How many of you guys use filter socks?

[NeveSSL]

Hi all!

I'm thinking some filter socks could help my tank a bit (along with cleaning my skimmer pump at this point... :lol.

I was curious how many of you guys are using them? Do they become nitrate farms like bio balls or are they pretty safe?

Thanks!

Brandon

 

[CKreef]

I use on but i wash it out every few days.

 

[DMBillies]

Brandon,
In my experience, if you don't replace the filter sock every couple of days, it would be better to just run your tank without one. Also in my experience, you'll need to replace them that often anyway because water will stop flowing through them as they gunk-ify (this could be a result of my filter sock being low in the water so there isn't a ton of pressure from gravity pushing water through the sock).
What I'll usually do is run one for a day or two after a water change (during which I blow out my rocks with a powerhead). This gets a lot of the junk out of the water without having to worry about the nitrate trap aspect.

 

[NeveSSL]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

That sounds like a good idea on the water changes. Thanks for the tip!

Brandon

 

[c_stowers]

I run a filter sock 24/7. I try to change it out every few days, but it is often every 7 or 8 days. They definately help with water clarity, but can lead to nutrient problems if your not careful.

 

[KAiNE]

Used them on my reef for a brief period... to much work, plus my wife frowns on me washing them once/twice a week in the washer.

I finally got rid of the filter sock on my FOWLR this week, used it for bubble managment only, MRC skimmer.

They work great, but you have to change it every few days which to me is a pita.

I still use one during a water change (when i remember) for catching the crap i blow out. I keep it on for a couple of hours only.

 

[NeveSSL]

Thanks for the replies, guys... I think I'll probably just use one for water changes. I do need a little bit of help with bubble control, too, but its not horrible just yet and I actually think most of it is from my refugium pouring into the return section.

Brandon

 

[gottahaveaDori]

We have 3 different socks that we swap out. We change every 2-3 days. Just throw in the wash machine with a capful of bleach in hot water--Not hard.