Filter socks good or bad?

[dover101]

I am using a 100 micron filter sock on one side of my sump,which discharges to the skimmer side with return pump in middle of sump,the other side is unfiltered with water falling directly into refugium. I have noticed that the filter is usually light brown in color after 1-2 days,upon further inspection I have noticed many different and small creatures caught inside sock ,microfauna or plankton I hope.Do you think the benefits of this filter sock filtering food and detrius is better than the unwanted removal of these organisms?

[JetCat USA]

i use filter socks to cut down on micro bubbles from the overflow. i always take them off for a few hours during feeding and add a short length of pipe to extend the overflow down to just below water level. i also have 4 or 5 for each system and replace them daily, letting them sit with trapped food particles in them causes the trapped food to brake down into NO3 much quicker and doesn't allow the skimmer to pull them out.

[T Man]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10637890#post10637890 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dover101
I have noticed that the filter is usually light brown in color after 1-2 days,upon further inspection I have noticed many different and small creatures caught inside sock ,microfauna or plankton I hope.Do you think the benefits of this filter sock filtering food and detrius is better than the unwanted removal of these organisms?

Good description dover101 , and Welcome to Reef Central !!
As you have seen, filter socks work. Using them continously will filter your water column of everything down to 100 micron.
I use socks when I clean or rearrange the display on the sump entry side - but only as long as it takes to clear the water back. TinMan

[BeanAnimal]

Jetcat that sounds like a lot of work. Why not just turn off the return pump when you feed?

You mention that you have them to stop bubbles in the sump, not for filtration. Again, the amount of work seems large for something that may be fixable by other simple means.

Can you describe your overflow setup?

[JetCat USA]

it's not a biggie at all, takes about 5 seconds to take a sock off or put one on, and the short pipe about another 5 seconds to put on/take off.

turning off the return is not practical it feeds both the tank and the chiller (which also controls the heating), i feed nightly (Bangii and the corals) if the return was off the tank temp would drop considerably.

[dover101]

T man thanks for your input,you actually answered my question, rather than responding off topic. Im wondering if it is possible to filter out all desirable microfauna by continuing to use these,maybe I should use a larger micron size.

[BeanAnimal]

All the 5 second chores in the day tend to add up. I try to eliminate as much of that stuff as I can :)

I turn off the return pump when I feed (push a button and a timer does the rest). It is off for an hour so I don't have any problems with temperature.

I was going to run filter socks, but see no benefit in my setup. I have zero bubbles going into the sump and a very large settling area. I know that changing them and keeping them clean would be something I would not keep up with.

[JetCat USA]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10638499#post10638499 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BeanAnimal
.......I was going to run filter socks, but see no benefit in my setup.

i don't use them on all of my setups but the ones i do use them on they work great, no loss of micro funa that is significant enough to be worth mentioning. i don't think the less then 30 seconds it takes to swap one is taking away from my day enough to be wroth mentioning either, to each their own.

[BeanAnimal]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10638665#post10638665 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JetCat USA
i don't think the less then 30 seconds it takes to swap one is taking away from my day enough to be wroth mentioning either, to each their own.

It sounds like you may have somehow taken offense to my comments. I was just curious as to your reasoning and your setup as well as mentioning mine. Yes, to each their own. Everyone has a unique way of doing things and of valuing their time and enjoyment of their hobby.

[JetCat USA]

no i took no offense at all, I'm just stating that it's no bother to me to do the socks. allot less hassle then turning off the return pump or re-plumbing the sump for the micro bubbles.

I'm sure RichCarnley (sp) will pop in and make a comment before to long that will swear that anyone who uses the socks is dooming their tank but till then I'm hunky dory, i just type things out bluntly and it's often misinterpreted :)

[BeanAnimal]

That makes two of us (the blunt thing). It gets me in a lot of trouble here I guess.

I think Rich falls right into the same category as well.

I know for sure I would not change them often enough (I have a 2 month old bag of carbon that is begging to be changed).

The silent overflow was one of the most imortant aspects of my enture setup. The is inwall and faces my home theater. The door to the fishroom is in my office. All was good until I used an OR3500 for a skimmer pump. I can hear it in both rooms and I hate it.

