Sponge instead of socks?

[West1]

I don't use filter socks but have seen debree building up in my sump rather quick.

Not sure if this has been done before or if it's a topic that's been brought up before.

I'm going to see how much junk the sponge can collect over a week.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Filter socks will collect way more than a sponge will

 

[West1]

Filter socks will collect way more than a sponge will

Correct.

I am not running any socks because of having to throw them in the washing machine. My wife does not like that nor do I enjoy having to maintenance more stuff, so I am running sockless. This morning I looked at the sponge and I will modify it by cutting a hole through the sponge.
This way the water flows upwards through the sponge. When cleaning time comes around, its as easy as the sponge before my return pump... squeeze in tank water during water changes.

My goal is not to replace the socks but to absorb some debree as best possible without sending stuff to the washer machine.

Something better than nothing

 

[Doclight]

I have tried both. Problem with the sponge is its hard to clean. Get the Mesh socks. Easy to clean, don't have to put in the washing machine..

I do still have a sponge in my sump right before the return pump in the baffles. Catches anything that might slip through.

 

[West1]

I have tried both. Problem with the sponge is its hard to clean. Get the Mesh socks. Easy to clean, don't have to put in the washing machine..

I do still have a sponge in my sump right before the return pump in the baffles. Catches anything that might slip through.

I might try that, thx!

 

[Jerm40]

Looks like it’s just overflowing from the container Not real effective if it’s not all passing through the filter pad.

 

[West1]

Looks like it’s just overflowing from the container Not real effective if it’s not all passing through the filter pad.

Correct. I realized this and will try and put a whole through the sponge so the debree stays inside the container.

 

[danreefman]

I threw different live sponge in sock area. Tank is happy

 

[West1]

I threw different live sponge in sock area. Tank is happy

Any pics for the curious ones like myself?

 

[andrewkw]

Filter socks are seriously the easiest thing out of all reef things to clean. It always surprises me that people complain about cleaning them.

 

[West1]

Filter socks are seriously the easiest thing out of all reef things to clean. It always surprises me that people complain about cleaning them.

Can you post a video on how you clean them by hand?

I never knew there were mesh socks till today so filter socks are once again an option for me.

 

[andrewkw]

I store them in a bucket when I change them, I dump the bucket in the washing machine every 2 weeks or so. I add bleach, set the machine and come back when the washing machine sings.

What exactly does your wife not like about putting filter socks in the washing machine? If they are leaving shells or starfish behind clean them out after you're done. One wipe should take care of it.

 

[West1]

I store them in a bucket when I change them, I dump the bucket in the washing machine every 2 weeks or so. I add bleach, set the machine and come back when the washing machine sings.

What exactly does your wife not like about putting filter socks in the washing machine? If they are leaving shells or starfish behind clean them out after you're done. One wipe should take care of it.

Just the idea of putting them in the washer and not being able to place anything else in it.
When I had my 300gl freshwater, I had about 15 filter socks to try and minimize the usage of the washer... she doesn't like it. So, end of argument and I need to find another solution for my hobby interests.

 

[RELLIK-REEF]

I store them in a bucket when I change them, I dump the bucket in the washing machine every 2 weeks or so. I add bleach, set the machine and come back when the washing machine sings.

What exactly does your wife not like about putting filter socks in the washing machine? If they are leaving shells or starfish behind clean them out after you're done. One wipe should take care of it.

So if you don’t want the maintenance of the socks but at the same time less debris then look into placing one of your wifeys pantyhose and watch the difference also very easy to clean (just throw them away) they will just keep stretching until you discard them but this little trick works very well, and it’s cheap.
Mind you I do use filter socks, but this option has great results. It’s funny it starts off that you’re just watching and thinking nothing is going to happen, just give it a week it might surprise you.
Happy reefing.

 

[West1]

So if you don’t want the maintenance of the socks but at the same time less debris then look into placing one of your wifeys pantyhose and watch the difference also very easy to clean (just throw them away) they will just keep stretching until you discard them but this little trick works very well, and it’s cheap.
Mind you I do use filter socks, but this option has great results. It’s funny it starts off that you’re just watching and thinking nothing is going to happen, just give it a week it might surprise you.
Happy reefing.

LOL@ just throw them away.

After the wife putting up with my various tank setups through out the house and installing a 24hr drip system on multiple tanks, I've come to the point where minimal arguing over the most absurd issues is best for my family Lol.

The washing machine is not an option anymore unless I buy a separate one haha.

 

[Cherub]

if you're adamant about not using socks use filter floss instead. you just throw it away and it collects more than a sponge. just don't forget it!

 

[Fumanchu]

I have tried both. Problem with the sponge is its hard to clean. Get the Mesh socks. Easy to clean, don't have to put in the washing machine..

I do still have a sponge in my sump right before the return pump in the baffles. Catches anything that might slip through.

I have to agree that the mesh sock is so easy to just rinse out and replace .. so I have to +1 this one

 

[Pivitol]

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-mesh-filter-sock-with-plastic-ring.html

 

[RELLIK-REEF]

I was being sarcastic about using hers but you can go buy some and unlike filter floss, it’s not horrible if you do forget about it for a little bit. I’ve seen a friend leave it in for a month and they just keep stretching.