How to clean old filter socks?

Mussin · 12/07/2019, 09:28 PM

I got a bunch of old filter socks off of a friend. What's the best way to clean them? I thought washer and some bleach?

Zalick · 12/07/2019, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mussin

I got a bunch of old filter socks off of a friend. What's the best way to clean them? I thought washer and some bleach?

That's how I do it. No soap

on the spot · 12/08/2019, 09:08 AM

Felt or mesh?

Either way I start with a bleach soak in a bucket. Felt goes through the washer. Mesh is good with a rinse.

HTH

Typlus5 · 12/08/2019, 10:04 AM

Felt or mesh- soak them in a bucket with a capful of bleach. When I have enough, Wash them in the washing machine with a cap full of bleach and a double rinse.

Zalick · 12/08/2019, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Typlus5

Felt or mesh- soak them in a bucket with a capful of bleach. When I have enough, Wash them in the washing machine with a cap full of bleach and a double rinse.

This is exactly my process. Works great.

hkgar · 12/08/2019, 02:40 PM

Just stick them in a corner of your basement and after they gather dust pick them up and shake.

That's what I do with mine now that I have been a convert awy from the use of filter socks.

Let me know if you want some more - cheap + shipping.

MondoBongo · 12/09/2019, 10:23 AM

i soak mine in a bucket of bleach water for a couple days. then rinse thoroughly with tap water, soak in some RODI with some safe or other water treatment product, and then give a quick rinse with RODI prior to returning to service.

Dmorty217 · 12/12/2019, 07:00 AM

When I use to work at the wholesaler near me, I would wash the filter socks with bleach and water only then water only and let them dry.

sfdan · 12/12/2019, 06:57 PM

If you don't want to use bleach, vinegar also works decently enough. I turn my socks inside out, fill the detergent cup up with vinegar and use the hottest water setting. They come out very clean this way.

hkgar · 12/13/2019, 03:44 PM

Bleach doesn't clean, it only makes them whiter. When I used filter socks I did use bleach because it seems they are cleaner when whiter, but they aren't.

ThRoewer · 12/15/2019, 02:48 AM

When I was using filtersocks I pre-cleaned them with a garden hose and then washed them in the washing machine with bleach and biodegradable soap (extra rinse is mandatory).
Though I stopped using socks as they catch too much of the good stuff and cleaning them is too much of a hassle.

treesprite · 12/31/2019, 05:25 PM

I don't like bleach. I've been using hydrogen peroxide, in the washing machine.

If you are using the washer, run an empty cycle first to take care of any traces of soap or washing chemicals.

crimsonreef · 01/01/2020, 02:39 AM

When choosing the bleach option to clean the socks, make certain to only use unscented bleach. Adding an extra rinse cycle to the end of the wash cycle will help remove any bleach remnants left in the socks. In a hurry, you can dry the socks in the dryer with cool air or simply just leave them out to air dry.

paal · 01/01/2020, 05:45 PM

I have used the same fine mesh XL-sock for 2+ years on my 100g.

Roughly every 7 days it will clog up with super-fine particles to the point where it makes the water exit over the water line and make noise. I then just turn it inside out and wash it under the sink while "rubbing" it a little to get most of the gunk out.

treesprite · 01/01/2020, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paal

I have used the same fine mesh XL-sock for 2+ years on my 100g.

Roughly every 7 days it will clog up with super-fine particles to the point where it makes the water exit over the water line and make noise. I then just turn it inside out and wash it under the sink while "rubbing" it a little to get most of the gunk out.

My cell ncern with just washing with water in the sink, is that some trace of pest algae will still be there, or something else.

paal · 01/02/2020, 05:24 AM

Yeah, the sock never gets 100% clean, but no problems so far.

pisces 12 · 01/02/2020, 08:02 PM

I wait till i get 7 or more my socks are 7x16in 200 micron felt turn inside out trough in the washer add 1/2 cup of reg bleach after the frist wash rewash with plain water and 2 capfulls of amquil rinse one more time done takes all but 90mins

treesprite · 01/05/2020, 12:14 AM

Why the Amquel after using bleach?

kennytze · 01/05/2020, 08:04 AM

I wash in wash machine on the Bulky/Bedding cycle with extra rinse.