[JetCat USA]

they defiantly aren't recommended for the 'lazy' (no offense intended to anyone) who isn't going to swap/clean them regularly, they do quieten falling water considerably though.

and no honestly i don't think Rich is in the same category, he IMO intentionally posts confrontational just to stir the pot. just a few weeks ago he posted how a filter sock would cause a fish that jumped in the overflow to decompose to nothing but a skeleton in a few hours. just to prove he was full of it i stuck some silversides in a sock and took pics every hour.........needless to say they didn't decompose at all and i left them overnight, it was then explained it had to be a live fish, frozen wouldn't work, i used feeder guppies and they too didn't decompose so then it had to be a Royal Garamma, i ain't paying 30 bucks to kill a fish to prove he's not the most truthful in his postings so i left it at that.

[BeanAnimal]

When it comes to tank husbandry... I am lazy.

I would venture to say that they do not harm anything and actually help matters (as long as they are changed frequently enough).

I am also not one that strives for crystal clear water. I run carbon to keep the light penetration high and a skimmer to keep the organics as low as I can (I overfeed a LOT). Other than that, the detritus settles in the sump and I ignore it.

[sherm71tank]

If they are cleaned or replaced regularly what bad can they cause?

[JetCat USA]

they cause no harm at all if cleaned/changed regularly, if not they only help to brake down organics they trap quicker (high O2 environment) rather then allowing them to be skimmed out.

[sherm71tank]

I'm pro sock and use/change them religiously. Just wondering if there is "real" evidence in them doing harm.

[JetCat USA]

theres no harm either way, but if you don't change them regularly your NO3 levels are likely to be more elevated then if you didn't use them. they will get to the point they simply overflow they are so stopped up and at that point they are just another form of bubble trap :)

[sherm71tank]

I think this will depend on where the detritus goes. If not in the sock then where?

[JetCat USA]

if not into the sock some gets skimmed out, if you have a slow flow sump it settles there and just decomposes either way. that's where the 'To each their own' comes into play, in some cases not using one can be worse for your water quality.........

[chrismhaase]

I am pro socks. I have 0 problems, 0 nitrates and my tank looks great. I change them every 2 to 3 days depending on the coloring. I then take them and bleach them in the washer and then run a second cycle with water only. Works like a charm for me. I have a routine, I tend to change the filter socks when I refill the Kalk dripper, so the total time is a minute or so, not including kalk mixing.

[Rockitmakr]

OK,
I have a question......I am using socks as well & I am changing them out every week when I do my water changes. Question is, how long does it usually take for organics to break down into nitrates? I have @ 15ppm nitrates & want to lower that number. Is it possible that the filter socks need to be changed more often?
ALL INPUT HERE IS GOOD!
:beer:

[BeanAnimal]

I would imagine the stuff starts to break down as soon as it is caught. You may want to try changing eveyr other day and see how it affects your nitrates.

[Ronan021]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10637890#post10637890 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dover101
[BI have noticed that the filter is usually light brown in color after 1-2 days,upon further inspection I have noticed many different and small creatures caught inside sock ,microfauna or plankton I hope.Do you think the benefits of this filter sock filtering food and detrius is better than the unwanted removal of these organisms? [/B]

hey fellas not trying to hijack this thread (if it seems that way just point me out and i will post a separate thread)...

i have been contemplating this same issue
in my 125 mixed reef... i was told by the LFS that NO SPONGES/sox/nothing (should be used) blocking the flow throughout the system and to let the skimmer/DSB do the work removing stuff etc.... let the particles 'flow' thr system... food for corals etc etc

basically i have accumulation of detritus in my DSB that has my phosphates up at .048 which i have not been able to get down even w/adding 50GAL fuge w/ macro-chaeto (i have never been able to read nitrates in my system iow always zero... but phosph on other hand...)... this is result of not having enuff flow for the first 3-5 mos the system was set up (i am ordering a phosban reactor based on JETCATS thread!)

