substiute for filter socks

[anthony27]

I have a filter sock now and I was wondering what else could I use insted of a filter sock.

 

[anthony27]

do you realy need to use filter socks or can you use something esle any body have any ideas

 

[2slo4me]

I used a betta breeder that hangs over my sump.... i put a bunch of bioballs or biostones on the bottom got a peice of plastic and drilled many holes in it then used a sponge on top.... ppl laughed at me at 1st but then they ask why is your tank so clear... lol

 

[Josh]

Polyfilter will give a similar result.

The main thing the socks do is keep large particles from passing through the sump. If you use the polyfilter you should try and position it so nothing can get around it.

One thing to note, the polyfilters will not handle the same rate of flow as a fresh filter sock.

 

[rookie07]

I use mesh bags, similiar to the ones used for carbon or phosban

 

[Awibrandy]

I use nothing! Once a year or so I vacuum out my sump..

 

[anthony27]

i want to use a mesh bag a well with carbon at the bottom the poly filter will work to hmm decisions

 

[Awibrandy]

I wonder how many people actually use filter socks.
What about all the pods that get caught up in them?

 

[naples]

i use filter socks and i hate them i have to change them every 3 or 4 days. i'm looking for a better way. i do have to say my tank is crystal clear

 

[D1J8Z]

I use em and I love em

 

[Awibrandy]

My tank is pretty clear I believe, and I don't use filter socks. What say you Anthony? Is my tank clear? You can be honest, I won't get offended. I have them, but they are an extraordinarily pita to change the where my drains are. Plus if not constantly change they would cause the tank to flood my floors.;(

 

[anthony27]

Your tank is very clean I am going to use a mesh bad and some poly pads like josh was saying. It is sad how many pods get cought in the bags but they need to be cleaned all the time

 

[Wes]

no socks here

 

[geldof]

I typically run no sock, just a mesh bag to keep large particles out of the sump and from clogging the protein skimmer. I throw a sock in for a few hours only when the substrate gets stirred up or when I scrape coralline algae off of the glass.

 

[fernandokng]

No sock here either. If you don't clean it often it, it just breaks down and pollutes your tank.

 

[anthony27]

How are the mesh bags working out.

 

[Beaun]

I use filter socks to help with micro bubbles, would the mesh bag work as well?

 

[ECFENCING]

What about sticking a powerhead in your sump to keep detritus suspended?

I'm thinking of ditching the socks as well

 

[ECFENCING]

What about sticking a powerhead in your sump to keep detritus suspended?

I'm thinking of ditching the socks as well

 

[Imbarrie]

If you took a deep sand bed and somehow filtered water through it.
Maybe a wide column with a fine screen material at the base and fine to coarse sand inside it. Put this in your sump.
You would basically have a DSB/gravity fed canister filter that would act as a particulate filter and would be simple to make.

Would it need to be cleaned out on a regular basis?