Filter sock and return pump questions

[WatDatThing]

I got a used 40b sump. It doesn't have a filter sock holder so I started researching to have it setup.
I have a few questions:
1) For the sump I have, should I go with 4" or 7" filter sock?
2) Should I buy the holder with the bulkhead or without the bulkhead?
3) Do you have a recommendation for the filter sock holder?

Also, I'm looking for a return pump. Eheim is expensive. Is there one that is less expensive, yet quiet? How is Quiet One 3000? TIA
PS - the tank is 120g

 

[billdogg]

IMHO, filter socks are not really needed. They are just one more thing that will get put off for cleaning.

I use a eheim 1262 for the return on my 120DT/40b sump. Well worth the little bit of extra $$$ in exchange for rock solid performance and unsurpassed reliability.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I've been using filter socks for about 5 or 6 years now and given the amount of 'stuff' they collect I don't think I'd consider not using them, even though many do run with them. If your system is dirty they do require frequent changing. But if your system runs clean they don't require changing nearly as frequently.

As for holders, I have a couple in both sumps and a couple that I just put under the down pipe and clip in place with a plastic clip and a length of fishing line tied off so the socks don't fall down. There is no right or wrong way to use them IMHO.

That's a very good pump. I prefer one that has speed control so I can set the flow rate exactly the way I want it. But mine feed a manifold with gate valves to adjust the flow out to 2 tanks, a chiller, a reactor and anything else I might add into the system. It's a matter of personal preference and any good pump with proper flow rate should work.

 

[homer1475]

IMHO, filter socks are not really needed. They are just one more thing that will get put off for cleaning.

Funny you mention this as BRS just did a video about the effectiveness at removing nutrients with filter socks.


If you change them every couple days they are absolutely removing nutrients from the system at a decent enough rate to say newer systems with nutrient issues should be using them.

If you change them once a week or less, they did remove some, but their effectiveness was less then stellar.

As for the OP:
For a short tank(40B) I would use the 4". I used a holder that has a bulkhead, and while I don't think its really needed, it makes getting the sock out a little easier as I can remove the pipe too.

 

[A sea K]

I use 4" dual socks and made my own holder. The only time I put the socks in service is when I do a water change as I stir up the sandbed and blow off the rock structure, sure does help to catch most of the suspended particles.

 

[billdogg]

Funny you mention this as BRS just did a video about the effectiveness at removing nutrients with filter socks.


If you change them every couple days they are absolutely removing nutrients from the system at a decent enough rate to say newer systems with nutrient issues should be using them.

No argument there, but who is going to keep on changing them daily for years on end? I, for one, prefer a more hands-off approach.

If you change them once a week or less, they did remove some, but their effectiveness was less then stellar.

As for the OP:
For a short tank(40B) I would use the 4". I used a holder that has a bulkhead, and while I don't think its really needed, it makes getting the sock out a little easier as I can remove the pipe too.

jm.02

 

[sde1500]

^^ Agreed. I let stuff build up in my sump, things live in it and after a few days its mainly inert.

 

[thegrun]

I use an Eheim 1262 return pump and a 7" filter sock on my 120 gallon tank system. I second the reliability of the Eheim 1262 and I think a 4" sock would get dirty too quickly. If you do fun a filter sock it needs to be cleaned every 3-4 days or you are better off without them.

 

[d0ughb0y]

depends on bio load.
I have a light bioload and replace a 7" sock on a 60 gal system once every 2 weeks. nitrates stays at 0. By the time I replace the sock, the water inside the sock is about 2" above the sump water line. I use a 100 micron sock.

 

[TokiHacker]

I have 2 7inch socks on my 180g and a mag 1200 for return (only because it was free).

 

[zeusfc]

IMHO, filter socks are not really needed. They are just one more thing that will get put off for cleaning.

I use a eheim 1262 for the return on my 120DT/40b sump. Well worth the little bit of extra $$$ in exchange for rock solid performance and unsurpassed reliability.

Eheim pumps are reliable and replacement parts are instantly available in most of the world; something you can't say about many of the Chinese products.

I agree with the maintenance issue with socks; you need enough to guarantee that you change them on time, but also to ensure you're not running your washing machine, one at a time.
I went for "disposable" sports socks, which means I never have these issues. They last about a week, and are available everywhere.


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[FamilyTank]

What I remember from the BRS video. Yes,change them every couple of days. If you're planing on weekly changes,theres no appreciative difference in waiting 2weeks to change them. I don't remember the values quoted. Dan