which brings me to (hijacking) this thread...
:rolleyes:

i have 2 filter sox that came w/ one of my sumps when i purchased it... but have never used them... and w/ the thinking that they would take out too much of the 'good stuff' i opted not to add them to the system...

now w/ detritus build up in my DSB and now accumulating in the DSB of the fuge i set up (i have now started 'vacuming' it out wherever i see it in system)... i am thinking its time to add the filter sox... but i still dont know mainly bec i dont want to disturb the 'pod' population and the free floating 'good stuff' throughout the system...

i have been surprised at the number of people who freely use them w/o any thought about the good critters etc that the sox would be removing.

do the benefits far outway the negatives (assuming they are changed on a regular basis)

what about all the 'good stuff' that is supposed to be floating around feeding the corals, pods etc

or is the sock more for the established tank where these people are less concerned w/ the fauna issues ???

thank and regards

[Rockitmakr]

Well,
I still have not gotten the answer that I was hoping for but, I use socks & have for a long time. When I change them out I empty the pods that were caught by the socks back into my tank. The fish & corals will eat them right away if they are caught.
:beer:

[JetCat USA]

Rockit

the trapped debris start breaking down fairly quickly, with that said i change mine every day to every other day and take them off during my nightly feedings (not during the daily feedings) and my NO3 levels in my reefs stay less then 5ppm and in most cases near undetectable with a PinPoint NO3 monitor.

Ronan

I've used socks on the 180 from the GFO thread and when i drained it the other day the last 1/2" of water had a few gazillion pods in it and as i pulled rocks out the bottoms of them looked like you kicked a fire ant bed there were so many pods kicking/crawling around on them. that tank also had two spawning mandarins in it that were consuming more then their share of pods. between the socks and the Mandy's the pods still had an overwhelming population. it would therefore be my suggestion based on my personal experience that the minimal amount of micro funa that gets trapped in filter socks is so minuscule that the benefits far outweigh the loss of those very few losses.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/542/29872mandy1.jpg

[Ronan021]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10651181#post10651181 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JetCat USA
Rockit


Ronan

I've used socks on the 180 from the GFO thread and when i drained it the other day the last 1/2" of water had a few gazillion pods in it and as i pulled rocks out the bottoms of them looked like you kicked a fire ant bed there were so many pods kicking/crawling around on them. that tank also had two spawning mandarins in it that were consuming more then their share of pods. between the socks and the Mandy's the pods still had an overwhelming population. it would therefore be my suggestion based on my personal experience that the minimal amount of micro funa that gets trapped in filter socks is so minuscule that the benefits far outweigh the loss of those very few losses.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/542/29872mandy1.jpg


JetCat

thanks for the reply!
those mandarins look like they should be put on a diet! lol... your tank sounds like it is much more established then mine...

so for right now
i like the idea of using one occasionally... like perhaps at the time of hoh change... blow off some detritus from the rock and from around corners in the tank let it all go into the sock... perhaps run it for a little til tank clears up then remove it...

in the long run
i think i am definitely going to consider using one full time... might even just start incorporating it slowly... use it for few days at time etc

thanks again and regards!

ps that was a great post on the gfo... you got my vote on that one!:beer:

[JetCat USA]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10653135#post10653135 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ronan021

ps that was a great post on the gfo... you got my vote on that one!:beer:

Thanks, need all the votes it can get.

[lvreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10653135#post10653135 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ronan021
JetCat
so for right now
i like the idea of using one occasionally... like perhaps at the time of hoh change... blow off some detritus from the rock and from around corners in the tank let it all go into the sock... perhaps run it for a little til tank clears up then remove it... :beer:

Exactly. Install the sock, blow detritis with baster or power head, let it skim off, repeat until happy, then perform H2O change. Works great!!

[barjam]

I love to run without a sock I get detritus in my cheato. It usually isn't too bad but I rearranged my rockwork a few weeks back and I am still blowing tons of it. I suspect I will have to run socks for quite a while to get that all stabalized.

[Serioussnaps]

Filter socks and waterchanges go together like peanut butter and jelly baby!

[ozadars]

I believe there are two disadvantages of using filter socks.

