Filter floss......yay or nay?

[rovster]

I know this has probably been discussed ad naseum, but figured I'd ask anyway. I know filter socks are hotly debated. Here's my situation. I'm currently running a HOB where I have some GFO, GAC, AND Purigen. I usually place a filter pad at the bottom to catch loose debris. I change it usually 2 times a week, sometimes 3 if I have time. I never change less than 2 times no matter what. When I change it it's always full of junk. My reason to run it is not necessarily mechanical filtration in general, but to prevent all that junk getting into my filter bags.

Lately I've been considering pulling the pad, and maybe just shaking the media bags a few times a week to dislodge any trapped detritus? I'm currently battling high nitrates but its not bad enough to complain about. What do you guys think?

FTS.......
http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff370/rovster/IMG_5700_zps4c6d196b.jpg (http://s1232.photobucket.com/user/rovster/media/IMG_5700_zps4c6d196b.jpg.html)

Thanks for any feedback!:thumbsup:

[Reefmedic79]

Too me it's more of an as needed item to help polish the water from solids in the tank.

[ReefCowboy]

I used to keep them, but since they arent that cheap and clogged constantly, i switched to fine mesh bags instead. I was having issues with a tank with too low nutrients so i took the flbags out since i wanted te food to go to the sump and raise nitrates a bit.

Somehow my nitrates are still low, and the clarity of the water is still the same as before, so i decided its a waste of money