To sock, or not to sock...

[TheReefNoob]

Hey Guys,

I know this can bring up a heated debate with some. But from what I have read and other reefers feedback. That the community is 50/50 on this topic. I just need a little help making that jump on running no socks in my sump/system. I really want to include a refugium in my sump. But the only way to do so is removing my filter sock hold and water baffle from my sump and moving my protein skimmer in it's place. So my protein skimmer chamber will be my new refugium. I have very limited space in my sump, here is my current layout below... Any other thoughts of what I can do.

Thanks...

 

[hijinks7]

I run Triton method which says not to use socks.. Its not scientific but I think I saw better growth in the refugium when I removed them.

Socks are perfectly fine to run if you clean them. I just vacuum up the refgium area when I remove cheato once a every 6-8 weeks.

 

[ca1ore]

Those that run socks think they are important; those that do not don't! Successful tanks are run with socks ..... and without - doesn't seem to be anywhere close to being the critical, determining factor for success. Personally I don't run them, mostly don't see the point. I think it also depends a lot on what other forms of filtration you run.

 

[Chris Villalobos]

I run with no filters and no skimmer. My Nitrates are consistently low and I only use GFO part time. I see a lot more particles in my water now that I run filter-less. I have to think that filter feeding corals will appreciate all those partials and amino acids in the water. If I want to show off the tank on the weekend I can always slip the socks back in.

 

[kswan]

Can you remote mount your ATO to gain space. That way you could have the option for both. I'm currently running without socks as an experiment. I like having the option to add them back if it ends up helping my tank.

 

[Chris Villalobos]

Great article on why we shouldn't run filter socks or skimmers.

https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2013/12/aafeature

 

[Jimbo662]

I only run a sock if I need to remove debris after a good cleaning or moving rocks around.

 

[TheReefNoob]

Can you remote mount your ATO to gain space. That way you could have the option for both. I'm currently running without socks as an experiment. I like having the option to add them back if it ends up helping my tank.

I was thinking of that too, but I would lose that baffle right before my return pump chamber. But it still might work...

 

[S-t-r-e-t-c-h]

IMO the most important thing is if you run socks, clean them frequently. Like every few days. Else, you're better not using socks and letting natural processes handle the detritus.

 

[Chris Villalobos]

I was thinking of that too, but I would lose that baffle right before my return pump chamber. But it still might work...

When I took out my skimmer I found that I only needed a piece of stiff filter material around my return pump and the rest of the sump I use for a refugium.

 

[TheReefNoob]

When I took out my skimmer I found that I only needed a piece of stiff filter material around my return pump and the rest of the sump I use for a refugium.

Do you have a mix reef (fish and coral). I can see no skimmer on a coral only tank. But with fish I would think a skimmer is a must. ???

 

[Chris Villalobos]

Do you have a mix reef (fish and coral). I can see no skimmer on a coral only tank. But with fish I would think a skimmer is a must. ???

Not necessarily. My tank has fish and corals and my nitrates sit a 2 to 4 ppm. My PH is also very stable even without the skimmer's gas exchange. My PO4 does rise without GFO though. We must ask ourselves what does a skimmer skim and why? Skimmers take out proteins (amino acids), and other potential coral foods. Eventually, the bio-filter turns all these organic materials into NO3 and PO4. If we have macro algae or another type organic filter to remove the nutrient buildup I would think we do not really need a skimmer.

 

[Oldreefer44]

When I finally removed the socks my algae problems went away. IMO, unless you are prepared to clean them at a minimum, twice a week, then they are not worth it.

 

[paphater]

I have to change my socks every 2-3 days. The only reason I run them is to cut down on micro bubbles that make it to my return pump. I've been thinking about trying a piece of foam or something to trap them.

 

[Fourstars]

I only install mine on maintenance day. Then remove the next morning

 

[Neo Jeo]

What is the best way to clean shocks?

 

[anit77]

What is the best way to clean shocks?

By not using them, lol [emoji6]

I've found turning them inside out and flushing with a decent water pressure clears a bunch of the crap out. Then put them in the washer with sodium percarbonite and a hot water wash, rinse twice. This gets them pretty clean.

 

[chowwil]

When I finally removed the socks my algae problems went away. IMO, unless you are prepared to clean them at a minimum, twice a week, then they are not worth it.

Really, been having algae issue too and using socks, should try and remove and see if it will make a difference

 

[paphater]

I prefer to blast them with a hose but in the winter I run them through the washing machine twice with no detergent. I run the extra rinse to.

 

[Neo Jeo]

I prefer to blast them with a hose but in the winter I run them through the washing machine twice with no detergent. I run the extra rinse to.

I have read that there might be detergent left over from last wash. You think this can cause a problem?