what could happen if I decide to go sockless?

[shawna1972]

Well couldn't use search feature today ? Anyhow I do not like using filter socks
but have been since forever! Im just getting sick of all the pods/starfish/stomapods I find inside I cant get all of them out "Everytime" I do not want to use them anymore but.......whats the downfall?

 

[Gravesj1s]

I was begining to think it was me when it came to that search function.It definately is not working as far as I can tell.

If the socks are just mechanical filters you'd probably see more stuff floating in your tank.

 

[aww_419]

do you have baffles between your return lines and the drain? I go sockless occasionally. i find its just noisier and there are bubbles in the sump. a few bubble make it to the display because my sump is set up "special" but thats another thread.

 

[mr86mister]

I was thinking if you go sockless this time of the year your feet might get a bit cold.:lmao:

Anyways... I use a sock once in a while too. I usually use it when I'm moving things around my tank and kicking up sand and it catches most of it but when I leave it alone I take the sock off and don't have an issue.

 

[superkat]

works as a good silencer...i don't think i would go without one, just because of the crap they accumulate that doesn't go back into the sump. but if you are looking for a home for your socks....i need them.

 

[cardiffgiant]

Once a month or so I go without one for a about 3 days. Usually right before I change my carbon. They really do a great job of polishing the water. I take them out once in a while just to do something different.

I do hate trying to free all of the hitchhikers. Especially brittle stars, which seem to get really stuck in there. Lately, I'll have 10+ brittle starts after 3 days.

Though, the more frequently that I change them (3 or less days) the easier they are to clean.

 

[Henry Colf]

I swear by them, helps keep my tank water crystal clear. I also change them out every three days.

 

[frofan]

I usually turn mine inside out for an hour and hang it over the sump before I wash it. This gives a fighting chance to any critters stuck in it.

 

[shawna1972]

I swear by them, helps keep my tank water crystal clear. I also change them out every three days.

3 day ritual here myself. The water clarity issue is what I'm worried about and my skimmer being able to pull all the extra out worries me.

 

[Bluephish13]

I have always run sockless. Now i just use one once a week. I throw it on my return line and stir up anything that settles in the sump, then throw it on the overflow line if i want to stir up the display.

Sometimes i just hang it in the sump and run a hose in to it so i can syphon detritus out of the display with out changing water.

 

[Namyar]

I use them but at times will go without just because, but yes you will loose pods and stuff with them. I notice when I don't have a sock the glass gets dirty faster.

 

[Conesus_Kid]

If you decide to go sockless, remember that all of the stuff that clogs those filter socks will stay in your system. (Some of it will be skimmed out, but some of it won't.)

I ran sockless for a couple years, then put filter socks on the school system. The difference is amazing. I will never go sockless again!

 

[jdoenumber2]

How does everyone clean thier socks?

 

[dreaminmel]

Bleach in washing machine w/ socks, run through the washing machine two or three times flipping them inside out and back again and then hang to dry. Bleach only gets added first time through...

 

[lcs]

Bleach in the wash cycle here too. I do an extra rinse and then just let them air dry. I have a bunch so I know the bleach has completely evaporated from the washed ones before I use them again.

I also clean new ones the same way. Just in case.

 

[Conesus_Kid]

Capful of bleach in a single wash cycle. No extra rinsing. Air dry to evaporate the bleach.

 

[naprestsleep]

I soak them in bleach as they are swapped and then hand wash them when I got a bunch. Just use water and bleach, then rinse with clorine remover and water.

Anyone who uses the washer machine have a front loader? Our unit always has a little soap and fabric softener left in the tray and I am afraid of it getting mixed in.

 

[lcs]

Anyone who uses the washer machine have a front loader?

We do and I know what you mean about the water left behind in the tray. I forgot to mention that I run a rinse cycle before I do the socks and I'm glad I do; I was suprised to see how much soap there still was in there somewhere! I've been trying to use a little less detergent when I do the laundry lately. That's why I do the extra rinse after I "wash" the socks, just in case there's any residual soap.

 

[shawna1972]

I have always run sockless. Now i just use one once a week. I throw it on my return line and stir up anything that settles in the sump, then throw it on the overflow line if i want to stir up the display.

Sometimes i just hang it in the sump and run a hose in to it so i can syphon detritus out of the display with out changing water.

Thats a great idea thanks for sharing!

 

[shawna1972]

If you decide to go sockless, remember that all of the stuff that clogs those filter socks will stay in your system. (Some of it will be skimmed out, but some of it won't.)

I ran sockless for a couple years, then put filter socks on the school system. The difference is amazing. I will never go sockless again!

Thanks