol.

twilliard · Jan 1, 2017

I wash my socks by themselves using bleach only folded inside out.

jpontier212 · Jan 2, 2017

george1381 said:
Do you use soap?

Yes i do. Free and clear All. Bleach and when it's rinse cycle is done, i dip them all in a Seachem Prime solution and hang dry.

jpontier212 · Jan 2, 2017

twilliard said:
I wash my socks by themselves using bleach only folded inside out.

I fold mine inside out as well while they're washing. When I do the prime dip at the end, i turn them right side in

Reefnewb · Jan 2, 2017

When I wash my socks I run the washer empty once with a tiny bit of bleach then after that I will turn all of my socks inside out and wash them with nothing else and no soap or bleach. Let them air dry for a day.