To filter sock, or not to filter sock

[DaddyJax]

I have seen many people stand on both sides of this method of filtration and arguments for both. I am currently using a filter sock and have been for three months now and am considering not using one. My pod population is down but so is my nitrates! What are you using and the reasons for it?

 

[jdieck]

If you have a good skimmer there is no no need for a mechanical filter in normal operation. I will install the bag when blowing off detritus from the rock and such but not for regular op. specially if you have filter feeding corals, dusters or pot flowers.

 

[raddogz]

Same here I don't use one all the time, just when I need to.

 

[SeanT]

I use them but change them out every 2-3 days.

 

[AlgaeMan]

I use them but change them out every 2-3 days.

Me too!

 

[1SickReefer]

I only use them when I do maintance, ie: blowing off rocks, cleaning sump. But I dont run them 24/7 they clog to darn fast, using 100 micron.

 

[MiddletonMark]

I use them when doing maintenance, to siphon through ... but generally remove them after 6-12 hours of use [when tank has cleared].

 

[Ron]

I use one and change it weekly. I siphon out anything I can find in the tank into the sock and change it out after that.

Ron

 

[college429]

Never.

Never.

I've never used one, and maintained coral tanks quite well.
I use a good skimmer, and a refugium w/ Macro algae.

 

[rutz81]

I use them and change every 1-2 days. I have read many threads on this topic also, and I have considered not using them because it adds yet another thing me to have to maintain. But, every time I consider not using them, I look at a sock after 2 days and realize that I would never want that stuff in my tanks. Also, keeps debris from floating around as much.

Dave

 

[jackson6745]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6409610#post6409610 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SeanT
I use them but change them out every 2-3 days.

same here.

Regardless of how big your skimmer is, a micron bag will remove more organics from your system. Pod population means nothing in an SPS tank.

 

[S Helinski]

I've used one for a few years now. On my present system, it clogs every 2-3 days. I have it so it can overflow into the sump. So sometimes it stays there for a week or more .


One of the great things about haveing one, is that it will trap chunks and particles of algae. Especially the Ulva I'm battleing. If I didn't use that filter sock, each little scrap of Ulva would turn into another rooting blob...


The skimmer can't remove chunks of stuff...


Steve

 

[cidory]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6409610#post6409610 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SeanT
I use them but change them out every 2-3 days.

Everyday or every other day minimum, I just kinda look at them and can tell its time

 

[college429]

either way.

either way.

Pod population means nothing in an SPS tank.

You can keep a successful tank with or without. While Amphipods are much bigger than sps can consume, their larva are not, and socks remove alot more than pods. Some of what they remove are beneficial to corals.

If you run without a sock, as I have for 6 years, I would recommend a macro algae refugium and a good skimmer.

 

[Chrisrush]

How do you guys clean your socks? I put mine in the w/d for 2 cycles without any detergent. But I've noticed that the plastic rim on the sock is very brittle.

Chris

 

[cwegescheide]

I use them but change them out every 2-3 days.

Ditto! I can tell a big difference in water clarity too. I do trap some pods in the sock but I've got soo many in my tank it doesnt make a dent in my population. I'd say after a few days the sock will have about 20 pods in it. I just turn the sock inside out and tap the sock to put them in for the wrasse to pig out on. He goes crazy when he see's the bag.

I notice now that I've used the bags for a month or two that they don't get too funky any more. I change them every few days. I also route my Euro Reef skimmer output thru the bag so no issues with micro bubbles.

Chris

 

[jackson6745]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6411972#post6411972 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Chrisrush
How do you guys clean your socks? I put mine in the w/d for 2 cycles without any detergent. But I've noticed that the plastic rim on the sock is very brittle.

Chris

same here. I actually use a drop of bleach for the first cycle. The plastic rim holds up for many months. Even if it cracks you can still use the bag, at least I do

 

[Chrisrush]

Thanks for the tip on the bleach. I did try some oxy in the first cycle as well. I wonder if that is leading to the breakdown of plastic in the wash. Or maybe the spin cycle?

Chris

 

[SeanT]

I put them in the washer with bleach, rinse them twice.
I don't dry them and recommend that none of you do either.
Hang them to dry.

Sean

 

[64Ivy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6412441#post6412441 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SeanT
I don't dry them and recommend that none of you do either.
Sean

Okay, I'll bite. Why not?