To Filter sock or not to Filter sock?

[rockskimmerflow]

As someone who maintains a lot of aquariums, I have 'weaned' every tank off of filter socks at one point or another. I like simplicity and for me that peace of mind is a couple powerheads in the sump and letting the skimmer do its job. No skimmer? -A powerhead with a large sponge prefilter does the same work for me as the sock only it won't overflow and I can rinse it weekly or as needed. Less work, less expense.

I can't knock socks for doing their job, I just choose to use a different mousetrap because I deal with so many different setups. If you're comfortable with socks keep on using them I think they'll work just fine. It's all about how you want to structure your maintenance routines.

 

[TankRazr]

I go back and forth between using them and not using them but would like to eliminate them altogether in favor of an in sump powerhead keeping detritus in suspension for removal via skimmer.

The main problem I had with them is clogging too fast which would slow the flow of water through them. The water would then accumulate in the chamber above the socks effectively lowering the water level in the sump chamber where the Tunze osmoregulator is located. The tank would then be topped off due to displaced water rather than from water being evaporated. Then when the return pump would go off during the feeding sequence controlled by the apex the sump would over flow. After the feed cycle the sump level would then drop again after the return pump fired up and the osmoregulator would again add more water to replace the water which over flowed....vicious cycle that would throw off the salinity.

So for now with a two sock set up I use one felt sock to do most of the heavy lifting and then a second 200 micron mesh sock that will allow enough water to pass through with out it clogging to the point that the sock chamber backs up and sequesters too much water.

I have an old magnum 350 canister filter which I will use, not permanently set up, but just like a vacuum cleaner to suck the detritus out of the corners.

I know a photo here would be worth a thousand words!

TR

 

[ReefXotic]

I find running the sock gives you better water clarity. I have only 2 socks. I run mine doe 2 weeks or until it starts overflowing then I switch them out. Not too worried because I also run a bio-pellet reactor which solves the nitrate issue.

How do I clean the sock? It's easy and takes 5-10min. I use a garden hose and spray at full power in the plants so I won't waste water. I spray the outside, flip it inside out and spray again until the water runs clear. Let dry and reuse. No issues with the corals.

 

[Harold Green]

When it comes to maintaining a single tank or so I see the filter socks as a part of normal maintenance. I swap them out every two to three days handwashing the dirty socks to reuse the next cycle. My tank has been up for over a year with only an occasional small water change yet looking into the tank you can't tell there's water there and I credit the filter socks with keeping the water that clear. Mine are set up so if the socks stop up the water overflows into the next chamber with no issues. For someone like me who feeds the tank daily I like being able to remove any excess materials floating around in the water before it can breakdown and at the same time it allows the refugium to concentrate on removing nitrates from the water without having to deal with all the material the socks remove. I feel it also prevents all that small debris from getting into the gfo/carbon reactors and reducing water flow through them. After having dozens of saltwater tanks over the decades, to me it's worth the effort in cleaning to have the benefits from the socks.

 

[s2nhle]

My sump has two rings for 2 socks but I never used the socks. I put my live rock in there so my live rock will acting as the filter.

 

[SciGuy2]

I like socks and have run them for years. I put a wad of polester fiber floss in the sock as a prefilter and toss it out every few days when it looks discolored. The floss allows me to go 2-4 weeks between cleaning the sock. By the way, an inexpensive source of fiber floss that has worked for me are cheapo $2 pillows at Walmart. There is a whole lot of floss in one of these pillows for a couple of bucks.

 

[DeniseAndy]

I run one drain with a sock and one without. Mainly to reduce cost. Although, I will do the DIY socks from now on. I sew a lot anyway. Thanks for that. I had been lazy before about doing it, but cost is a huge difference.

I rinse by hand when I remove them. About weekly maybe a bit more. Then when all are dirty, I put in washer on hand wash with bleach only and run the rinse cycle about 4 times. Then dry completely. Good to go. I have been doing this over two years with no issues. My socks if overflow due to dirt, just overflow into the sump, so not big deal.

I think it helps get the big stuff and keeps me from having to vacuum the sump every water change. I still do about once a month or two, but not as often as I would otherwise.

IMO you clean one way or another. How you want to clean is a personal opinion and preference. This works for me and my system.

 

[Tek]

I started to use socks this year and even though the water gets polished better it was a hassle to maintain. I do not have the luxury of a spacious stand/sump.

What worked great instead was adding a power head to the sump and letting the skimmer pick up detritus in the water column. My SPS are also happier now with the extra food in the water when I feed.

 

[s2nhle]

wow, great idea. I will start looking at the walmart for it. Thank you for sharing.

 

[iyad_nadi]

I don't use sock for 3 years I just use basket with some filter pads cleaning them weekly and changing them monthly

 

[Newtybar]

I may switch and try the mesh socks, 800 micron or something like that. Won't catch everything, but will catch enough and be less maintenance.

 

[TankRazr]

I may switch and try the mesh socks, 800 micron or something like that. Won't catch everything, but will catch enough and be less maintenance.

I personally wouldn't even bother with 800. The 200 micron I use barely catches anything!