Filter sock or no sock

[frogiii]

Who uses filter sock or do not use them?
What are pros and cons using socks?
Does skimmer work less efficiently with filter sock?

 

[gveng]

If your diligent about changing them, they are definitely worth it. But if you get lazy, they can cause problems. It's up to you.

 

[m0nkie]

I tried both ways... I like it better with filter sock. I change it every 3 days. bought 10 of them and wash once a month..

without filter socks, my sump got dirty really fast, a lot more sump cleaning.. nitrate shot up a little too because I kept water changes the same. I over feed my LPS tank and run the water dirty.. socks really help maintain nitrate if you remove it fast enough

no major impact on skimming, except new socks drives skimmer crazy for the first hour..

 

[BeanMachine]

Im lazy so only during maintenance.

 

[Philducati]

filter sock also make water a lot clear

 

[OC CJ]

I've run 200 micron on my current tank and changed weekly. I've recently switched to 100 micron but have to change them more frequently, maybe once every 5 days.

In my old 90g, i didn't run one. Just built myself a bubble tower (idea I got from melev's reef) and filled it with rubble.

I prefer to run them as my sump does stay cleaner. Other than that, I haven't noticed any advantage/disadvantage with prompt removal.

 

[CoralNerd]

I prefer using filter socks. Get the short ones so you can turn them inside out. Hose them down then on to the washing machine with a little bleach. I change mine every three days.

 

[dymaxiun]

Filter sock... Water polishing and keeps sump clean.

 

[gregr]

So true that if you get lazy they cause trouble. It's not hard to know when it's time to change though- they overflow, easy to see. Since I got a new better skimmer it's taking about a month before I have to change the socks-- before they clogged in a week or sometimes less. Old skimmer was a RO Diablo XS 225, new skimmer is MTC MXV-26.

 

[Philducati]

other thing I did on filter sock, I know a lot my friends complaint a water drain little noisy, I fill the filter sock with full bio balls, it will stop water noise right away

 

[xmas_one]

100 micron mesh is the way to go. Gets all the big chunks and cleans easy. Anything smaller than 100 micron is coral food, or the skimmer will get it.

 

[laverda]

Filter socks must be changed at least weekly, preferably sooner or they will just increase nitrates and phosphates in your system. The same applies to filter floss, sponges filter and canister filters.

 

[waterman78]

I say that you'll never know if you really like them until you give it a try. Your lifestyle and schedule will dictate if you should toss the idea or stay on top of the upkeep.

My vote is to add it - due to the water clarity and visibility.

Good luck.

Larry

 

[BeanMachine]

Another reason I don't use them is that we recently bought a new washer and dryer and I've been banned from washing my filter socks in them. Happy Wife....

 

[DRC69]

I like them so I use them. JMO

 

[dgelz]

I do this with filter floss every once in a while. Helps remove carat age out of the water. Works like a champ.

 

[Electus unus]

I just dirty up the water once or twice a week by blowing any detritus or dead spot build up off the rocks and sand bed and stick the top half of a coke bottle(stuffed with polyester that I lightly to moderately pack into an old media bag) over the intake of a maxijet powerhead. It works WONDERS.

 

[Electus unus]

No traditional filter socks... Yet.. Might add them when I re-model the sump

 

[mike810]

Filter sock only when I do maintenance. I'm too lazy to change them and they clog up within two days for me.

I would say, if you're not lazy or carbon dosing. Then go for it. It'll polish the water and help keep your sump clean.

If you're lazy or carbon dose, the sock will clog up fast from all the extra bacteria in your tank.

 

[russ13]

I like them and use them