1)Lots of flow goes through the filter sock in just one hour and when detritus traps in it, due to the pressure they get mixed into the water before you clean the filter sock.

2) Detritus and planktons get trapped in the filter sock. Although this is the purpose of filter socks, detritus is used by many organisms like corals, anemones, tube worms, fish, clams, etc. Since its quite impossible to provide a tank with enough micro foods all the time, at least I prefer the existing ones to stay and not taken away by a filter sock.

I dont think floating detritus is a problem for a healthy reef tank, since they are used by filter feeders.

[cd77]

I don't want to hijack this thread either, but what about for a new system say 3-5 weeks old with a standard LFS sump with built-in sock holders/refugium and compartment for sponge and another for the return/skimmer?

Another reefer recommended perhaps removing all sponge media and the socks until the tank is established. In this case, we're talking about a fairly new 70 gallion reef. My nitrates are around 15 -- I'd like to see them at zero.

Maybe someone should post a poll?

[dover101]

I think I will try to rinse out any pods in my filter socks when changing every 2-3 days.The tank seems to stay much cleaner and clear with the use of the socks vs. without.

[chrismhaase]

I agree 100% with Dover101. I do my best to save teh pods when I do my cleaning, but with my great water conditions, I wouldn't want to go without using socks!!

[chrismhaase]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10661166#post10661166 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ozadars
I believe there are two disadvantages of using filter socks.

1)Lots of flow goes through the filter sock in just one hour and when detritus traps in it, due to the pressure they get mixed into the water before you clean the filter sock.

2) Detritus and planktons get trapped in the filter sock. Although this is the purpose of filter socks, detritus is used by many organisms like corals, anemones, tube worms, fish, clams, etc. Since its quite impossible to provide a tank with enough micro foods all the time, at least I prefer the existing ones to stay and not taken away by a filter sock.

I dont think floating detritus is a problem for a healthy reef tank, since they are used by filter feeders.


I would agree that some good stuff does get caught, but if you think that the socks remove all or most of the detritus I think you may be worng. Take your hand or a powerhead and make some waves go across the rocks and corals in your tank and look at how much detritus gets kicked up. When you do feedings, you can do this with your pumps off and then it will feed your corals when you feed your fish whatever you feed them. Then when you turn your pumps back on the socks will catch whatever garbage is in the water column.

Nothing personal just my 2 cents. :smokin:

[honda2sk]

I have several tanks. Some of the tanks used to have mechanical filters in place and others did not. I saw NO difference in water clarity. That being said, the tanks WITHOUT the socks I always had HUGE populations of feather dusters come out of nowhere and thrive in the tank. The ones with the filters had much less (if any) feather dusters.

But the main point is I saw no difference in the clarity of water with and without the mech. filters. I have since removed all the filters except for one tank that uses bioballs as the main biological filter.

[JetCat USA]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10668846#post10668846 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by honda2sk
I have several tanks. Some of the tanks used to have mechanical filters in place and others did not. I saw NO difference in water clarity. That being said, the tanks WITHOUT the socks I always had HUGE populations of feather dusters come out of nowhere and thrive in the tank. The ones with the filters had much less (if any) feather dusters.


there are many things that contribute to the proliferation of the small feather dusters, the sock i can assure you wasn't the deciding factor. as mentioned earlier in this thread i had socks on the 180g tank that was the subject of the GFO/PO4 test and this is a pic from that tank.....

http://i18.*******.com/61xraj8.jpg

the rock work was even more so covered with them.

[old95er]

Here is my experience:

I had my newly established 120 without filter socks for three months. I have an ev180 on one side of the sump, a refugium with Chaeto and miracle mud on the other and a phosban reactor in the middle return section.

The water was not as clear as it could be, and there was a little nuisance algae growth on the rocks/in the sand bed. There is a large enough"cleanup crew" in the tank, as well as two tangs.

A few weeks ago I added a 7 inch filter sock/bracket from Dr Foster/Smith on the skimmer side of the sump. The refugium side is sockless.

The water is now totally clear, and the algae growth has receded.

