To Filter Sock or Not to Filter Sock

R.W.

R.W.

New member
I am in the process for redoing my sump to fit in some new equipment. I am wondering if I should put a filter sock on my drain pipe. The only thing in my sump with be my skimmer calc reactor and zeo reactor. What do you guys think? Pros/Cons? Those of you with socks how do you like them?

Thanks.
R.W.
 
i use one now. wasnt for 4 years or so. makes a huge difference on the amount of crap in the sump. make sure you change it on a regular basis. buy more than one to make it easy to switch out.
 
LOL. I ran them for ~ 4 years and just started running without them. There are valid points pro and con.
 
I have one 100 micro in my system. I change once every week. It is really dirty when I clean it and it also help to eliminate micro bubble.
 
I run them and change about every 3 days or so. Keeps the crap out of the sump, zero micro bubbles and crystal clear water. Just make sure you keep up with changing them because they do get clogged and can lead to higher nitrates (all the trapped waste breaking down). Also, make sure you keep the sock positioned so that it won't overflow and cause you problems. Works for me.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14409401#post14409401 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FishNFun
I run them and change about every 3 days or so. Keeps the crap out of the sump, zero micro bubbles and crystal clear water. Just make sure you keep up with changing them because they do get clogged and can lead to higher nitrates (all the trapped waste breaking down). Also, make sure you keep the sock positioned so that it won't overflow and cause you problems. Works for me.
Click to expand...

do u have any pics ?
 
I use a 100 micron on and off. It does keep the sump cleaner and keeps excessive debri from going through the carbon and phosphate reactors. When I go to clean it I try to rescue all the amphipods and baby serpent stars out first. It's time consuming though. Keep several on hand to just do a quick swap and toss the dirty one in the washing machine with a little bleach.
 
I'm glad you guys have sucess with socks. I suppose it solves microbubble and sediment problems and even water clarity issues. However the frequent maintenance and the overflow potential and the micro organisms that get trapped/killed turned me away from them. A properly baffled sump with one section lower than the rest will keep microbubbles out of the tank and will collect most sediment that you can vacuum out according to your schedule. That way your not damaging as much micro life forms and your maintenance is reduced. Again I understand that many sumps are put on as afterthoughts and that's where socks come in as a DIY simple solution to some of these issues. I just wanted to let some of you know that there are alternatives. I'm also aware that many maintenance people put socks on drains for their clients to quickly solve these issues. Just my 2 cents.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14423513#post14423513 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hairyman1
and the overflow potential
Click to expand...
Are you speaking of flooding? A properly designed filter sock setup will just overflow into the sump.
 
that was the main reason I took mine out I just run it in the section next tot he overflow with carbon in it so water hits it but doesn;t necessarily go through prob not the most efficient way of having carbon in my sump either but...If I forgot the clean the sock it would raise the water level in the sock itself 2-3" and would get some water splash over the edge of my sump and I noticed this has been a problem since before I set it up(I just recently picked the tank,sump,stand,canopy up as a package) due to the fact that that corner of the stand had some water damage to it...So for me unless I can find a more porous one I don;t know if I'll run one..it does cut down on microbubble into the sump and waste etc though ..
 
I been using mine intermittently when I blast the rocks and stir up a bunch of detritus. Its been working for me. It does trap pods though which I see as a big drawback.
 
I have been running one for about a year now and although my water has been clear, I'm not sure that it's been beneficial otherwise. I'm going to run without for a while and see if I notice any differences. I'd almost rather vacuum my sump than have to change a filter sock every 4-5 days.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14423513#post14423513 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hairyman1
I'm glad you guys have sucess with socks. I suppose it solves microbubble and sediment problems and even water clarity issues. However the frequent maintenance and the overflow potential and the micro organisms that get trapped/killed turned me away from them. A properly baffled sump with one section lower than the rest will keep microbubbles out of the tank and will collect most sediment that you can vacuum out according to your schedule. That way your not damaging as much micro life forms and your maintenance is reduced. Again I understand that many sumps are put on as afterthoughts and that's where socks come in as a DIY simple solution to some of these issues. I just wanted to let some of you know that there are alternatives. I'm also aware that many maintenance people put socks on drains for their clients to quickly solve these issues. Just my 2 cents.
Click to expand...



I agree 100%
 
Pluses to Filter socks:

No debree in skimmer
No debree in sump
Clearer water
Able to put some activated carbon in there without buying a reactor


Negatives:
Can become a nitrate trap
Have to clean every week at least
Just a plain damn hassle


I personally live in an apartment and can not throw mine in the washer every few days. I can not stand having to clean it that much right now. Maybe when I get a washer I will think about it again but for now, nope.
 
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