Sump filter socks? (1 Viewer)

[cliner]

So i am not liking the filter socks anymore; (changing every 2-4 days and washing). What do you use in your sump? Show me some sump pics, with inlet areas exposed. I want to change my set up and need your help. I use the socks because they trap the bubbles and debris. I am usually behind the curve on most things, so i expect to see 'new to me' ideas and tricks.

 

[Tangs]

Ya I use socks filled with charcoal. I cook it to clean it rather than be wastfull and discard it. I have a wood stove and it gets pretty toasty. Jim

 

[Mark L.]

I'm an on and off filter sock guy. I'll use them for a couple weeks then just leave them off for a couple. When my water starts to look like its needing a good polish I'll throw them back on.

 

[Diesel]

+1 on Mark.
An good established tank doesn't need the 200 micron socks 24/7.
There's an other sock on the market that will hold the big stuff as food enc but won't clog.
Will find the link later for ya.

 

[d2mini]

I'm an on and off filter sock guy. I'll use them for a couple weeks then just leave them off for a couple. When my water starts to look like its needing a good polish I'll throw them back on.

Same here.

 

[tektite]

If necessary I use filter socks, but usually not the felt 200 micron ones. If all you nees to do is catch particles, pantyhose is a good way to go. You can get pairs of them for $1 at a dollar store, cut each pair up and make like 6 socks. Rubberbanding the pantyhose to the pipe you want it on and you're good to go. