Filter socks

Just put them in the washer

 

IMO

Filter socks (cleaned regularly) is just an effective tool for keeping your tank clean as a skimmer.

I invert them, throw them in the washing machine, and hang to air dry.

 

I know this may seem pretty obvious, but don't put any detergent in the washer! haha

 

I wash them in the washer on the longest, hottest cycle and use a small amount of natural, phosphate-free detergent. I have other things in with the filter sock............ There are several extra rinse cycles etc and then I rinse once really well before I put it in the tank and have had no problems. Been using the same socks for awhile now. You'd be surprised how much detritus they catch in just a couple days.

 

I soak mine in a heavy bleach solution - ~3 parts water, ~1 part bleach. Then run through the washer with only bleach - NO detergent - with an extra rinse cycle. Then let it dry out for at least 24 hours to evaporate the chlorine.

 

where do you put them? Forgive my ignorance.

 

Posted By PotRoast on 11/02/2010 02:47 PM
where do you put them? Forgive my ignorance.
There is no stupid questions, I am sure you arent the only one who wondered. 
They go in the sump & the incoming water from the tank drains into it first.  Then it catches all the un eaten food & detrius.  This way you remove it from the tank before it starts to break down into nitrates & ammonia.

 

I put some egg crate flat on the lip of the tank in the first chamber of my sump and cut two holes big enough for the filter sock to slide into. This allows me easy access, along with the added safety if the sock gets too full and overflows to allow the water to simply overflow into the chamber(not on the floor). Other ways are having an acrylic holder that does the same thing, just 10x more expensive.

I originally built my own filter socks out of polyester sheeting from Hobby Lobby, but it was such a PIA and Bulk Reef Supply has their mesh filter socks with rings for about $5 a piece. I liked the mesh because it seems easier to clean. The rings on them are a must IMO.

 

Posted By xroads on 11/02/2010 09:32 AM
IMO
Filter socks (cleaned regularly) is just an effective tool for keeping your tank clean as a skimmer.
I invert them, throw them in the washing machine, and hang to air dry.
+1   But don't tell your wife!