Socks and Skimmers

[paulhines]

I've recently set up two new tanks (65g and 150g), and for the first time I'm using filter socks constantly on each. I'm using Eurofreef skimmers in both tanks, one I've had for years and one new one.

With the socks, I seem to be getting a lot less skimmate that I used to... making me wonder if something is amiss with the skimmer(s).

Should socks make that much of a difference? Is the water really that much cleaner?

 

[adnup]

The socks will collect alot of "stuff" but when you say "alot less" what do you mean? If the tanks are recently set up then there might not be as much of a bio load as an established tank.

 

[moongoddesss007]

i just began using filter socks on my tank and although they seem to catch alot of crap i have not noticed much differencein my skimmer function or the amount that it collects

 

[Gimplar]

With my personal experience, i notice that the prefilters do reduce the amount that the skimmer's skim, but theres still a significant quantity of "stuff" that the skimmer still picks up that the prefilters dont.

Nelson

 

[guntercb]

How do you wash your socks?

 

[Gimplar]

i throw them in the wash, wiht no soup and very little bleech, then i run it again with just water, (hot water first wash, and warm the second)

 

[GlobaLPimP]

You may want to get a few socks to rotate. Changin the sock once a week seems to be the norm.

 

[guntercb]

PaulHines,

Be sure you do the second rinse to be sure any soap residue is off of your filter socks. If your skimmer does not skim as well with the filter socks. I am thinking maybe you are getting some soap or something that is preventing the skimmer from working as well. Just my guess.

Good luck,
Chris

 

[paulhines]

I rotate the socks weekly and wash in bleach only and double rinse. The tanks are relatively new, maybe skimmate will increase with time.

Thanks,

 

[bklinefelter]

I throw in some amquel on the last rinse cycle just to make sure that there is no chance of chlorine left.

 

[markandkristen]

paul
i ask John at Faois a while back the same ?
he explained that the sock does remove alot of stuff. and helps the skimmer from working so hard.
i know my skimmate is not as much and doesnt seem to have a odor like it did. so i think its working its just the sock is taking alot of the stuff out as well.
you have twice the volume as you did as well.