Lfunnyfarm · 01/11/2020, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkgar

Bleach doesn't clean, it only makes them whiter. When I used filter socks I did use bleach because it seems they are cleaner when whiter, but they aren't.

Sorry, but I disagree. Using a dilute bleach solution for ten to sixty minutes will kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae. The physical act of agitation, either by hand in a bucket or in a washing machine, will remove dirt.

clevername · 01/12/2020, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Typlus5

Felt or mesh- soak them in a bucket with a capful of bleach. When I have enough, Wash them in the washing machine with a cap full of bleach and a double rinse.

this is exactly what i do. Let them stackup in the bucket till i need to wash all of them.

01/13/2020, 02:28 AM

I rinse them with the hose inside and out then when I get a bunch of them I wash them in the washing machine with bleach, then air dry. Then I soak them in a bucket of rodi water and prime then air dry again.

MondoBongo · 01/13/2020, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lfunnyfarm

Sorry, but I disagree. Using a dilute bleach solution for ten to sixty minutes will kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae. The physical act of agitation, either by hand in a bucket or in a washing machine, will remove dirt.

from what i understand, bleach is also an oxidizer, so that should help break things down and aid their removal through physical agitation, right?

a big part of why i go the bleach route is to get the stank out, so my house isn't smelling like crusty old reef tank when i change my filter socks. but they do appear cleaner, not just color wise, after bleach and manual agitation in a bucket/vigorous rinse, than when i just rinse without the bleach soak.

Mussin · 01/15/2020, 04:39 PM

So are filter socks a thing of the past?

Zalick · 01/15/2020, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mussin

So are filter socks a thing of the past?

I use them when I blast my rocks/clean the tank. And for some extra water polishing if the water looks a little cloudy.

12/07/2019, 09:28 PM	#1
Mussin Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lima,Ohio Posts: 728	How to clean old filter socks? I got a bunch of old filter socks off of a friend. What's the best way to clean them? I thought washer and some bleach? __________________ 120RR tank/ 30g sump, mag 9.5, SWC cone 160, Reefbreeders photon 48

12/08/2019, 10:04 AM	#4
Typlus5 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Gonzales Louisiana Posts: 966	Felt or mesh- soak them in a bucket with a capful of bleach. When I have enough, Wash them in the washing machine with a cap full of bleach and a double rinse. __________________ TY I'm sure there's a way...and I have the will Current Tank Info: 110 Reef Savvy rimless, 40B sump, Current EFlux Return, XR15 Pros w/Reef Link, BK Mini 180 skimmer, MP40wES...driven by Apex

12/08/2019, 02:40 PM	#6
hkgar Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Dewitt MI Posts: 5,051	Just stick them in a corner of your basement and after they gather dust pick them up and shake. That's what I do with mine now that I have been a convert awy from the use of filter socks. Let me know if you want some more - cheap + shipping. __________________ Gary 180 gallon, 40 gallon sump, 3 250 W MH + 4 80W ATI T5's, MTC MVX 36 Skimmer, Apex controller Aquamaxx T-3 CaRx Current Tank Info: A 2 Barred Rabbitfish, Red Head Salon, Yellow/Purple, McMaster Fairy, Possum, 2 Leopard Wrasses, Kole, & Atlantic Blue Tangs, 2 Percula Clown, 3 PJ and 1 Banggai Cardinalfish , Swallowtail, Bellus and Coral Beauty Angels

12/09/2019, 10:23 AM	#7
MondoBongo Obligate Feeder Obsessed Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 4,061	i soak mine in a bucket of bleach water for a couple days. then rinse thoroughly with tap water, soak in some RODI with some safe or other water treatment product, and then give a quick rinse with RODI prior to returning to service. __________________ [Citation Needed] "You don't use science to show that you're right, you use science to become right" - xkcd Current Tank Info: A rectangular shaped money pit.

