[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.

If you are using Filter Socks, How often do you change them ?


Bookmark and Share
Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. #1
    CR Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Grand Rapids
    Posts
    167

    Default If you are using Filter Socks, How often do you change them ?

    No, this is not a test.
    Just things to think about.

    If you are using Filter Socks on your Over Flows.
    How often are you changing them ?
    &
    How are you cleaning them ?

    Filter Socks collect Detritus & Uneaten Food.
    Even if these are changed on a Regular Schedule ( once per Week, Month, Year )
    This can effect your Water Quality depending on a few factors.
    Bio Load vs Frequency of Sock Replacement.

    Drastic changes in Water Quality can have adverse effects on your Corals.

    How do you clean the Socks ?
    When you put them in the Washing Machine,
    Do you use:
    Just Water ?
    Water & Bleach ?

    What size Load do you use ?

    Do you use the Second Rinse ?

    I always use the Largest Load & Second Rinse, for 2 reasons.
    If you use Bleach, It helps to insure the Bleach is rinsed out of the socks.

    There may be Soap ( Phosphates ) residue left in the Washing Machine from previous Loads.
    And the Large Load & Second Rinse helps to remove this.

  2. #2
    John - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Mount Clemens
    Posts
    204
    First Name
    John
    Awards Fishbowl Drawing Winner

    Default

    Good thoughts, filter sock maintenence is often overlooked.

    I also use bleach and a double rinse. I change my filter socks 2x a week. (Or after I do a large coral feeding.)
    I will think outside the glassbox.

  3. #3
    Sir Patrick - Reefkeeper A2 Club Coordinator
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    UofM territory
    Posts
    7,838
    First Name
    Chris
    Awards Monthly Giveaway Winner

    Default

    I am still not sure if I want to use one. Been thinking about it for a long time- but havnt done it yet.

    Tagging along on this topic.

  4. #4
    ReeferRob - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    CORAL CITY U.S.A
    Posts
    3,367
    First Name
    Rob
    Awards Photo of the Month

    Default

    Talk about PITA, buy ya after seeing how nasty a sock can be after only 2 days, Im glad I do or all that stuff would be rolling around in the tank.

    As for regularity of changing them, I shoot for 3 days. But it isn't uncommon for me to be a lazy reefer and wait for 5.
    I also wash them with bleach and a double rinse. I also run a rinse and spin empty before I put the socks in just in case there is any soap residue left over.

    On a side note, make sure you never use the new splash-less bleach it is not reef safe.
    "We shouldn't think of an environment where livestock can survive, we should ensure an environment where livestock can thrive."-Rabidgoose
    "If it's gonna be that kinda party, Ima stick my ........ in the mashed potatoes!"-Beastie Boys

  5. #5
    cephalotus - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Belleville Mi
    Posts
    390
    First Name
    Ryan

    Default

    I run a filter sock and change it twice a week. I wash them in the washer,hot,low double rinse no bleach.

  6. #6
    MUCHO REEF - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    323

    Default

    I tried them once about 5 years ago, and vowed to never ever use them again. They will indeed help with water clarity. Depending on your bioload and feeding schedules, which would determine if I used one again? Why? Well, back in the day I changed/rotated a set of them out every 3 days. I placed it in my fug in line with direct capture from my tank above. After about 2 weeks of initial usages, and rotating them out every 3 days, I missed one day. While watching a game one Saturday, I heard water trickling. I turn the sound on the TV down, and it got louder. I ran over to my tank and open the door and sure enough, the sock was clogged and was spilling water over the edge of my refugium into the cabinet. For that reason alone, I yanked it and simple maintained a regular WC schedule and my water quality never suffered.

    I use to wash my socks at the car wash with a power sprayer. I kept it at least 4 feet away as the excessive water force would shred the sock.

    I guess they are great for some in certain situations, just didn't work well for me. Many reefers strongly advise against them for the reason I listed above.

    Good luck.

    Mucho Reef
    Please stop fragging your frags.......you'll eventually do more damage than good. Just let them grow.

  7. #7
    CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Submerged
    Posts
    205

    Default

    I ran them for quite a while. I don't like the small micron felt socks you usually see though, they clog extremely fast, are tough to clean, and the felt falls apart fairly quickly. I used nylon mesh socks with a 300 micron rating. It would pull out excess foods and pieces of Nori that got sucked into the overflow, but let tiny particles through that my skimmer would pull out. These are pretty much uncloggable...

    For cleaning I would simply pull them out, turn them inside out and spray all the crap out then let them dry. They would look brand new and no need to use them in the washer, etc.

    It really depends on the system and the reefer who maintains the reef if they want to use them. There are great reasons to use them, and just as many not to.

  8. #8
    CR Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Grand Rapids
    Posts
    167

    Default

    I heard water trickling. I turn the sound on the TV down, and it got louder. I ran over to my tank and open the door and sure enough, the sock was clogged and was spilling water over the edge of my refugium into the cabinet.
    I have heard of this problem more than once, and water is better kept in Tank than on the carpet.

    the sock was clogged and was spilling water over the edge
    If you are using Filter Socks, Regular Maintenance is a must.

    It really depends on the system and the reefer who maintains the reef if they want to use them. There are great reasons to use them, and just as many not to.
    Well said.

    I used nylon mesh socks with a 300 micron rating. It would pull out excess foods and pieces of Nori that got sucked into the overflow, but let tiny particles through that my skimmer would pull out. These are pretty much uncloggable...
    Not all Filter Sock are Created Equally.
    Micron Size,
    Material.

    Research is the Key,
    To accomplish the Task at hand.

  9. #9
    fishtal - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Waterford, MI
    Posts
    561
    First Name
    Tal
    Awards Fishbowl Drawing Winner

    Default

    I use them on my breeding systems because I have to feed a LOT. I change them every 2-3 days. I usually take them outside and clean them with the garden hose until it gets too cold. During the winter I do it in the laundry tub.

    I use the large ones, 6" diameter I think, so I don't have a problem with them getting fully clogged but I do keep an eye on them.

    I don't use them on my reef tanks.
    Save a fish, Breed your own!
    www.fishtalpropagations.com

Similar Topics

  1. General Discussion filter socks, how do you clean them?
    By ReefTech in forum Basics
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 02-20-2014, 06:08 AM
  2. 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
  3. Replies: 10
    Last Post: 04-22-2011, 11:25 AM
  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