The heck with it, im going sockless!!

[lou dog420]

Im tired of cleaning them, and pretty convinced they are just a nutrient factory!! Who else out there is not running socks??

 

[R_C]

I also got tired of cleaning them and decided to use quilt batting. Very inexpensive and I just throw it away when done.

 

[luke33]

I haven't used mechanical filtration for 15yrs, its a pain as filter socks clog up within a day or two.

 

[CodyRVA]

Factory implies production, filter socks don't "produce" anything, they collect what's already in your system. Change em more frequently, plenty of folks have success with them. I always buy a few every time I order from BRS, usually wash up to 20+ at a time, makes using them much less of a pain only having to wash maybe once a month at most.

 

[lou dog420]

I also got tired of cleaning them and decided to use quilt batting. Very inexpensive and I just throw it away when done.

My system has 2 sumps so im hoping that most just settles in the first one that just contains my skimmer, then I could just siphon it out every week when I do my water change. My biggest concern is a snail getting in my skimmer pump.

 

[Cherub]

I only use socks when I want the water crystal clear but I also just run carbon when I want that too. Filter socks are something I use once a month for a couple of days at most. It's certainly not necessary if you're keeping up with water changes and have a good skimmer.

 

[lou dog420]

Factory implies production, filter socks don't "produce" anything, they collect what's already in your system. Change em more frequently, plenty of folks have success with them. I always buy a few every time I order from BRS, usually wash up to 20+ at a time, makes using them much less of a pain only having to wash maybe once a month at most.

True that its in your system, but the sock traps it where nothing can get to it to consume it.

 

[dieselkeeper]

I also got tired of cleaning them and decided to use quilt batting. Very inexpensive and I just throw it away when done.

I do the same.

 

[shoelaceike]

I've gone without them for a while and didn't see any negative effect. The water is definitely clearer though with them. I too make my own and throw them out every few days.

 

[SashimiTurtle]

I started my tank up sockless. I have a few more particles floating around after feeding but it eventually gets skimmed, settles into the sump or snail territory. Nitrates and phosphates are under control, corals happy. I don't see a need for them on my system, not right now at least.

 

[justingraham]

Good nothing's worse then a shoobie

 

[Heath Biggers]

I think they are one of the cheapest and most efficient methods of getting waste out of the system if that is needed. I can see just using them as needing. The main thing i have learned in this hobby is to change what you are doing as your system requires it.

 

[lou dog420]

I started my tank up sockless. I have a few more particles floating around after feeding but it eventually gets skimmed, settles into the sump or snail territory. Nitrates and phosphates are under control, corals happy. I don't see a need for them on my system, not right now at least.

My thoughts are, the longer I can keep it in suspension, better chance it will get eaten and not just sit in the sock and rot!!

 

[lou dog420]

My thoughts are, the longer I can keep it in suspension, better chance it will get eaten and not just sit in the sock and rot!!

Now that I think about it, I may even put a powerhead in the sump to keep it suspended! !

 

[SashimiTurtle]

Now that I think about it, I may even put a powerhead in the sump to keep it suspended! !

I have a Koralia nano in my refugium section. Chaeto will not grow, but I left it in there after I removed the rotting clump after my second try. It helps keep the water churned up and not just skipping across the top of my sump.

 

[Chris Harbaugh]

I have never used a sock in either of my refugium. I have 2. I have a huge population of amphipodes, copepodes, bristle worms, featherdusters, and spaghetti worms, along with brittle stars, hermit crabs and snails in my refugiums. I have a constant flow of particles in my tanks and my goniopora's along with all my other corals look great. I do use a turkey baster and stir up my r efugiums every 2 to 3 weeks but I enjoy actually watching my r efugiums as much as I watch my tanks.

 

[Leslie Tabor]

Factory implies production, filter socks don't "produce" anything, they collect what's already in your system. Change em more frequently, plenty of folks have success with them. I always buy a few every time I order from BRS, usually wash up to 20+ at a time, makes using them much less of a pain only having to wash maybe once a month at most.

This is exactly what I do! Makes it way easier!

 

[themadman]

I started out with socks but it was the only part of my maintenance I dreaded! So I got rid of them about a month into my tank being set up and haven't looked back since. Haven't had any bad side effects at all. I run a couple of maxijet pumps just blowing in my sump to keep detritus from settling anywhere down there and works great.

 

[Waters]

I see what the socks look like when I change them....no way I could knowingly let that filth circulate around my tank As others have stated, a cheap and effective way to provide filtration.

 

[lou dog420]

Well I can already see atleast one benefit, I fed my fish at 8 this morning, they are all still out actively picking particles out of the water column at noon!! In my mind all the extra time feeding is eliminating food that would have just been trapped in the sock for 4 or 5 days.