[Timezone Detection]
Create Account - Join in Seconds!

User Name: Email Address:
Human Verification

Please enter the six letters or digits that appear in the image opposite.

filter socks, how do you clean them?


Bookmark and Share
Page 1 of 2 1 2 Last
Results 1 to 10 of 17
  1. #1
    ReefTech - Reefkeeper Moderator

    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    waterford
    Posts
    1,021
    First Name
    Matt
    Awards Wheel Master Award - Helping with run the Frag & Swag wheel at the Michigan Coral Expo & Swap 2014. Yugo Award - For running the CR booth during MCES

    Default filter socks, how do you clean them?

    So I just started using filters socks again and I was curious to hear from fellow reefers how you go about cleaning them and how frequently you do? The last time I used them I was informed to flip it inside it and put in the washer and use hot water and a very small amount of bleach. This seemed to do the trick as far as cleaning them but they didn't seem to last that long. Right were the filter sock met the plastic rim, the material was disconnecting itself from the rim to the point were eventually it was barely even holding on. So needless to say I had to replace both of them but it was only around a month of them being used which seems a little to soon in my opinion. Right now, I currently have a small bio load in my 120 display. Theres a pair of black ice clowns, green file fish, melanarus wrasse, mandarin goby, and a small fox face. Everything else is coral. I appreciate any and all help.
    Happy Reefing!!!

  2. #2
    fishtal - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Waterford, MI
    Posts
    561
    First Name
    Tal
    Awards Fishbowl Drawing Winner

    Default

    When it's warm enough outside I clean mine with the jet setting on my garden hose and let them dry in the sun. When it's cold like it is now I rinse them in the laundry tub to get as much of the gunk out and then put them in the washer with bleach like you do.

    One thing you should try is washing them on the extra gentle / slow / hand wash setting and they should last longer.
    Save a fish, Breed your own!
    www.fishtalpropagations.com

  3. #3
    binford4000 - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    farmington hills mi
    Posts
    2,214
    First Name
    Old man
    Awards Tank of the Month - May 2012 Tank of the Month

    Default

    We use the washing machine on gentle with max cold water level. We feed very heavy so we change ours about 3x a week. We don't use bleach tho. We do put them in nylon mesh dive bag which stops them from getting trashed in the spin cycle.
    Likes schminksbro, creefer liked this post

  4. #4
    ReefTech - Reefkeeper Moderator

    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    waterford
    Posts
    1,021
    First Name
    Matt
    Awards Wheel Master Award - Helping with run the Frag & Swag wheel at the Michigan Coral Expo & Swap 2014. Yugo Award - For running the CR booth during MCES

    Default

    Thanks for the info Tal, I figured that washing then in the regular cycle probably want the best thing for them after they feel apart. How long would you use one before before you yanked it out for a cleaning?

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I527 using Tapatalk 4

  5. #5
    ReefTech - Reefkeeper Moderator

    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    waterford
    Posts
    1,021
    First Name
    Matt
    Awards Wheel Master Award - Helping with run the Frag & Swag wheel at the Michigan Coral Expo & Swap 2014. Yugo Award - For running the CR booth during MCES

    Default

    Thanks Binford....do you now any benefits of washing in cold water to warm water and vise versa?

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I527 using Tapatalk 4

  6. #6
    CR Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Kimball,MI
    Posts
    1
    First Name
    Ron

    Default

    I rinse my in the sink with the sprayer to get the heavy stuff off ,then soak in a bucket with hydrogen peroxide for a couple hours then rinse them in the washing machine.

  7. #7

    Default

    I was told by preuss never to wash them in a washer with an agitator.. the agitator is what beats them up fast.. with that said I now own a front load washer and just throw them in inside out. I am using the thinner nylon ones and usually change out every week or so.

  8. #8
    CalmSeasQuest - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Brighton, MI
    Posts
    892
    First Name
    Thomas
    Awards Nano Contest Winner - Winner of 2012 Nano Contest

    Default

    I wait until I've got about a dozen dirty socks then, washing machine, hot water, max load size, no detergent / lots of bleach - w/heavy duty agitation and 2 rinses then air dry. Quick rinse in RO prior to use.

    Been using this method for years.
    The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man. - George Bernard Shaw

  9. #9
    binford4000 - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    farmington hills mi
    Posts
    2,214
    First Name
    Old man
    Awards Tank of the Month - May 2012 Tank of the Month

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by CalmSeasQuest View Post
    I wait until I've got about a dozen dirty socks then, washing machine, hot water, max load size, no detergent / lots of bleach - w/heavy duty agitation and 2 rinses then air dry. Quick rinse in RO prior to use.

    Been using this method for years.
    Ditto minus the bleach and hot water(to cheap to use hot water ! Lol)

  10. #10
    Affordable Aquatic - Reefkeeper CR Sponsor
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Connecticut
    Posts
    9
    First Name
    John

    Default

    If they are not too crusted with salt and sand, turn them inside out and just toss in washing machine. If they are really crusty, wash once as is, and then turn inside out for a second rinse. No need to use bleach. Bleach will just cause them to degrade quicker and who cares if they look white or not.
    Visit us at AffordableAquatic.com

Page 1 of 2 1 2 Last

Similar Topics

  1. Algae & Pests Mysterious Gelatinous Substance Coating Filter Socks and Sponge
    By PeregrinTook in forum Basics
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 05-06-2013, 10:04 PM
  2. Replies: 10
    Last Post: 04-22-2011, 11:25 AM
  3. Replies: 8
    Last Post: 11-15-2010, 06:06 PM
  4. Zoas & Palys If you are using Filter Socks, How often do you change them ?
    By Invert in forum Coral Discussion
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 11-15-2010, 06:06 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

About CaptiveReefs

    If you are interested in learning about reefkeeping or have a problem with your reef, our reefkeeping community is here to help. Feel free to ask a question or search our site. We have lots of experienced reefkeepers that are willing to provide free reefkeeping advice!

    Besides being a great resource for all levels of reef aquarium hobbyists, CaptiveReefs is a social experience that will enhance your enjoyment of reefkeeping. CaptiveReefs is committed to connecting reefkeepers with the support and information they need to grow beautiful coral reef aquariums.

Information

Connect with Us