Ok i have a 75g reef tank with 30g sump/fuge , i have a overflow box that has 2 pipes that drain to my sump. My question is , should i use filter socks at the end of these to collect un wanted crap? is there a better method to use? and if i use filter socks what micron size and why? Iveb been told 25 micron
filter socks
- Thread starter chewieee
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steve the plumb
In Memoriam
I just set up my tank and started using them.I don't have any livestock in the tank.I added about 30 pounds of live rock and I did see a lot of dirt getting trapped in the sock.I would use a sock or floss.There is washable floss if you want to reuse it.I do like the sock if you use one you will see it pick up debris.Here is a video of how mine is set up
Aquarist007
New member
Fliter socks are great but they should be changed every day or they tend to start releasing nitrates etc back into the sump.
Aquarist007
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10863921#post10863921 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by steve the plumb
I just set up my tank and started using them.I don't have any livestock in the tank.I added about 30 pounds of live rock and I did see a lot of dirt getting trapped in the sock.I would use a sock or floss.There is washable floss if you want to reuse it.I do like the sock if you use one you will see it pick up debris.Here is a video of how mine is set up
nice video---are you running a refugium or protein skimmer?
steve the plumb
In Memoriam
There is a DSB on the left side.I will add Calerpa in the middle.This is a 125 gal tank that I converted to a sump.My skimmer is on order.I have a tunze skimmer (9420) but its not big enough for my system.My tank is 300 gal.I am still in the setup phase.I need lights and then livestock later
steve the plumb
In Memoriam
This is a top view of my sump.I am using a dart pump for a return pump
steve the plumb
In Memoriam
You can see there is no skimmer yet.I can use my tunze but since there is no livestock I don't need it.The water is clean.The socks do get dirty pretty easy.I wasn't sure how often they need to be changed.Every day or two is a pain.I will try for once a week.
bearpeidog
Member
I get 1 week out of my filter sock. Also, if you are running two overflows you could put a separate sock on each on. My thought is 1/2 the water flow going through it, half the crud it will colllect.
ACBlinky
Premium Member
25 micron socks need to be changed OFTEN - they clog up very quickly. See if you can get 100 micron or 200 micron socks; you'll still filter out a lot of detritus, and the sock won't completely clog up. It will still need to be changed every 24-48h to prevent nitrate buildup.
I love using a sock on my tank, I can't believe the amount of gunk that comes out of seemingly clear water! I change the sock every 24h as a rule - it's not that much of a chore if you get it down to a routine. I pull the old sock and toss it into a bucket with hot water and bleach. I take the sock that went into the bucket the previous day and rinse it (to remove bleach and any detritus that hasn't come loose), then set it aside to dry. I then take a clean, dry sock and put it on the tank. Total time is about three minutes.
I love using a sock on my tank, I can't believe the amount of gunk that comes out of seemingly clear water! I change the sock every 24h as a rule - it's not that much of a chore if you get it down to a routine. I pull the old sock and toss it into a bucket with hot water and bleach. I take the sock that went into the bucket the previous day and rinse it (to remove bleach and any detritus that hasn't come loose), then set it aside to dry. I then take a clean, dry sock and put it on the tank. Total time is about three minutes.
I'm using a 25 micron and change it every 2-3 weeks. It seems like that must be horrible based on what everyone says, but I have 0 nitrates, ever. What annoys me about changing the socks is that there's always dozens and dozens of pods inside so I have to get as many as possible out and back into the tank. Anyone else with that problem?
Craig Lambert
Premium Member
This is one of those myths that when it it appears in print often enough is taken as fact. I use filter socks on a 75G w/29G sump 24/7. I change them once a week and my nitrates are 0. Just for fun I let them go two weeks on 3 seperate occassions. When I let them go this long they actually clog and the drain line water flows out of the top of the bag rather than through it. I tested nitrates on all 3 occasions and they still read 0. (Salifert kits).
Filter socks are great. They quiet the tank, assist your skimmer, and do not increase nitrates.
Last edited:
einsteins
Premium Member
If you are using the sock to remove particulate then use a finer mesh like 100 or less.
If you are using the sock primarily to stop microbubbles then just use a 200 micron mesh.
My 200 micron mesh still get everything I need it to and it takes flow much better.
Just a thought....
einsteins
If you are using the sock primarily to stop microbubbles then just use a 200 micron mesh.
My 200 micron mesh still get everything I need it to and it takes flow much better.
Just a thought....
einsteins
Craig Lambert
Premium Member
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I have a sock on each of my returns. I change them once a week. I put them in the washing machine with some bleach and run them through a cycle. I then soak them overnight in fresh water with some chlorine remover.
I have 0 nitrates and love the amount of stuff they take out and mine are 200 micron.
I have 0 nitrates and love the amount of stuff they take out and mine are 200 micron.
Aquarist007
New member
I guess it is only you and I that change them every 24 hours---I wonder if it is a Canadian thing :lol:
Aquarist007
New member
awesome setup:smokin:
pledosophy
Active member
I just bought 7 of them. I change them daily, wash all 7 of them in the washer once a week. Set it on the extra rinse cycle. I don't use detergent or bleach. I don't care if my filter socks are a sparkling white. Takes me 30 seconds a day. It's all part of the routine. I do it every morning while I'm waiting for the shower water to get hot.
JME
JME
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