Filter Socks? Who Uses Them?

[HerbieK]

I just started running 100 micron filter socks on my 180 SPS reef. I have two socks, sock per overflow. I am surprised at how fast these things dirtied up. After three days, the water was running over the top of the sock.

Just wondering who uses them? How often do you clean them? Good idea? Bad Idea?

I would like to hear any experiences or opinions.

Thanks.

Herb

 

[InsaneClownFish]

Personally, I found them to be a bit counterproductive, not only do they dirty quickly, but I had a crab pry it off my drain to get at the junk inside.

I'm now a big proponent of using a vacuum or siphon to rid my sump of detritus.

 

[PogoMonogo]

I personally love them. Yes, you probably need to switch them out weekly, but if you get a few of them, they are easy to swap, and then wash a bucket of them at one time.

 

[eggiel]

I use them only cause I get micro bubbles in my tank
I change them every 3 days and wash with clorox in the washing machine
If i didnt get microbubble in my tank I would not use them

 

[kraziezx]

personally, i found them to be a bit counterproductive, not only do they dirty quickly, but i had a crab pry it off my drain to get at the junk inside.

I'm now a big proponent of using a vacuum or siphon to rid my sump of detritus.

+1

 

[losthere]

I personally love them. Yes, you probably need to switch them out weekly, but if you get a few of them, they are easy to swap, and then wash a bucket of them at one time.

+1 i swich mine out every week with the water change.

 

[LUVSPS]

I have 200 micron socks and I switch them out every three days. They are dirty by then but not clogged. You might want to try 200 micron if yours are getting clogged after three days. I love mine personally. Water is much clearer with them on.

 

[smiller]

[moved]

 

[commonstranger]

Ive used one for a while now. I will agree they get dirty quickly but there is a reason why its helping clean the tank, lol. Ilove how it ploishes the water off and makes it so clear.

 

[ludnix]

I used them for several months on my 120 in order to reduce microbubbles. The constant changing out was really draining on my interest in the tank and was just too much of a chore for me to continue. I couldn't just take them off because then I'd have microbubbles everywhere so I built some removable bubble towers to get rid of the bubbles without any regular maintenance.

The rubble breaks up the bubbles and the two 90 degree PVC pieces ensure only the bottom inch of water leaves the trap (where the least bubbles are).

 

[plyle02]

Using 25 micron socks, needless to say they are changed daily. My LFS gets them specially made, the thought is that daily changing is somewhat forced, not allowing the nutrients to build up. My skimmer really appreciates it.

 

[chilihedkc]

I use 100 micron and love it. Keeps my sump cleaner and actually reduces maintenance. Yeah, I wash it weekly, no soap in just hot water, and it really makes the water crystal clear.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

10 micron here

10 micron here

you read correctly: ten micron.

Do I hear five? :bounce2:

 

[tufacody]

Socks seem to make my skimmer work so much better. I have no idea why, I would think it would be the opposite.

 

[browntrout]

I decided to live with the microbubbles. It is no fun changing and washing socks out every 2 days.

 

[64Ivy]

I use the 100 micron socks...four at a time; two for my top returns, one for my bottom return, and one to help dissipate skimmer micro-bubbles. All get changed out every other day. No fun, true dat, but one look at what I'm pulling out and I'm cool with finding my fun somewhere else..

 

[mcbaes72]

I just started running 100 micron filter socks on my 180 SPS reef. I have two socks, sock per overflow. I am surprised at how fast these things dirtied up. After three days, the water was running over the top of the sock.

Just wondering who uses them? How often do you clean them? Good idea? Bad Idea?

I would like to hear any experiences or opinions.

Thanks.

Herb

Since my Alpha 200 won't arrive 'til tomorrow and been w/o a skimmer for a few months now, my filter sock isn't overflowing w/ water, but actual foam waste!

 

[kjord97]

+1 On using them

I order ours from www.filterbag.com

I personally use the PEM100P4P (Polyester Multifilament Mesh) $3.30 the mesh is easier to clean in the sink, no washing machine needed.

They reccommend the PONG100P4P (Polypropylene Felt) $2.76 Same micron but this is the thicker felt that cloggs up after 3-4 days.

Both are very effiecent at reducing micro bubbles to Zero, but the mesh is easier to clean.


Dont buy these from fish vendors, buy them here, you cant beat $2-$3 each. When it comes to buying socks online, I dont understand how all of the vendors can charge rediculous amounts for the same product, only difference is name. For example, the JBJ 200 Micron sock is $6.99 and the Blue Life 200 micron sock is $9.99. Exact same material and usage. You can buy the same exact sock from www.filterbag.com for under $3

 

[lcs]

Wow, thanks for the link kjord! I've been holding off on getting a couple more socks because I'ave been reluctant to spend between $7 and $11 on them. I will def. be ordering from filterbag.

 

[TBHockey]

I use 2 Socks at a time and switch out every 2-3 days (MAX). I have about 25 Socks, so i soak them in Bleach Water until i get low and then wash them. Also you can watch for some Group Buys in your Area Forums...that is how I obtained mine, when you do it that way, you give the LFS some business and everyone gets a great deal.