Replacing filter socks

[pommie]

Hi,

I purchased my tank 2nd hand and the sump configuration is very simple with the drain pipe and overflow pipe feeding slightly below the sump water level so there is no noise. In that same compartment sits the skimmer.

There is a baffle then a return pump. Thanks it.

I purchased a filter sock holder that mounts on the side of the sump tank and can run both pipes into the sock.

The problem is that whenever i remove the sock i have to submerge it in the water to lift if away from the down pipes and a lot of detritus floats out.

Is there a mod that i can do to easily be able to add and remove filter socks?
Note: I don't want to be able to hear the noise of splashing water either.

Thanks

 

[DreadCapn]

Put a slip elbow at the top, and don't glue the down pipe in - when you're ready to change socks, turn the pumps off, pull the pipe and the sock out, then replace.

 

[top shelf]

Hi,

I purchased my tank 2nd hand and the sump configuration is very simple with the drain pipe and overflow pipe feeding slightly below the sump water level so there is no noise. In that same compartment sits the skimmer.

There is a baffle then a return pump. Thanks it.

I purchased a filter sock holder that mounts on the side of the sump tank and can run both pipes into the sock.

The problem is that whenever i remove the sock i have to submerge it in the water to lift if away from the down pipes and a lot of detritus floats out.

Is there a mod that i can do to easily be able to add and remove filter socks?
Note: I don't want to be able to hear the noise of splashing water either.

Thanks

Not sure if it's an option but I have a union installed on both my return and drain. Really wasn't the original intention of it but when I change mine out I just use my Apex to kill the return pump, wait a few seconds, unscrew the return line, change out the sock, and put the return back. Takes me about 30 sec and done. Although might be more work then previous suggestion but being able to remove lines comes in handy for many different things.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[pommie]

Thanks for the tips,

I like the idea of adding a union but i really dont have much space to play with. I recall struggling to tighten the drain valve when the overflow was installed because of the close proximity of the pipes.

Also the drain pipe is very close to the tank frame so not even sure if a union would fit.

Ive added a couple of pictures for more of an understanding.


Thanks

 

[fijisrfr]

Easiest solution would be to ditch the sock


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[top shelf]

I see what you mean, not a lot of space. How flexible is the hose your using? Would you be able to cut the pump and pull the hoses to the side to replace?

 

[on the spot]

The back-up "trickle" drain isn't a real concern unless you want it to be. I'd move it out of the way. Lower the sock holder as far as possible, and use more of that flexible tube that seems shoved into the end of the siphon line. You should be able to plug the end with your finger and lift it out of the sock without catastrophe.

Unless I'm missing the scale here. or that is really stiff or clear acrylic on the end of that hose. or you are moving 3800lph there. then this plan is terrible.

HTH

 

[pommie]

I see what you mean, not a lot of space. How flexible is the hose your using? Would you be able to cut the pump and pull the hoses to the side to replace?

Its really really stiff hose and bending it still doesn't really allow you pull it out of the sock unless the sock is submerged a bit.

 

[pommie]

The back-up "trickle" drain isn't a real concern unless you want it to be. I'd move it out of the way. Lower the sock holder as far as possible, and use more of that flexible tube that seems shoved into the end of the siphon line. You should be able to plug the end with your finger and lift it out of the sock without catastrophe.

Unless I'm missing the scale here. or that is really stiff or clear acrylic on the end of that hose. or you are moving 3800lph there. then this plan is terrible.

HTH

Yeah the trickle drain doesn't need to be in the sock.

I did cut the stiff black hose and insert some flexible tube as i hoped this would help with the sock removal but it didn't.

If i understand what your saying i need to have the top of the sock as close to the top of water and also replace some more of the black hose with the clear flexy hose and again have that just slightly submerged in the water.

That should the require the minimum of manipulate the manoeuvre the hose out of the sock so it can be removed.

 

[on the spot]

I did cut the stiff black hose and insert some flexible tube as i hoped this would help with the sock removal but it didn't.

If i understand what your saying i need to have the top of the sock as close to the top of water and also replace some more of the black hose with the clear flexy hose and again have that just slightly submerged in the water.

That should the require the minimum of manipulate the manoeuvre the hose out of the sock so it can be removed.

I got most of that, and yes that's what I'm suggesting.

I hope that helps.

 

[pommie]

well just lowered my sock holder and its stilla couple of inches from the water height so not going to be as simple as i wanted.

Dont really want to raise the water height in the sump so ill look around for another sock holder.

cheers

 

[JUNBUG361]

Easiest solution would be to ditch the sock


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This^^

 

[pommie]

This^^

I understand there are pros and cons to having filter socks but i at least want to give this a try myself. As long as im changing them out every 3 days i understand i should see the benefits in nitrate reduction which is my end goal.

Cheers

 

[top shelf]

Do those black fittings above and below the hose clamps unscrew easily? If so you could undo one of those and set the line to the side. Or maybe undo a hose clamp?

 

[JP Reef]

I just lower the sock and allow what little detritus come out. I also vacuum the bottom of my sump about once every 6 months to a year, and usually don't find that much stuff down there. I would guess that 99.9% of the gunk stays in the sock when I remove them.

 

[pommie]

Do those black fittings above and below the hose clamps unscrew easily? If so you could undo one of those and set the line to the side. Or maybe undo a hose clamp?

Nothing unscrews easily but i think im going to have a go at replacing the entire drain pipe with some PVC and a union (if there is enough room).

Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[top shelf]

That was going to be my next suggestion. It will be a little bit of work but the pay off will easily be worth it. Looking at the pics provided again I think if you put the union closer to the sump you should have room. If I was to do it again I think I would put 2 in. One near my bulkhead and one closer to my sump so I don't have to remove the entire drain to change the sock. Still just might when I get some time. If you replace the return with hard plumbing as well my preference is to use about 6in of clear tubing off the pump as I personally find it cuts down on noise a little from the return pump. Good luck with your project.

 

[pommie]

Thanks

 

[saf1]

Easiest solution would be to ditch the sock


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Have to agree. I get why they are all the rage but at the end of the day particles in the water column are food for corals. I've never been scuba diving in water without floating particles...

 

[homer1475]

I just lower the sock and allow what little detritus come out. I also vacuum the bottom of my sump about once every 6 months to a year, and usually don't find that much stuff down there. I would guess that 99.9% of the gunk stays in the sock when I remove them.

+1

I dip mine into the water to remove and find very little comes out.