12/12/2019, 07:00 AM	#8
Dmorty217 Saltwater Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vandalia OHIO Posts: 11,624	When I use to work at the wholesaler near me, I would wash the filter socks with bleach and water only then water only and let them dry. __________________ Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs

12/08/2019, 09:08 AM	#3
on the spot Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: West Michigan Posts: 1,010	Felt or mesh? Either way I start with a bleach soak in a bucket. Felt goes through the washer. Mesh is good with a rinse. HTH

12/12/2019, 06:57 PM	#9
sfdan Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: San Francisco Posts: 451	If you don't want to use bleach, vinegar also works decently enough. I turn my socks inside out, fill the detergent cup up with vinegar and use the hottest water setting. They come out very clean this way.

12/13/2019, 03:44 PM	#10
hkgar Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Dewitt MI Posts: 5,051	Bleach doesn't clean, it only makes them whiter. When I used filter socks I did use bleach because it seems they are cleaner when whiter, but they aren't. __________________ Gary 180 gallon, 40 gallon sump, 3 250 W MH + 4 80W ATI T5's, MTC MVX 36 Skimmer, Apex controller Aquamaxx T-3 CaRx Current Tank Info: A 2 Barred Rabbitfish, Red Head Salon, Yellow/Purple, McMaster Fairy, Possum, 2 Leopard Wrasses, Kole, & Atlantic Blue Tangs, 2 Percula Clown, 3 PJ and 1 Banggai Cardinalfish , Swallowtail, Bellus and Coral Beauty Angels

12/15/2019, 02:48 AM	#11
ThRoewer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 9,555	When I was using filtersocks I pre-cleaned them with a garden hose and then washed them in the washing machine with bleach and biodegradable soap (extra rinse is mandatory). Though I stopped using socks as they catch too much of the good stuff and cleaning them is too much of a hassle. __________________ Pairs: 4 percula, 3 P. kauderni, 3 D. excisus, 1 ea of P. diacanthus, S. splendidus, C. altivelis O. rosenblatti, D. janssi, S. yasha & a Gramma loreto trio 3 P. diacanthus. 2 C. starcki Current Tank Info: 200 gal 4 tank system (40x28x24 + 40B + 40B sump tank + 20g refugium) + 30x18x18 mixed reef + 20g East Pacific biotop + 20g FW +...

12/31/2019, 05:25 PM	#12
treesprite Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 147	I don't like bleach. I've been using hydrogen peroxide, in the washing machine. If you are using the washer, run an empty cycle first to take care of any traces of soap or washing chemicals.

01/01/2020, 02:39 AM	#13
crimsonreef Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: California Posts: 22	When choosing the bleach option to clean the socks, make certain to only use unscented bleach. Adding an extra rinse cycle to the end of the wash cycle will help remove any bleach remnants left in the socks. In a hurry, you can dry the socks in the dryer with cool air or simply just leave them out to air dry.

01/01/2020, 05:45 PM	#14
paal Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Norway Posts: 368	I have used the same fine mesh XL-sock for 2+ years on my 100g. Roughly every 7 days it will clog up with super-fine particles to the point where it makes the water exit over the water line and make noise. I then just turn it inside out and wash it under the sink while "rubbing" it a little to get most of the gunk out.

01/02/2020, 05:24 AM	#16
paal Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Norway Posts: 368	Yeah, the sock never gets 100% clean, but no problems so far.

01/02/2020, 08:02 PM	#17
pisces 12 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: mineola , L ,I N.Y Posts: 94	I wait till i get 7 or more my socks are 7x16in 200 micron felt turn inside out trough in the washer add 1/2 cup of reg bleach after the frist wash rewash with plain water and 2 capfulls of amquil rinse one more time done takes all but 90mins

01/05/2020, 12:14 AM	#18
treesprite Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 147	Why the Amquel after using bleach?

01/05/2020, 08:04 AM	#19
kennytze Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Oak Forest, IL Posts: 44	I wash in wash machine on the Bulky/Bedding cycle with extra rinse.

01/13/2020, 02:28 AM	#22
macksalazar Unregistered Posts: n/a	I rinse them with the hose inside and out then when I get a bunch of them I wash them in the washing machine with bleach, then air dry. Then I soak them in a bucket of rodi water and prime then air dry again.

01/15/2020, 04:39 PM	#24
Mussin Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lima,Ohio Posts: 728	So are filter socks a thing of the past? __________________ 120RR tank/ 30g sump, mag 9.5, SWC cone 160, Reefbreeders photon 48