To filter sock or not

[vette68]

I am wondering what the consensus is on using filter socks. About 10 years ago, I tied a filter sock onto my return line that overflows into my sump. Well, 2 weeks later (I don't remember the exact amount of time) the sock clogged and my tank overflowed because the water couldn't overflow into my sump. So I abandoned that idea. But I've since seen designs with filter sock trays that allow water to overflow in the event that a sock gets clogged. Now, I've been keeping reef tanks for over 20 years and have never had one. But seeing these filter sock trays built into some of the newer commercial sump designs has me thinking about it again.

So what's the consensus? Necessary or not? Thanks for the input.

 

[mcgyvr]

Unless maintained every couple of days if that to remove/clean they arent beneficial..
Good to use one during maintenance and removed right after though when blowing out rock,etc.

 

[five.five-six]

With the amount of material is physically exported every time I change out my socks I just can’t imagine not running them

 

[solitude127]

as long as you're on top of maintenance of the filter socks, I feel they're extremely beneficial.

 

[Haunt]

Other than running one for a few hours during a water change, I've never found the need to run one 24/7. Like mentioned above though as long as you clean them on a regular basis (maybe once a week, if not sooner) you shouldn't have any problems. GL.

 

[sfdan]

I've got sock holders in my sump and like having the option to run them if I'm going to be cleaning out the tank or taking photos and want the water crystal clear. I've got no shortage of nutrient export so for me they are just for polishing, not anything else, and are certainly not necessary. However the clarity of the water is certainly positive impacted when I'm running them.

 

[Daddyrawg]

I have em, hate em, change em out every 2 days, I have 10 of them..rinse repeat, annoying, tank looks crystal clear

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[bpd964]

Same here. I've always used them.

Just have to keep up with the maintenance of changing them out.

 

[WVfishguy]

I have em, hate em, change em out every 2 days, I have 10 of them..rinse repeat, annoying, tank looks crystal clear

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Same here.

 

[Mache62]

I have the same love/hate relationship with filter socks. Is there a better way? I was wondering what the effect would be if I used a pond basket filled with filter floss...would it be any better...easier to change out the top layer of floss?

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[QuickxSilver]

I switched over to mesh socks from felt and went with a 100 micron vs 200 I was using with the felt. Still annoying but cleaning them takes less than a minute with running them under hot water and a few brush strokes.

 

[WVfishguy]

I have 30 or so filter socks. When I go through them and have no more clean socks, I put them in my washer, pour a cup of bleach in, set it for "Permanent press" and wash them. Works well, and it's easy.

 

[tom obrecht]

I'd either recommend socks or upgrade to a auto filter roller. They have become popular and I am looking to upgrade at some point. The socks become a pain in time with washing ect. I'm lazy tho!

 

[aaronpentz]

I have the bubble magus auto filter roller. For me it's a no brainer. I love the way a tanks looks being filtered. But hate the maintenance of socks. I've used them all mesh felt and different micron ratings. Also 4 vs 7 in socks.

The filter roller is nearly perfect. I got it 3 months ago and am still on the original roll. I'm about to replace it but I done see a problem. Second to my apex for me it was easily the best purchase.

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[raylinds]

I have filter cups in my sock holders filled with floss. I just replace the floss once a week or so.

 

[teruaki]

I have the bubble magus auto filter roller. For me it's a no brainer. I love the way a tanks looks being filtered. But hate the maintenance of socks. I've used them all mesh felt and different micron ratings. Also 4 vs 7 in socks.

The filter roller is nearly perfect. I got it 3 months ago and am still on the original roll. I'm about to replace it but I done see a problem. Second to my apex for me it was easily the best purchase.

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What's the size of the tank? If it's large, three months seems a really good deal.

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[EmmaQ]

I was also interested in this question. I thought whether it’s necessary to switch to this filtering system or not .. Therefore, thanks to everyone for the answers!

 

[huff747]

I've been experimenting with the cups and floss as well. I like them but it takes a decent amount of floss so I'm not sure if I save $ over time or not. I do greatly dislike cleaning socks though.

 

[Bear1210]

I have the bubble magus auto filter roller. For me it's a no brainer. I love the way a tanks looks being filtered. But hate the maintenance of socks. I've used them all mesh felt and different micron ratings. Also 4 vs 7 in socks.

The filter roller is nearly perfect. I got it 3 months ago and am still on the original roll. I'm about to replace it but I done see a problem. Second to my apex for me it was easily the best purchase.

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I've done a little looking around at this particular model and was hoping if you could clarify a few things for me. Can this be put under the drain from the tank where my socks are now or would this have to be run by a pump? Also I see an elbow on the side of the filter, is that where the water goes in? Thanks!

 

[jerseyboy]

they dont last forever...lol
i change mine out weekly