I do have to change the sock every three days, when the water level rises in the sock to almost overflowing. It only takes a minute to swap the socks, and the dirty one goes into the wash machin on rinse/spin cycle two or three times until it is white again. Then hang to air dry.

I have thought about adding a 4 inch sock to the refugium side, to control dirt build up in the miracle mud. We'll see. . .

I have to clean to orp probe and check on the skimmer and add two part solution every few days so taking a minute to swap socks really is not an inconvenience. Everything else is automated and I have not done water changes, so I don't feel like the maintenence is a chore.

[JetCat USA]

heck i like em so much i got another order in today of 10 :)

[sherm71tank]

You like your socks almost as much as I do!

[Ooulophilia]

As far as I understand the NO3 buildup from using the socks may not be due entirely to the build up of detritus - as the water becomes aerated in the sock, very efficient aerobic bacteria colonize the sock, and you have in effect created a wet dry filter - and as we know the aerobic bacteria in a wet/dry will crank out NO3. Thay being said, I run socks on all my systems, I find without it I get a light buildup of detritus on my corals. I do change them at least once a day, in my mind this is not allowing the aerobic bacteria to reach certain levels, and none of my systems have NO3 in a measurable range.

[JetCat USA]

if there is no detritus in the socks to break down there's nothing for it to turn into NO3 :) same with the wet/dry. you can't make NO3 without Amm/NO2 to start with.

[dendro982]

Pro-socks too: I guess, it's setup and type of the tank dependent. My oversized skimmer is not good in capturing particles, and they settle in the sump or return in the tank - it's not theory, I can see it...
With micron sock, changed daily, the tank is cleaner. After reading threads about Calfo's overflows and making skimmer work productive, did almost all improvements and tried for a months without micron sock. With sock was better, IMHO.

Pods loss: no pod alive goes there, the scooter takes care of it :D

[Lifes A Beach]

What is better: 100 or 200 micron sock?

[JetCat USA]

the lower the micron the more often you need to change them. anything less then 400 should do the trick of clearing up most particulate matter.

[sherm71tank]

That and the longer you let them run the finer they filter. I find 100 micron works very well for me.

[Lifes A Beach]

Should the sock hang in the water or out?

[JetCat USA]

the top ring needs to be out of the water, the rest is optional :)

[dendro982]

What is better: 100 or 200 micron sock?
I'm using usually 100 micron, sometimes after cleaning tank - 50 micron overnight, and in the tank without skimmer and heavy feeding - original Coralife filter pad, it's very fine, should be removed after hours in my systems.

But: I had heard that there are micron socks 5 and 1 micron - they should clean very well in gravity fed sump (mine is not). I used 5 micron Quick Filter attachment to AC powerhead and diatom filter, filtering down to 1 micron - the water becomes clear, small particles are removed very well.

Should the sock hang in the water or out?
I'm using DIY bags, made from Coralife filter pads, the top is out of water, otherwise the dirty water is bypassing the bag and overflows through the top (but my side sump is a connected vessel, not gravity fed).

[Lifes A Beach]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10690891#post10690891 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dendro982
I'm using DIY bags, made from Coralife filter pads

I have the 50 micron pads from Coralife that I've used as a flat pad in my filter tray in the wet/dry. How are you making a bag out of them?

[dendro982]

How are you making a bag out of them?
Cut the flat piece twice long, than the finished bag should be, so the bottom will be not sewn. Sew the sides, using polyester or nylon thread, not cotton, I'm using (don't know the name) say, wrap around thread around the needle each time. If you are using sewing machine - sew twice, once will not withstand multiple washing and bleaching.

It's all. If you like to use a ring - warp the top of the bag outside, around the ring, and sew it.

I'm just placing it freestanding onto the skimmer tubing or piece of LR at the bottom, no problem (I have a side sump, not much pressure, only 300 gph pulling by the pump). With small pumps, say up to 200 gph, the clothes/laundry drying plastic clip holds well.

[Lifes A Beach]

Thanks for all that info. I think I'll give it a try since I already have plenty of the padding.

[loosecannon]

BAD!

[redox]

GOOD when changed regularly. If left on too long BAD:D

[old95er]

Man do they need to be changed regularly!! I have to change mine every two days.

