Filter sock and carbon questions

[Rekonn]

I'm thinking about adding a filter sock with some carbon to my drain to remove floating particles. I'd have it on for a couple days every two weeks or so. I'd like to only have it on for a little while so it doesn't become a nitrate factory. And from what I've read, carbon loses its ability to absorb yellowing compounds after a couple days too.

I can't run a power filter on the sump because the water level is too low. And I don't want to put a power filter on the main tank because then I can't reach it without taking the canopy off - and that's a pain. I was also thinking of a canister filter, but I'll only consider that if the sock method won't work.

Anybody notice a difference between using a 100 vs a 200 micron sock?

I'm going to use an oceanrunner 2500 for a return pump - 650gph, after 5 ft of head pressure I'm guessing I'll have 400gph. How much gph can a filter sock handle before water flows over the top? How quickly does it clog? I'm assuming carbon floats, and I'd like to avoid having it come out of the sock.

The water level is 10" high in the area of my sump I'm thinking of putting the sock in. Then there's 6" to the top of the sump. Does mounting it in a bracket 3" from the top seem reasonable?

Any brand recommendations for carbon? (I've read Seachem is good)
How much carbon should I add? (90 tank, 15g in sump)

 

[Beach Native]

I run a 100 micron bag continuously. It's never in line long enough to become a nitrate factory. I run each one about three times with a trip through the washing machine (hot water only) between each usage. Filter bags are pretty cheap on-line (i.e. not from a reef supply site).

I also run carbon continuously (about 1.5 cups changed monthly). Get a mesh bag for your carbon and put it inline somewhere (possibly in your filter bag). It should easily be good for a month (unless you have an unusual load).

HTH

 

[DarG]

The filter socks are rated for different flow rates depending on size. Mine are 6" X 20" and are rated for something like 2500 GPH or more. I have somewhere in the neighborhood of 1000 GPH going through my overflow and through the sock and it isnt even close to capacity.

I would just run 100 micron, that seems to be the most common but 200 micron should work fine also.

I dont keep mine in long enough for any nitrate problems either. Mine are swapped out for clean atleast twice per week. Throw them in the washing machine with bleach (no soap) when you get a good pile of dirty ones and you are good to go. They are inexpensive and they hold up well in the washing macine so they last a good while.

 

[Rekonn]

Thanks for the tips! I'll get the mesh bag for carbon. Good to know that I could run it continuously if I wanted. Guess I could make filter changing a part of my protein skimmer cleaning routine (I empty and clean the cup every 2-3 days), but I'm hoping it'll stay clear with less effort.

Where's a good site to get filter socks? I've been looking at marinedepot, but they start at $6 each there and don't seem to have GPH ratings.

 

[Reefjunkee]

I also run a filter sock,I swap it out at least once a week.I also run carbon(chemipure)in a Kent phos reactor

 

[DarG]

The ones I use I get from AquaticEcosystems.com. They are something like $5 each but they last a long time. If you check the site it will give the GPH under either the replacement filter bag listings or under the bag filter vessel listings themselves. The ones I use are actually made to go in a bag filter vessel but they are still just the standard ones with the plastic rings.

 

[lsir]

I make my own. I buy felt from the fabric store at about $5.50 a yard that is 72 inchs wide. For 11 or 12 bucks I can make alot of socks. My sock are about 10 x 17. I cut the material 10x34, fold it in half, run the two sides and part of the top through the sewing machine and that's it. I don't know what micron they are but I change them twice a week like everyone else.

 

[lsir]

oh ya, I attach it to my drain line with a plastic tie. no salt spray, no bubbles.

 

[Beach Native]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9924754#post9924754 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rekonn
Where's a good site to get filter socks?

I buy mine at filterbag dot com

 

[Rhodesholar]

I run a filter sock changed out roughly twice a week. I toss them in the washer with just bleach and rinse 3 times. I run my carbon in a Phosban reactor.

 

[PrangeWay]

Yeah I've found if you swap them out every 3 days no problem, longer than that and film algae appears. I soak mine in bleach/water mix overnight, than rinse them, let them dry, rinse again, dry, reuse about a month later.

PW

 

[Rekonn]

Beach Native, that site is great, only $2.22 per bag! (100 micron, polypropylene felt, 4"diameter by 8.25" length) There's a minimum order of 25 bags, but I should be able to split it with a couple reefers local to me when I'm ready to order.

Rhodesholar, I thought about getting a Phosban reactor because a lot of people recommend having one. But so far, using RODI water, I haven't had any detectable phosphate. (knock on wood)

 

[Rhodesholar]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9962107#post9962107 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rekonn
Rhodesholar, I thought about getting a Phosban reactor because a lot of people recommend having one. But so far, using RODI water, I haven't had any detectable phosphate. (knock on wood)

You had mentioned about carbon and the reactors are great for running carbon.

If I missed your point, I am sorry. It wouldn't be the first time I was off on a tangent.

 

[Rekonn]

It's all good, I did ask about how to run carbon. Does detritus ever build up inside the reactor? Does it require cleaning?

 

[Rhodesholar]

I change out my carbon usually every couple weeks and I really never see any major build up in there so a quick rinse and refill and good to go.

The cool thing with the reactor is you can put the carbon in, attach it to the faucet with a piece of a flexible hose and barb connector, flip the water on and let it run till the water runs clean. No rinsing carbon in bucket (which I hate).