Pro and Cons of using a filter sock
- Thread starter emorales
- Start date
mkarston
New member
emorales, I'm glad you started this thread. I currently use filter socks, but have been recently considering running my system without it. I have been trying read through Reef Central to see peoples opinions on this and if (and how) reefers are having good success running without any mechanical filtration (sock, sponge, etc...)
What are the downsides of doing this? What special considerations should be made if you are not running your systems with any mechanical filtration?
I'm really interested to hear what people have to say, but am guessing people doing this support the theory of high flow through their sump.
What are the downsides of doing this? What special considerations should be made if you are not running your systems with any mechanical filtration?
I'm really interested to hear what people have to say, but am guessing people doing this support the theory of high flow through their sump.
RichConley
New member
Re: Pro and Cons of using a filter sock
The problem with this argument is that a skimmer, without a sock, set up properly, WILL remove floating particulate matter and small debris.
The problem with this argument is that a skimmer, without a sock, set up properly, WILL remove floating particulate matter and small debris.
bhdmc
New member
Pros-Keep your sump and DT debris free.
-Keep mirco bubbles out of sump and DT.
Cons-Must change filter sock often, otherwise it become a NO4 sink.
-Must wash the filter sock.
-Traps pods.
There are probably other pros and cons that I can not think of as of now. I am currently using a filter sock. This may change in the future.
-Keep mirco bubbles out of sump and DT.
Cons-Must change filter sock often, otherwise it become a NO4 sink.
-Must wash the filter sock.
-Traps pods.
There are probably other pros and cons that I can not think of as of now. I am currently using a filter sock. This may change in the future.
Last edited:
I had the same ??? and went ahead and removed the filter sock I had. Thgis is only my experiance as I am far from a pro, biologist.
I should also tell you my set up, this is important, I think.
I have a 125g mainly sps, fish include: fowlerii tang, orange shoulder tang, 2x clown, 3 damsels & 3 anthias. (fair bio load)
before my move and tank crash, my bio load was way more.
I run a asm g3 no mods. this works great, (I am also in the marcket for a better and more efficiant skimmer.
I am pushing in tank about 10k GPH Tunze, vortech (by far my fav.) & seio (5 x PH total 10k gph). 2 -250w MH.
I have my rock work now set up in the center of the tank, as opposed to the rock wall on the back of the glass. this was the opposite before the tank genocide.
Here is what I battled monthly for 9 months.
cyno some corals grew slow and color not sa good as when purchased.
So i skimmed wetter (is that a word?) I noticed a lot of particulate matter in the water column. Since I was setting up again I started and new maintenace plan. As money is tight. I do more water changes and now start to incorperate po4 media to minimize. also started to run carbon and added the sock back. The water is clear with minimal particulate matter floatting. SPS color way better and growth is back can see weekly changes.
I hope that this is not that fragmented and made sense.
I should also tell you my set up, this is important, I think.
I have a 125g mainly sps, fish include: fowlerii tang, orange shoulder tang, 2x clown, 3 damsels & 3 anthias. (fair bio load)
before my move and tank crash, my bio load was way more.
I run a asm g3 no mods. this works great, (I am also in the marcket for a better and more efficiant skimmer.
I am pushing in tank about 10k GPH Tunze, vortech (by far my fav.) & seio (5 x PH total 10k gph). 2 -250w MH.
I have my rock work now set up in the center of the tank, as opposed to the rock wall on the back of the glass. this was the opposite before the tank genocide.
Here is what I battled monthly for 9 months.
cyno some corals grew slow and color not sa good as when purchased.
So i skimmed wetter (is that a word?) I noticed a lot of particulate matter in the water column. Since I was setting up again I started and new maintenace plan. As money is tight. I do more water changes and now start to incorperate po4 media to minimize. also started to run carbon and added the sock back. The water is clear with minimal particulate matter floatting. SPS color way better and growth is back can see weekly changes.
I hope that this is not that fragmented and made sense.
Mr. Brooks
MASVC Member
I used to run three filter socks in my old fish only tank. Two in the sump, one in the fuge. I absolutely hated and dreaded cleaning them out. As a result I simply stopped doing it. My nitrates got up to at least 100. The test didn't go any higher.
With my new tank, I run low flow through my sump. Almost 100% of the water gravity drains directly to the skimmer first. After the skimmer, water travels through a chamber of live rock with a bunch of hermit crabs. This takes care of any bubbles. The crabs handle any large chunks of food that may make it's way through. Water then passes through the fuge, then back up to the display.
I vacuum the fuge once a month using one of these: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3895
Nitrates and phosphates are undetectable. Water is clear.
I'd say the only con is that I have to vacuum the fuge. I'll take vacuuming once a month over weekly sock cleaning any day.