Does anyone know of a sock that is less than 200 micron? that will filter less material?

[ACBlinky]

I'm pro sock. I use 100 micron socks on my 90g, changed every 24-48h. The water is clear, NO3 is zero, I see absolutely no downside to using a sock other than the small cleaning chore they represent.

I don't use a sock on my sumpless 30g reef - it's a totally different kind of tank, very much left to its own devices, and it seems to work just as well as the 90g. That said, it isn't stocked or fed as heavily, and it's much easier to do larger water changes on a nano.

Loosecannon - If you think socks are bad, please explain why. We're all here to learn, please add your opinion and experience to the discussion.

[Lifes A Beach]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10750111#post10750111 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ACBlinky
I'm pro sock. I use 100 micron socks on my 90g,
I don't use a sock on my sumpless 30g reef -


What type of 90g do you have that you use a sock rather than not using one on your 30g?

[JetCat USA]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10750348#post10750348 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by prideprops
What type of 90g do you have .........

as his post stated One With A Sump

[ACBlinky]

Exactly. The 30g is sumpless and skimmerless, a lightly stocked and more 'natural' little tank. The 90g has much higher flow, heavier stocking levels and a 30g sump/fuge. The 90g is 'reef ready' - drilled with an overflow - and the sock filters raw water coming into the sump from the overflow.

And *ahem* JetCat, I'm a SHE, not a he ;)

[JetCat USA]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10752877#post10752877 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ACBlinky
And *ahem* JetCat, I'm a SHE, not a he ;)

my sincerest apologies ma'am, the MH was glimmering in my eyes restricting my vision ;)

[redox]

acblinky I change mine within 48hrs as well . I use 100micron as well and that alone will require you to change it often. In my case if i neglect it I could wake up to 200 plus gallons spilled out on the floor. Let me exsplain. The present setup I have going on will discharge return water on the floor if the sock is not fresh. It will only dump the sump to about 2" deep of water(due to the lowest . return bulkhead) . Its the worst thing to find in the morning . Its happened so many times I have finnally learned to change them and do it offten. I clean them outside before i put them in the washer. I have extra so I dont have to go without. When I get low I will wash the used ones. I let the used ones semidry fist then turn them inside out for a high pressure rinse outside (try to get rid of most of the dirt) then A shot of bleach in the washer and on long cycle. After the wash let them dry thouroughly. When dry they should have zero bleach smell(bleach evaporates ) and I reuse the heck out of them. Too much kalkdrip with not enough calcium uptake will fowell them out ;)

[redox]

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w1/ghgrown/theillusiverabbit.jpg

[sherm71tank]

Nice scribble!

[BeanAnimal]

redox... .I gotta say, I would certainly develop a more failsafe system. What happens if you get stuck out of town or a day or something. I would not be able to sleep at night knowing that I was always on the verge of having a huge flood and dead livestock. :D

[Lifes A Beach]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10752877#post10752877 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ACBlinky
The 30g is sumpless and skimmerless, a lightly stocked and more 'natural' little tank. The 90g has much higher flow, heavier stocking levels and a 30g sump/fuge.

Thanks, ACBlinky, for the explanation and clarification!

[redox]

well Bean it does keep me on my toes I must say:D The fish in the sump dont die when the water is only 2'" unless they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. I just make sure to change them out religiously or else:rolleyes: Beside the sps and all others love those unscheduled 200 gal water changes it bightens their day;) just have to keep my makup water tanks filled with proper salinity

[chrismhaase]

Redox- you are more dedicated than most. I to change mine every 48 hours normally, but I have the ability for the socks to overflow into a sump instead of the floor when they get dirty. If they get to full, the water just pours out of the top of the sock and then into the sump. Please see picture. For your safety could you change your system a little. This might save your sanity, the floors of your home and the change of killing anything?!?!?

