Filter Socks

[ocholoco]

I was wondering are filter socks necessary??? I decided to remove mine I feel like is a nitrate trap. What do you guys think????

 

[h2o]

It wont be a nitrate trap if the socks are changed every 2 days i keep mine because it keeps the water very clear plus high water flow keeps things moving all the time

 

[anthony27]

I posted the same exact question about 2 months ago I dont use them but my sump gets trashed and I have to clean it out once every 2 months which i dont mind donig.

 

[darkdrako]

Don't think they are necessary but help to catch extra food and other large particles in the water column. I have 1 hooked up that usually lasts a week or so before it needs to be removed & cleaned. All I do is let it dry out and use my other two until they are all dirty. Then a quick run through the washing machine and they are good as new.

 

[mcnuggget]

I was wondering are filter socks necessary??? I decided to remove mine I feel like is a nitrate trap. What do you guys think????

You are right on the $

 

[pdnyc69]

i use 2 of them in my system. my nitrates are at almost 0 and i change every 4 days

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

They are great for capturing free floating particles (depending on the micron of your filter sock), however, they do require maintenance or yes, they will become a nitrate factory just like foam blocks.

I always have a stockpile of extra filter socks on hand. As soon as I see the water having a problem making it's way through the sock or they turn a slight brown, boom, out they go. For me it was every 3 days on 7 inch socks.

Then to clean them I turned them inside out, gave them a quick rinse in the sink and then into the clothes washer with a cap full of bleach. I also set the washer to HOT and made sure the extra rinse cycle was on.