Filter Sock

[scubajay]

I?m looking to get a filter sock for a reef tank that I?m putting together but have a couple of question. I?ve been reading that socks require cleaning every two to three days. This can become a pain after a while especially If you live in an apartment building and do not have a washer inside the apartment and have to walk three blocks to the Laundromat. Some people may run their sumps without a filter sock but I?m a big believer in having mechanical filter in your aquarium to remove all the waste the skimmer misses.

Can the sock be rinsed with regular hot water until all the waste is removed, then give it a good rinse with RODI water and then place back in the sump, will this work.

Can one install a HOB filter, let?s say an Aquaclear HOB filter in the sump to act as the mechanical filter as opposed to having a sock. I can also put carbon media inside the HOB filter. What would be the pros and cons of having the set up this way.

 

[jedimaster1138]

but I?m a big believer in having mechanical filter in your aquarium to remove all the waste the skimmer misses.

Agree completely. Less stuff floating in the water means you can see your pretty and expensive livestock clearer

This can become a pain after a while especially If you live in an apartment building and do not have a washer inside the apartment and have to walk three blocks to the Laundromat

Amen to that. Plus there is the issue of whatever else people are putting in the public washers...you don't want soap in your filter socks. And having to pay for each cycle means running an empty washer to rinse stuff out is another expense, plus the dirty looks your'e gonna get from other people as you monopolize a washer and run it empty...or with 3 socks...

Can the sock be rinsed with regular hot water until all the waste is removed, then give it a good rinse with RODI water and then place back in the sump, will this work.

Precisely my situation and what I do. I generally rinse in the sink (don't forget to turn it inside out too, that's where the gunk is) until the big stuff is off. It takes time though, which is irritating - especially with felt socks - but it gets the job done. As much pressure as your faucet can provide usually blasts the majority of stuff off and out. Then a nice RO/DI rinse and/or soak and you're good to go.

I've also heard of a method of rinsing, then placing the sock or socks in a bucket of water with a small amount of basic chlorine bleach (none of that fancy stuff, just plain old bleach) and let them soak for a few days. Then rinse in fresh water, rinse again, let air out, then rinse again with RO/DI. Bleach evaporates in atmosphere so as long as you let it air dry out at least a day or days - until you can't smell bleach on the sock anymore - you're good to go.

Basically you want a pile of at least 5 socks so you can set up a rotation and always have one good to go, one in use and the others washing. At least that's my theory.

Saltwatercritters has high quality socks at a reasonable price. Give em a go. Russ (masterswimmer) is the man and their shipping to NYC is super fast.

 

[Mr Hyde]

Check out nylon mesh socks instead of fabric. I use 120 micron socks which I clean in my utility sink after flipping them inside out.

 

[scubajay]

Thanks Mr Hyde, I was looking at the 200 micron mesh from BRS. I was also looking at the 100 microns but I think those get clogged up faster.

 

[Cibo]

Do you have a link to mesh socks ??

 

[scubajay]

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...er-sock-4-x-14-200-micron-w-plastic-ring.html

 

[Wolf DOT]

Do you have a link to mesh socks ??

http://saltwatercritters.com/filter_socks?b=1
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...lter-sock-4-x-8-00-1micron-w-draw-string.html

 

[stringztoo]

I found mine through Amazon, has worked like a charm and a great price

 

[scubajay]

Stringztoo- how many microns did you get.

 

[stringztoo]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00176B1KE/?tag=reefs04-20

200 micron

 

[Mr Hyde]

I bought mine from an ebay seller. Since a portion of my socks are submerged, I wanted the socks to have a stiff construction. If placed upside down, my filter bags stand up straight.

I contacted BRS, and their mesh socks are more like flimsy media bags which don't retain any shape.

All the reading, and my own trial and error has shown that nylon socks don't polish as well as felt with the same micron rating. To compensate, you need to drop down in micron rating. I was using 200 micron felt socks, and was looking for 150 nylon mesh socks, but couldn't find any place that would only sell me 4-5 socks instead of bulk orders. I tried the guy on ebay, and was happy with the results with the 125 micron.

If you want, you can PM me for the sellers info. I don't want to violate forum rules.