PS I am not accusing or telling you what to do just asking a humble questions. :)

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t296/chrismhaase/newprogress031.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Chris

[redox]

well these guys are ready for changin. Its the sock onthe right that dumps out the water . it dumps it on the floor in my gh(floor drains) no property damage:cool: http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w1/ghgrown/changetime.jpg

[JetCat USA]

so a six inch piece of flex tubing of the appropriate size and a hose clamp would solve any problem of it ever overflowing on the floor but you choose to NOT do that.............hummmmmm

[chrismhaase]

redox, correct me if I am wrong, as for overflowing isn't the concern on the filter on the right only? If the one on the left overflows, no big deal right? And if the one on the right overflows then that is when you have a problem. Is this correct? If it is, can youjust move the one on the right more towards the center of the sump? To do this couldnt you use some sort of sock suspension system, ie pvc like my setup, or a hanger?

[redox]

i will post some pics to clear this up. the sock on the right is tied to 4"pvc that catches 3 overspills that are fed by 2 different pumps that are fed by several thousand gallons per/hr. If the right hand sock is left unchanged it will fowwel out and speww water out towards the floor. simple change it often. Ok I learn from my mistakes:rolleyes: i could extend the right hand return with a piece of 4"pvc but we wouldnt have anything to talk about;)

[chrismhaase]

I understand this, but could you just add another sock, move some around? I guess pictures will help. We will wait.....

[redox]

also socks might contain fish so.. check them often because someones life might depend on it;)

[chrismhaase]

I haven't caught a fish yet, a few snails and crabs though.

[JetCat USA]

only thing I've caught in mine were some lettuce nudi's, quiet a number of yrs ago i had a Greek Goddess that would end up in the sump pretty often, i guess she climbed out of the sock when she went down.

[redox]

high flow rates is why it is like thishttp://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w1/ghgrown/highflow.jpgso when that sock fowells out it tends to dump water over the edge of the sump. change em out often;)

[JetCat USA]

a street elbow would solve all the overflow issues in that setup.

[ksouers]

I don't use a "real" sock, but the little bags that come with a canister of Phosban. I have a bit of an algae problem and it traps the filaments very well but lets lots of stuff through. I rinse them out with tap water, turning it inside out. Part of my daily routine.

It also does a pretty good job of catching the occasional wayward peppermint shrimp (quite often). Since my skimmer is in the same chamber the overflow dumps to, I'd like to catch the little critters before they have a chance to go through the grinder.

Never caught any pods, just shrimp.

[HBtank]

I run no sock and took it a step further and added a large rock rubble rack (lots off egg crate to provide places for filter feeders) in the the first chamber with a cryptic zone underneath and in the second chamber of the sump another rack with more rock rubble, a cryptic DSB and cheato growing area to create nice areas to help propagate life from all the free detrius food.

I never cleaned my sump and this is just an extension of what I saw as a place to create different habitats and feed it with the tank detrius.

I guess I am lazy, but I would rather my tank recylcle itself and save me time on both ends.

I am kinda the opposite of a BB tank and my sump would give some people nightmares. I think it adds a whole different element to my tank though.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/Mikecdj/sump.jpg

[chrismhaase]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10776221#post10776221 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by redox
high flow rates is why it is like thishttp://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w1/ghgrown/highflow.jpgso when that sock fowells out it tends to dump water over the edge of the sump. change em out often;)

Redox- Getting back to what we talked about earlier, couldn't you just add maybe a 6" lead to take the PVC lead even further over the sump and take the sock and its possible overflow more over the sump?

[labragg1]

Where do you all get your filter socks?

I need to buy like 10 or 20 of them--i maintain multiple large tanks and swap them all out weekly.

Thanks

[JetCat USA]

Marine Depot.

[chrismhaase]

They are $2.56 on here if you order 50, you can order less but it willbe slightly more. http://www.filterbag.com/search.php?commandstring=PONG100P4P

[chrismhaase]

MArine Depot sells them for $8

[labragg1]

Thanks guys. :)

[JetCat USA]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10792343#post10792343 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chrismhaase
MArine Depot sells them for $8

they are $5.85 each and you don't have to buy 50

[chrismhaase]

I know, but that is a good site if people want to do a group buy. Someone mentioned needing a bunch so that is why I posted the link. :)

[JetCat USA]

i was simply stating they aren't 8 bucks at MD and you don't have to buy 50.

