Filter socks

[Reefpilot11]

Okay so I've just been spraying my filter socks out with the hose and letting them sit out in the sun to kill off anything living inside. Doing it this way they still have a little bit of discoloration to them and aren't completely white and brand new looking. I know I could use bleach but I'm just nervous about doing that and putting it back in my tank. What is everyone else's process of cleaning them?

 

[gpdno]

Two cycles in the wasting machine. I turn the sock in-side-out and wash it in hot water and bleach. Then I turn it right-side-out and wash it again, but this time, in just hot water. Never an issue.

 

[reepher315]

^ +1. They come out lookin brand new.

 

[Reefpilot11]

Looks like that's what I'll be doing from now on!

 

[toddmau5]

Turn them inside out, wash cycle on hot, I use vinegar instead of bleach. Still gets them really clean, and I don't have to be nervous about stuff getting in the tank. Once a month or so I throw all the socks in and do the bleach double wash like gpdno said

 

[Reefpilot11]

What do you do with the dirty ones in the mean time? They are sure to smell when left out.

 

[Egkid]

I throw mine in a bucket of water with some bleach.

 

[rfalvey89]

What do you do with the dirty ones in the mean time? They are sure to smell when left out.

I went and found some type of closed/no holes on the sides / clothing a hamper with a lid ( you could use a tote from Wally World ) Then weekly I clean them in hot water with bleach the washing machine the cycle them 2 more times to rinse with no bleach 1 warm , 1 cold

 

[Flippers4pups]

I throw mine in a bucket of water with some bleach.

Same here, let sit overnight. Rise throughly and dry completely.

 

[BlitzK]

I always had a bucket of water with a little bleach. When changing the socks, take the old, spray out with the hose and put in the bucket. When the bucket was "full", I'd put them all (inside out) in the washer. Hot water W/bleach & extra rinse. Then I would run a short cycle of just water. Take them out and let them completely dry.... Never had a problem.

 

[Reefpilot11]

That's a lot everyone, this has been very helpful!!

 

[tigger2577]

ok slightly different question, when should one replace a sock filter, and by replace I mean throw out and buy a new sock filter.

 

[snake1]

ok slightly different question, when should one replace a sock filter, and by replace I mean throw out and buy a new sock filter.

I have often wondered that myself but I think you will know I have some that I can tell are really old they are losing there thickness .....