I feel this method is the most natural. I used to see all kinds of pods in the filter socks of my old tank. With this tank there are no traps. My skimmer pulls out most of what the socks would trap anyway.
With my new tank, I run low flow through my sump. Almost 100% of the water gravity drains directly to the skimmer first. After the skimmer, water travels through a chamber of live rock with a bunch of hermit crabs. This takes care of any bubbles. The crabs handle any large chunks of food that may make it's way through. Water then passes through the fuge, then back up to the display.
I vacuum the fuge once a month using one of these: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3895
Nitrates and phosphates are undetectable. Water is clear.
I'd say the only con is that I have to vacuum the fuge. I'll take vacuuming once a month over weekly sock cleaning any day.
I feel this method is the most natural. I used to see all kinds of pods in the filter socks of my old tank. With this tank there are no traps. My skimmer pulls out most of what the socks would trap anyway.
kretzkiller
New member
I have been battling with this same issue. what is an appropriate amount of water that should pass through a sump?
Mr. Brooks
MASVC Member
I'd say 2x to 3x is fine.
Ive used on on the drain for a couple of years no. No nitrates detectable. I change it out atleast 2 times per week.
Keeps the sump clean and prevents microbubbles. Also quiets the water entering the sump.
I havent found any downsides other than needing to change them out frequently and wash them but that is pretty trivial stuff. I use the large socks 6 inch diameter 20 inches long 100 micron.
Keeps the sump clean and prevents microbubbles. Also quiets the water entering the sump.
I havent found any downsides other than needing to change them out frequently and wash them but that is pretty trivial stuff. I use the large socks 6 inch diameter 20 inches long 100 micron.
I don't see any cons to a filter sock. I get less detritus accumulation with one. I switch mine out weekly so nitrates is not an issue. It traps a few pods, but not a significant number of the pod population.
Washing is very simple. I put it in the washing machine on a delicate cycle and I'm done. No soap of course.
Washing is very simple. I put it in the washing machine on a delicate cycle and I'm done. No soap of course.
kretzkiller
New member
how long does it take for nitrates to accumulate if a filter pad/sock is not cleaned out?
das75
New member
I'm wondering if the nitrate factory idea is a bit of a myth. I'm using 100micron socks and try to change them weekly but often let them go until they start overflowing (~2weeks). Been using them for years and my nitrate test zero or near zero with Salifert.
I first started using the socks to contain micro bubbles as was flowing ~2000gph through my sump. Since running them and seeing how much crud they take out, can't see not using them.
I first started using the socks to contain micro bubbles as was flowing ~2000gph through my sump. Since running them and seeing how much crud they take out, can't see not using them.
kretzkiller
New member
looks as if I may need to bump the flow up in my sump!
kretzkiller
New member
I have a problem getting the water to properly aggitate the surface of some sections in my sump. I think it is because my filter socks are too full.
kretzkiller
New member
does anyone use filter pads in other areas of the sump to help with micro bubbles/debris or does the filter sock do an adequate job?
That's exactly the way I've come to look at it... if any form of mechanical filtration is properly maintained by cleaning or replacing at suitable intervals, there will not be a nitrate problem.
I think the "nitrate factory" concept is over-hyped and blown out of proportion , and serves to scare people from doing things that... if done properly... can be highly beneficial.
I change my sock once a week, turn inside out, rinse off the heaviest gunk with the garden hose, then hang it outside to dry. When dry, I stuff them into a covered salt bucket. When I'm down to the last clean sock or two (I have a dozen), I wash them with hot water, a good dose of bleach, and no soap.
padgett152
New member
I use 2 filter socks on my fuge/sump. one drain goes directly to the skimmer section and the other directly to the refugium. Both outlets have filter socks. I change them out weekly, put on 2 clean ones, and wash the others in with a load of laundry. No real headache at all. Sometimes I do let the water run directly to the refugium without a filter sock for a day or two just to let some of the crud feed the fuge. Very effective. All the critters come out to feast on the junk. No spike in nitrates or any other side effects.
padgett152
New member
sdgsrywryhfnb. my son's reply, lol
NeveSSL
Got tubes?
You wash your socks with soap? Sounds risky, but I guess it may work.
I recently started using filter socks and I'm glad I did. It really reduced the noise coming into my sump and also captures a lot of crap. I don't understand why people are so worried about pods going to the sump, anyway.
I agree with the nitrates being overrated. If you clean them, they will work beautifully. If you're really worried about the pods, clean them out and put them back in the tank.
Brandon
I recently started using filter socks and I'm glad I did. It really reduced the noise coming into my sump and also captures a lot of crap. I don't understand why people are so worried about pods going to the sump, anyway.
I agree with the nitrates being overrated. If you clean them, they will work beautifully. If you're really worried about the pods, clean them out and put them back in the tank.
Brandon