[redox]

I buy mine at custom aguatic but I know filterbag is a good place as well. They last a long time if you wash them correctly.the stitching usually fails before the sock gets too old to use. And yes I could just add a piece of pipe to exstend that manifold but then I wouldnt have that constant reminder to change it often;) and its worth having 50 for yourself that way you dont have to wash them so often .

[chrismhaase]

I am thinking of doing a group buy with my reef club in Tampa. That is a great price.

Jet Cat- My bad I must have misread the price and yes you are correct about the required purchasing quantities.

[chrismhaase]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10792808#post10792808 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by redox
And yes I could just add a piece of pipe to exstend that manifold but then I wouldnt have that constant reminder to change it often;)

I agree it makes you check often, but it could save your house and sanity while trying to make and mix salt water when you spill over many gallons of stinky saltwater. But I guess it is your choice. :D

[redox]

I spill and spill ,its not in my house just beside it:D here are pics of how I clean my socks. Actually I will post tommorrow the process that I use to clean multiple socks. Too late tonight dont want to wait for photo b. and spills are just one of the reasons I dont have this inside my home:rolleyes:

[ukspice69]

I have a lot of air bubbles from my overflow, so i use a 200 sock, but i just check my nitrates two weeks ago off the charts, i did 50 % water changes, and many more after that, had a 20 g refuge on a 125 G, ASM 3.
No luck they just go right back up, I do change them once a week for a clean.
I have a eshobbs euro sump.
I have dsb, this system is 6 months in , first time used a sock,

ps I clean the socks with a water hose and then ring them to dry then reuses, never soaked it in bleach ir put it in the washing machine, i have a septic system.

Would taking of the sock from the overflow and puting it on the output skimmer would that help the nitrates, and use the sponge in the bubble trap but keep it underneath the water level.



PLEASE HELP
I just lost my 4 year old Squmosa clam

[chrismhaase]

You need to change them every 48 or or less deoending on the build up. The bag will start to overflow water when it needs to be changed. When cleaning them, stick them in the washer machine with bleach only and wash them, then put them on a rinse cycle. Then let them air dry for a couple of days. You might need to check on the spectic system, I am not sure as I dont have one. Ask on here or maybe someone will chime in.

Also do some more water changes, watch how much you are feeding, and when doing a water change make sure to vacuum out any ditritus out of the sump.

Also, do you have any bio balls or sponges? If so throw them out. All they are a nitrate breeding grounds.

[JetCat USA]

you don't have to use bleach, i just wash mine in the washer with just water, let it go on an 18 min cycle and there all done.

[chrismhaase]

I just like to make sure I kill any bad algae spores and so on. Also, make sure NOT TO USE SOAP!!! SOAP IS BAD.

[ukspice69]

is there a better way then replacing them every 48 hours, or any better way to reduce the bubbles, replacing the mega flow system,
I just love the clarity of my tank with felt sock.
I turned off the UV light too to see if that will reduce the nitrates too


i agree soap is bad

[redox]

I use 100 micron socks, the first thing I do is turn them inside outhttp://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w1/ghgrown/sockclean101.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w1/ghgrown/sockinsideout.jpg
then i rinse themhttp://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w1/ghgrown/sockheavyspray.jpg
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w1/ghgrown/sockcleaningup.jpg
put them in the washer with a shot glass of bleachhttp://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w1/ghgrown/sockwasher.jpg
and vulahttp://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w1/ghgrown/sockclean.jpg http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w1/ghgrown/sockstack.jpg

[redox]

forgot too mention they have to dry totally after washing and....no smell of bleach present!!!

[chrismhaase]

I do the exact same thing. Works great for me.

[ukspice69]

redox,

Do you sell any of your frags , i just realized your location is the obx , i lived in Corolla for 3 years.
I will be there in a few weekends from now.

[gary faulkner]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10801972#post10801972 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chrismhaase
I do the exact same thing. Works great for me.


X 3 :D

[redox]

uk no I dont sell anything , I do although trade from time to time. I hate to tell you but corolla is 6 hours away. I am sobx:D