Cleaning filter socks?

[rogergolf66]

Well has to be a better way. This sock was already machine washed bleach and 2 extra rinses. I decided to swash it in so Rodi before adding it to tank tonight. It was white as can be before this test.
Before

During

After

Now I now lots of people saying how they don't like to put there hands in the tank because of oils and so on but I just can't believe there this junk doesn't hurt the tank.

Roger

 

[grcforce327]

Change mine approx every 3rd day.Turn them inside out,get out all the copepods out that I see,then throw them in the washing machine with some vinegar and bleach.

 

[rogergolf66]

Change mine approx every 3rd day.Turn them inside out,get out all the copepods out that I see,then throw them in the washing machine with some vinegar and bleach.

That's basically what I do. That's what I'm says that doesn't clean them very well

Roger

 

[MrHarvard]

Well I just soaked mine in peroxide for a bit then washed them in the washer and ran rinse cycle twice...I'm going to do the same thing you did roger and see what I get! Stand by......

 

[rogergolf66]

Well I just soaked mine in peroxide for a bit then washed them in the washer and ran rinse cycle twice...I'm going to do the same thing you did roger and see what I get! Stand by......

Looking forward to results cause that's what I was going to try next. I have 30 plus filter socks so that will be a bi*,h to do but if it works

 

[ridetheducati]

This is a great hobby, but do not understand why hobbyist would want to increase or further complicate husbandry tasks. I used to run sponges and filter socks years ago, and have learned the benefits of the sump and cryptic zones. The sump is a filter and will collect the detritus where it can be vacuumed on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. In addition, a properly sized skimmer will greatly assist in cleaning the sump. The key is to have high turbulent flow in the display while turning over the tank volume 3 - 5 times per hour.

Think of the sump as a filter.

 

[MrHarvard]

This is a great hobby, but do not understand why hobbyist would want to increase or further complicate husbandry tasks. I used to run sponges and filter socks years ago, and have learned the benefits of the sump and cryptic zones. The sump is a filter and will collect the detritus where it can be vacuumed on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. In addition, a properly sized skimmer will greatly assist in cleaning the sump. The key is to have high turbulent flow in the display while turning over the tank volume 3 - 5 times per hour.

Think of the sump as a filter.

I can totally see where you are coming from but I think the way you run your tank is a personal preference. Things that work for one persons set up may not work for someone else. I am new to the whole sump and filter sock thing but I ran my tank without a sock for 2 weeks then with one for the past week and my water is a lot more clear this week. I agree that the sump is a large filter but it seems to me that the smaller materials that are in your water would remain in your water column unless removed by a filter sock. I am sure that running without them works but for me I'm sticking with running them. Anything that helps me remove unwanted debris is a plus.



Roger I didn't get a chance to do the test yet but once I gett off work I'll update what I find with pics...

 

[brad87us]

i clean mine by rinsing them out , then when i get enough for a load, i wash them inside out in my he washing machine with bleach

+1

 

[MrHarvard]

I soaked my socks in peroxide for around 20 minutes then I washed them in the washer once and ran the rinse cycle twice. The socks came out perfectly white so I then air dried them. After they were dry I put 1 of them in a bowl of clean RO water and there was very little debris that came out in the water. I think I am going to continue this method and stay away from the bleach. I appreciate all the input!

 

[Vpham97]

Looks like Roger is going to want to wash his socks at your place instead of using his fancy high efficiency (HE) washer.

 

[rogergolf66]

I soaked my socks in peroxide for around 20 minutes then I washed them in the washer once and ran the rinse cycle twice. The socks came out perfectly white so I then air dried them. After they were dry I put 1 of them in a bowl of clean RO water and there was very little debris that came out in the water. I think I am going to continue this method and stay away from the bleach. I appreciate all the input!

How much peroxide did u use with how many socks? And r they the 16 in sock of the small ones?

 

[Ted_C]

Sorry to resurrect this - but has anyone found a local source of Hydrogen peroxide (bulk and/or 27%) or tried an alternative oxidizer for cleaning filter socks? There's many "dead-ends" in this thread - where someone says they have a link or it worked but no explanation.

I've looked in hardware stores for 27% peroxide, pool stores (pinch a penny), spa stores.

Ive got about 6 quarts of the 3% from CVS / Publix.

 

[janes_mw]

I have always run filter socks. 25 micron to be exact. I change daily on all my tanks just as a matter of daily maintenance.

Cleaning..... man I have done it all, peroxide (best), vinegar, bleach, clear water rinse... you name it. Peroxide is the best, especially if you look at under a microscope. It actually breaks it down .... but expensive and a pain to find in bulk.

So, I have succumb to the washing machine.... vinegar wash, bleach cycle, on "whites" cycle (hot, hot , hot). I then run on a quick wash with nothing in the machine (no vinegar or bleach) and hot, hot.

Sun dry and use. Been using this method for a few years. Freshly washed socks still make my skimmer crazy for about 30 minutes so I just shut skimmer off for 30 min (controller delay).

Not as good as peroxide, but it was a pain. The 25 micron socks still are great in fine particulate capture and have been good to me.

 

[Mrs Postal]

As the official sock washer around here, I turn them inside out and I spray out the really bad ones with the garden hose(or I toss them in the bottom of the bucket for next times) and then I put them in my front load washer and wash them on regular with no detergent but I do use hydrogen peroxide "natural" bleach. i have taken them to the laundermat but jeez, that is not cheap. Then I hang them on my drying rack either outside or inside to dry.

 

[MrHarvard]

UOTE=Ted_C;23577278]

I've looked in hardware stores for 27% peroxide, pool stores (pinch a penny), spa stores.

Ive got about 6 quarts of the 3% from CVS / Publix.[/QUOTE]

Ted, you can buy 35% food grade at health and vitamin stores. There is a place in Passadena called Health plus and herbs or something like that and they carry it. I have also heard you can use #40 developer (for dying hair) you can get it at Sallys beauty supply. It's 12% hydrogen peroxide, phosphoric acid, and H20. I haven't personally tried it but my buddy swears by it and it's cheap. Link below....

http://www.sallybeauty.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-SA-Site/default/mProduct-Show?pid=SLNCAR67

 

[Ted_C]

and then I put them in my front load washer and wash them on regular with no detergent but I do use hydrogen peroxide "natural" bleach.

Hey Mrs Postal - can you elaborate on this? What is it? where do you get it?

Ted, you can buy 35% food grade at health and vitamin stores. There is a place in Passadena called Health plus and herbs or something like that and they carry it. I have also heard you can use #40 developer (for dying hair) you can get it at Sallys beauty supply. It's 12% hydrogen peroxide, phosphoric acid, and H20. I haven't personally tried it but my buddy swears by it and it's cheap. Link below....

Thanks Tony! I'll feel a bit umm "weird" walking into beauty stores - but so be it. I'll give it a shot. Do they have that stuff by the gallon per chance or are we all buying quarts or pints?

 

[Webmanny]

Now this explains a lot. I have been using the regular Publix 3% peroxide with little difference from just plain water. I think I need to get the stronger stuff for my socks. I'll check who sells this stuff around my area. Thank you all for the clarification. Good thread.

 

[abhutta]

Whats your opinion on Filter Socks vs Bio Balls. I run filter socks but have been contemplating moving to the BB method in my sump. Any disadvantages?

 

[Ted_C]

Lots of disadvantages from what I've read. Bioballs are nitrate factories. Bioballs do nothing to filter out detritus or floating particles.

 

[CrazyEyes]

I don't think bio balls and filter socks are in the same category. Socks are meant as mechanical whereas bioballs are meant to work as bio media.