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Filter socks who uses them who doesn't

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Armydog, Nov 8, 2015.

  1. Armydog

    Armydog Expert Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +738 / 8 / -0
    Ok so wanted to start a discussion about filter socks to get everyones opinions on them.

    I personally have never used them but after seeing @tangers@tangers sump and how clean it was it made me think that I probably should use them.

    Right now I have my first chamber full of LR rubble that is where my tank and skimmer drains into. I can see detritus in with it but have really never thought anything of it cause I have different inverts in with it.

    So who uses filter socks and who doesn't?

    What benefits are there with using them?
     
  2. Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +1,818 / 14 / -0
    I recently heard someone say they run them for about 1/2 day/week right after scraping glass and blowing off rocks with a power head. Otherwise they tend to trap food and pods continuously. Seemed like a pretty good methodology
     
  3. tangers Well-Known ReefKeeper

    455
    Ankeny
    Ratings:
    +155 / 0 / -0
    You obviously know my theory on them already ;)
     
  4. abower Well-Known ReefKeeper

    466
    Ryan, Ia
    Ratings:
    +74 / 1 / -0
    That is exactly how I use the. Install before cleaning and remove several hours after if not next day
     
  5. MadManMadrid Well-Known ReefKeeper

    440
    Iowa City
    Ratings:
    +158 / 4 / -0
    I dont use them i dont think i would keep up the maintenance of the sock. taking it out cleaning it all that jazz.and because i know that about myself i think it's better just not to try it. But i have seen it helps with the splash of the supply line from splashing
     
  6. jeremy Acro Addict

    Davenport, IA
    Ratings:
    +836 / 4 / -0
    I run them all the time. Switch them out 2 times a week. I have enough spares. So I wash them all every 3 weeks or so. Turn them inside out put them in washer with bleach run through. When done I turn them right side out and run through washer again water only. Then air dry and reuse.
    You would be amazed how much ****, worms, pods, algae, and other particulates they catch.
    And it helps keep sump clean.
     
  7. FishBrain Expert Reefkeeper

    New London
    Ratings:
    +399 / 6 / -0
    Your wife lets you get away with washing them in the cloths washer? Mine would flip lol.
     
  8. jeremy Acro Addict

    Davenport, IA
    Ratings:
    +836 / 4 / -0
    When she is not home. Lol
     
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  9. MadManMadrid Well-Known ReefKeeper

    440
    Iowa City
    Ratings:
    +158 / 4 / -0
    Admin please delete @jeremy@jeremy last post so his wife wont see and he doesnt have to sleep on the couch
     
  10. jeremy Acro Addict

    Davenport, IA
    Ratings:
    +836 / 4 / -0
    L
    Lol.:whistling:
     
  11. Ray/Jen_Reefin 2016 Vice President / 2015 Volunteer of the year.

    Davenport, IA
    Ratings:
    +459 / 5 / -0
    I like running filter socks it does catch a lot of the debris and the uneaten food. Also keeps the tank clear as well from the small particles from floating. also have found a ton of pods in there as well.

    Jen lets me get away with using the washer, but after all the clothes have been washed.
     
  12. violet21chewy Well-Known ReefKeeper

    430
    Des Moines area
    Ratings:
    +46 / 0 / -0
    I run them but cleaning them is a pain. I did order some 300 micron mesh filter socks and hoping that they will be easier to clean than the felt.
     
  13. Maureen Experienced Reefkeeper

    Urbandale, IA
    Ratings:
    +329 / 0 / -0
    I use filter socks on my 120. I think they help catch debris but probably my main reason for using them is that it makes my tank sound so much quieter with them on. My tank is in my bedroom so I like it to run as quietly as possible.
     
  14. AdamLawrence Well-Known ReefKeeper

    542
    Marion, IA
    Ratings:
    +171 / 0 / -0
    I use to use filter socks. When I change the socks I would turn them in side out to save the pods that would get stuck in their than I would use the washer and wash them with bleach I did it that way for many years now I am sock less and happy that I am. Now I am not killing pods. I just suck out the frist camber where the socks use to be it catches a ton of detritus.
     
  15. Derek

    129
    Cedar Rapids
    Ratings:
    +24 / 0 / -0
    I've only had my tank up for about 7 or 8 months now but I've used filter socks in my tank the entire time so far. I have 10 socks and change them about once a week. I've been thinking about taking them out and not using them because its a hassle trying to get all the pods out and back into the display tank. It does seem to catch a lot of lose food and detritus though so I'm torn between taking them out or leaving them in.
     
  16. Fence13 Experienced Reefkeeper

    Des Moines
    Ratings:
    +300 / 1 / -0
    I use the felt ones from BRS and I used to change them out twice a week but have gotten lazy and do it once a week. Then I was them with bleak and then rewash with just water. My sump isn't amazingly clean but it doesn't have a huge detritus problem either.
     
  17. GoodGreef Well-Known ReefKeeper

    681
    Clive, IA
    Ratings:
    +239 / 2 / -0
    I put socks on mine after about 4 months from setup. I change it twice a week and run them in the washing machine with vinegar and hot water. My sump stays fairly clean, with a diamond goby its pretty much necessary to have the sock unless I want a layer of sand in my sump.
     
  18. AquariumAddictions

    AquariumAddictions Inactive User

    36
    Ratings:
    +11 / 0 / -0
    I haven't used them, only because my sump is strange and finding one that will hang over the side has been nothing short of challenging
     
  19. abower Well-Known ReefKeeper

    466
    Ryan, Ia
    Ratings:
    +74 / 1 / -0
    Make your own with fabric store felt, a roll of string and a sewing machine. Very effective.
     
  20. AquariumAddictions

    AquariumAddictions Inactive User

    36
    Ratings:
    +11 / 0 / -0
    The sump I have doesn't have a spot for them. That's the problem I am having is finding something that fits over the side. I have acrylic I am gonna try making my own hangar
     

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