When to change filter socks?

[ReeferCub]

I have a redsea reefer 170, where the generally available filter socks doesn't fit. So i am kind of forced to buy the redsea socks. I would like to know details about filter sock maintenance. Is it ok if i take it out every 2 weeks and wash thoroughly in hot water and reuse it? How long before i should change to a new one? Any tips in cleaning?

 

[whatchamacallit]

You'll most likely be changing it out more than once every two weeks. Mine clogs up every 24-48 hours with only two fish and being fed 4 pellets every other day. I take it out, pull it inside out, throw it in the washer on heavy duty hot , let it dry in the air, then throw it back in the tank

 

[redfishbluefish]

I now get about three days out of a sock. I use mesh socks and simply run under the sink while scrubbing fabric to fabric to rinse off the sock. You'll know it's clogged because it's overflowing.

 

[Engloid]

That's why I went to the 3ft long socks. They would last 1-3 weeks. I also just washed them in the washing machine.

 

[lyrical]

I change mine every 2 or 3 days at the minimum. If your goal is to use a sock to help improve water quality and not just to remove particles from the water column, changing it every two weeks is going to have a lesser effect since solids are breaking down inside your water. I use the felt socks from BRS and clean them in RODI water and let air dry.

 

[jetmaker]

I don't use them tend to hold nitrate

 

[TheEngineer]

I run mine until they start to overflow then swap it out. I turn it inside out and then throw it in the washer with bleach.

 

[Fin]

I also use the mesh socks from BRS. I placed them in my DIY sump where I can swap them out in a few seconds. I try to change them every day. I put both the socks in a small bucket and rinse them out with the pressure nozzle on the garden hose, turn them inside out and repeat and air dry. Occasionally soak them in bleach and throw them in the washing machine. Even with mesh socks, they will overflow in a few days.

 

[TDTA1181]

I run mine until they start to overflow then swap it out. I turn it inside out and then throw it in the washer with bleach.

When u wash it w/ bleach to do you let it air dry? I run a cycle w/ 3 caps of prime & then hang out on clothes line.

 

[TheEngineer]

When u wash it w/ bleach to do you let it air dry? I run a cycle w/ 3 caps of prime & then hang out on clothes line.

Yep, I leave it out to air dry for a few days

 

[143MPCo]

I have a redsea reefer 170, where the generally available filter socks doesn't fit. So i am kind of forced to buy the redsea socks. I would like to know details about filter sock maintenance. Is it ok if i take it out every 2 weeks and wash thoroughly in hot water and reuse it? How long before i should change to a new one? Any tips in cleaning?

IMO, each tank (system) will clog any sock you select at different intervals, no tank has the same type of organisms producing the same types of waste; ultimately what works for one system might not work for another ...your change interval will depend on how quickly or slowly your systems production of waste will clog them. On newer setups socks can be clogged very quickly at first as all the particulars roaming freely are removed but, once that's done they can last weeks without needing to be replaced. That is until you start adding inhabits and they start producing waste that will start to clog them.

...for years I've said it's ok to wash your socks in the washing machine, hot water, with a cup of bleach, after the first wash I turn the socks inside out and wash them again with just hot water, if your pairanoid go a third time (just hot water) and let them air dry. Once they have dried they are absolutely safe to use.

Note: the washing machine is a bit brutal on the plastic ring and sooner or later the sock will need to be replaced.

 

[143MPCo]

Additionally, as you system matures and stabilizes you'll see that they will over-flow (clog) faster and will force you to change them more often.

 

[Engloid]

BTW, many sock filters can be bought from mcmaster-carr, for much less than aquatic suppliers sell them for.

 

[Shell]

I change mine twice a week, the day I do a water change and 3 days later when it over flows from sock being clogged. It has been twice a week since I put a dimond goby in the tank.

 

[ReeferCub]

IMO, each tank (system) will clog any sock you select at different intervals, no tank has the same type of organisms producing the same types of waste; ultimately what works for one system might not work for another ...your change interval will depend on how quickly or slowly your systems production of waste will clog them. On newer setups socks can be clogged very quickly at first as all the particulars roaming freely are removed but, once that's done they can last weeks without needing to be replaced. That is until you start adding inhabits and they start producing waste that will start to clog them.

...for years I've said it's ok to wash your socks in the washing machine, hot water, with a cup of bleach, after the first wash I turn the socks inside out and wash them again with just hot water, if your pairanoid go a third time (just hot water) and let them air dry. Once they have dried they are absolutely safe to use.

Note: the washing machine is a bit brutal on the plastic ring and sooner or later the sock will need to be replaced.

Very nice and informative post. Thank you.

 

[Sabellafella]

The red sea socks for me expire in 2 to 3 days , washing machine or powerwash is the way to go

 

[Jimmyb819]

Even if your filter sock would last longer than a few days without filling up you would still want to change it or clean it. Detritus left in a filter sock will rot and cause elevated Nitrates. I use them because they keep my sump clean, but 3 days is probably about as long as you should leave them without cleaning.

 

[Newb73]

Every 3 to 4days.

When I have enough to fill washer I run them twice in washer, no bleach. Dry a few hours then store.

Also i run the feed cycles via an apex so that food doesn't get in them.

I also run a nutrient export mode (over 115,000 gallons per hour with all my pumps) then I run my main pump along side my auxiliary/back up main for a few hours just prior to changing them.

 

[huskerreefatl]

I change mine about every 3 days, when 3 get dirty I toss them in the washer on hot and let air dry. Amazon has them cheap and you can buy them in bulk. I have about 20.

 

[Newb73]

By the way....that's not supposed to be 115,000 gph. 115 tank turn over........

Before someone point it put...