What are your guys' opinions on using a micron sock consistently in your tank? I use mine all day. I'm trying to get all of the loose useless debris out since it is a fairly new tank. I know established reefs probably wouldn't work as well with one because they need phytoplankton, pods, nutrients, etc.
Using micron sock all the time?
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DesertReefT4r
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Some do some dont. I have not on my past tanks but I will be using a filter sock on my new setup. Either the ditritus settles out in the sand and lower flow areas and removed with water changes or its remove by the filter socks before it settles out. There is no right or wrong way on this one. I have a bean animal drain and only my full syphon will have a filter sock. I most likely will not run it all the time though.
chipmunkofdoom2
Always Making Something
When you say "a micron filter sock" do you mean a 1 micron filter sock?
If so, it's very unusual for people to run these 24/7. I'm not sure if there are any negative effects aside from the socks clogging extraordinarily fast.
If so, it's very unusual for people to run these 24/7. I'm not sure if there are any negative effects aside from the socks clogging extraordinarily fast.
chipmunkofdoom2
Always Making Something
10 micron socks face the same issue as 1 micron socks, but to a lesser extent. I have a few 10 micron socks I use for lanthanum chloride dosing and they clog very quickly. They likely have more usable life between cleanings than 1 micron socks, but they still clog much faster than 100 - 200 micron socks.
Again, likely not an issue and you probably won't have any negative effects from using them. But still, expect to change these socks out very frequently.
doughboy
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the fabric I use for diy sock is at least 100 micron. I do have to make the bag bigger to make it last a week, otherwise, standard 4" sock size, I have to change twice a week.
if you really want <100 micron, you can use disposable filter sock used to filter cow's milk, they are probably 10 or less microns.
if you really want <100 micron, you can use disposable filter sock used to filter cow's milk, they are probably 10 or less microns.
FLAdaboy
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I’ve noticed better health in my tank. Along with less algae. I started getting small patches of it and removed my socks. Within a month, the patches were gone. Also noticed a drop in nitrates. Anecdotally, there is more PE on my SPS along with fatter shrooms.
IslandLifeReef
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I use a sock after I clean my glass and blow off the rock and sump. I use it to try to get the excess debris out of the water. After about 15 hours, I take it out and clean it for the next time.
Elegance Coral
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I run 100 micron socks 24/7.
IMHO, socks that are changed out often, do more to keep the tank clean than skimmer, reactors, and other equipment.
They remove solid organic particles BEFORE they can break down and release inorganic nitrogen, PO4, and other contaminants.
IMHO, socks that are changed out often, do more to keep the tank clean than skimmer, reactors, and other equipment.
They remove solid organic particles BEFORE they can break down and release inorganic nitrogen, PO4, and other contaminants.
Interesting points. I use a 7 inch 10 micron sock 24 7. I would say that it definitely does leech nutrients. At the same time, it helps me remove them. The only problem is that it is so hard to clean. I can only replace my 10 micron at this point but it's only $10.
The problem with my tank is that it's not that established, so there is a lot of debris of all sizes. I'm trying to catch it all but I think my best route is to take all of the rocks out and let the water flow kick everything up and get it all done over a day or two.
After reading your guys posts, I think I might try some sort of schedule in the future, depending on my need after a deep cleaning. Perhaps the normal 200-400micron 5 days a week, 100 micron Saturday, then 10 or 1 micron Sunday. I only don't like the thought of removing phytoplankton and zooplankton, etc, but it depends on how cloudy my tank will be.
Thank you all for the input!
The problem with my tank is that it's not that established, so there is a lot of debris of all sizes. I'm trying to catch it all but I think my best route is to take all of the rocks out and let the water flow kick everything up and get it all done over a day or two.
After reading your guys posts, I think I might try some sort of schedule in the future, depending on my need after a deep cleaning. Perhaps the normal 200-400micron 5 days a week, 100 micron Saturday, then 10 or 1 micron Sunday. I only don't like the thought of removing phytoplankton and zooplankton, etc, but it depends on how cloudy my tank will be.
Thank you all for the input!
