Using Filter Socks.....how everyone does theirs?

[jfolley67]

Still have alot of floaties and stuff in water....did a water change yesterday and a little better, so decided it is time to figure out how to use filter socks....
Soooo.....
been looking online. I see different Micron sizes and also 4 or 7" rings.....I have 2 drains as well and do I really need the acrylic prefilter holders? Advice is needed please.
Thanks for putting up with my questions once again!!!

 

[fishdoc11]

100 micron works well. Change them out at least every 3 or 4 days.
Something that might help you with the floaties (that are normal when using old rock in a new tank and take a while to settle down) is to put a filter sock on your returns and blow all your rocks off with a powerhead. I do this every couple of weeks and take the filter sock off the next day.
To clean the socks just put them in the washing machine with bleach on hot. Let them dry completely before reusing.
hth, Chris

 

[jfolley67]

don't mean to sound stupid, are you talking about the returns being the drains back to the sump? Also, my other issue is I just don't like my skimmer. It is not working at all. We have now tried 3 different rated pumps for it, so we know for certain that the skimmer is NOT working. My husband already called and emailed them. We have had issues since day 1 that it just not making bubbles as it should....so I also might as well be running a skimmerless system....ugh

 

[crumbletop]

Sorry to hear about the skimmer. Yes, I believe Chris is talking about the drains from the tank. The filter socks usually sit where they drain into the the sump.

 

[fishdoc11]

Also sorry to hear about the skimmer. Have you followed Andy's instructions for setup? Something is broken or backwards/not hooked up right if it's not working. Yes I mean on the returns into the sump.

 

[fishdoc11]

Here are the instructions in case you don't have them:
http://www.myreefcreations.com/instructions/PS-setup.pdf

 

[crumbletop]

Just got back from Jfolley's house. There were 2 snail shells in the beckett that I shook out of there. All worked fine after that Now they just need to get it dialed in. How often does the beckett need cleaning? Are they finicky?

 

[fishdoc11]

They need cleaning as often as they get snail shells in them, or bubble algae etc.....
You should be able to take the 2 halves of the beckett apart to clean it. Also a quick disconnect on the line to the beckett makes it easier. They aren't too finicky if she is going to run it dry but the cup needs to be cleaned every few days just like any other skimmer. Running them wetter takes a little more playing with to get it down but you can clean the cup less often.

 

[jfolley67]

jack, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU....I was teaching all night and could not get to my phone for your number to give to scott. I am so grateful you came to our rescue (once again!). Skimmer seems to be working GREAT now...whew!! Now on to the filter socks and I think we are in business!!!! yippee!!
Fishdoc...THANKS for the cleaning device....we took it totally apart for cleaning but never did find the snails.....so I am glad Jack did!