Filter socks

Chitownpw · 03/05/2017, 10:21 AM

I use filter socks in my sump - one 14 inch sock tied to my down tube. I am getting sick of changing them out. What's an alternative to filter socks that are less maintenance? I know the socks provide some benefit so I don't just want to eliminate.

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wmo168 · 05/17/2017, 09:59 AM

Use filter pad... just toss them away...

TX_Punisher · 05/18/2017, 05:48 AM

Roller mat.

scooter31707 · 05/18/2017, 10:12 AM

I was in your shoes at one time. I just stop using them daily. I only used one about 2-3 days before during a water change and 1-2 days after that water change, especially when I turkey blaster the rocks. For as the suggestions made above, IMO, they will still have to be change often, as they can cause issues with nirates. Just my 2 cents.

Dugless · 05/18/2017, 05:14 PM

You could look into higher micron mesh socks. This would extend your cleaning threshold. I like 200-300 micron. I'm guessing you have felt socks?

lewsss · 05/18/2017, 05:21 PM

As mentioned filter floss. can get huge rolls for dirt cheap. i just cut out the bottom of a food tub and put the floss in there and chuck it after a week. easy.

Dantique · 02/01/2018, 11:55 PM

I make my own socks, (well the wife sews them) and discard them every 4-5 days. I buy white felt from the fabric store. You have to be sure there are no dyes or flame retardant treatment to the felt. The thread used to sew them must be untreated also. We make 100 or so at a time and they last for quite a while. I think I figured out they came to 30 cents a piece.
I have been using these for three years. My nitrates are always below 5ppm, usually around 2ppm and the skim is very minimal. I feed once a day.
I can't remember where I learned this from but glad I did!

mcgyvr · 02/02/2018, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chitownpw

I use filter socks in my sump - one 14 inch sock tied to my down tube. I am getting sick of changing them out. What's an alternative to filter socks that are less maintenance? I know the socks provide some benefit so I don't just want to eliminate.

Just remove them and see how you like it...
The benefit is only cosmetic for the most part.. They can remove fine particulates from the water column that some do not like to see for some reason..
However those particulates are also food that can be used/consumed by various tank inhabitants..

Your tanks health can actually improve by eliminating them from the system..

LQT · 02/02/2018, 09:59 AM

I’m gonna try going from 200 micron felt to 100 micron mesh so I won’t have to clean socks in the washing machine any more. Hopefully with the mesh socks, a simple rinse with the kitchen sink hose will be all that’s needed.

Member No. 1 · 02/02/2018, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LQT

I’m gonna try going from 200 micron felt to 100 micron mesh so I won’t have to clean socks in the washing machine any more. Hopefully with the mesh socks, a simple rinse with the kitchen sink hose will be all that’s needed.

I did this very thing.
No more washing machine.
Only need 4 (I use 2 at a time) vs a box full.
Seems easier to install too. They slide right in.

LQT · 02/02/2018, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Member No. 1

I did this very thing.
No more washing machine.
Only need 4 (I use 2 at a time) vs a box full.
Seems easier to install too. They slide right in.

Did you also go from 200 felt to 100 mesh? If so, how long does it take for your socks to clog? How did the filtering effectiveness of the 100 mesh compare to the 200 felt?

Member No. 1 · 02/02/2018, 10:42 AM

Yes, 200 micron felt to 100 micron mesh. I tried 200 mesh, but to much went thru for my liking. So the 100 mesh I feel is about the same as 200 felt.

As far as clogging, I think a little longer between rinsing/changing.

But the good part about it is that since they are so easy to rinse/clean, that I find myself doing it more often vs washing/bleaching/drying the felt type.

They are cheap money, so give it a shot, make your own conclusion.

On edit, how far are you from No. Providence? John at Sea Creature on Mineral Spring Ave usually stocks them. Tell him Pete sent you!

LQT · 02/02/2018, 10:44 AM

Great to hear... I just ordered 4 from Aquarium Specialty yesterday!

03/05/2017, 10:21 AM	#1
Chitownpw Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Chicago Posts: 218	Filter socks I use filter socks in my sump - one 14 inch sock tied to my down tube. I am getting sick of changing them out. What's an alternative to filter socks that are less maintenance? I know the socks provide some benefit so I don't just want to eliminate. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

02/02/2018, 09:59 AM	#9
LQT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,516	I’m gonna try going from 200 micron felt to 100 micron mesh so I won’t have to clean socks in the washing machine any more. Hopefully with the mesh socks, a simple rinse with the kitchen sink hose will be all that’s needed. __________________ - Leon (aka - Water Dog) Deep Blue 57 Edge ATI Acro Garden Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=25573384#post25573384 Current Tank Info: DeepBlue 57 Edge

02/02/2018, 10:42 AM	#12
Member No. 1 Ver. 2.1 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rehoboth, MA Posts: 1,803	Yes, 200 micron felt to 100 micron mesh. I tried 200 mesh, but to much went thru for my liking. So the 100 mesh I feel is about the same as 200 felt. As far as clogging, I think a little longer between rinsing/changing. But the good part about it is that since they are so easy to rinse/clean, that I find myself doing it more often vs washing/bleaching/drying the felt type. They are cheap money, so give it a shot, make your own conclusion. On edit, how far are you from No. Providence? John at Sea Creature on Mineral Spring Ave usually stocks them. Tell him Pete sent you! __________________ Pete "I never make mistakes... I thought I did once, but I was wrong" Current Tank Info: In the process - http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2661614

02/02/2018, 10:44 AM	#13
LQT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,516	Great to hear... I just ordered 4 from Aquarium Specialty yesterday! __________________ - Leon (aka - Water Dog) Deep Blue 57 Edge ATI Acro Garden Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=25573384#post25573384 Current Tank Info: DeepBlue 57 Edge

05/17/2017, 09:59 AM	#2
wmo168 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 262	Use filter pad... just toss them away...

05/18/2017, 05:48 AM	#3
TX_Punisher Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 95	Roller mat.

05/18/2017, 10:12 AM	#4
scooter31707 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Virginia Posts: 4,971	I was in your shoes at one time. I just stop using them daily. I only used one about 2-3 days before during a water change and 1-2 days after that water change, especially when I turkey blaster the rocks. For as the suggestions made above, IMO, they will still have to be change often, as they can cause issues with nirates. Just my 2 cents.

05/18/2017, 05:14 PM	#5
Dugless Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 416	You could look into higher micron mesh socks. This would extend your cleaning threshold. I like 200-300 micron. I'm guessing you have felt socks?

05/18/2017, 05:21 PM	#6
lewsss Registered Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 5	As mentioned filter floss. can get huge rolls for dirt cheap. i just cut out the bottom of a food tub and put the floss in there and chuck it after a week. easy.

02/01/2018, 11:55 PM	#7
Dantique Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 27	I make my own socks, (well the wife sews them) and discard them every 4-5 days. I buy white felt from the fabric store. You have to be sure there are no dyes or flame retardant treatment to the felt. The thread used to sew them must be untreated also. We make 100 or so at a time and they last for quite a while. I think I figured out they came to 30 cents a piece. I have been using these for three years. My nitrates are always below 5ppm, usually around 2ppm and the skim is very minimal. I feed once a day. I can't remember where I learned this from but glad I did!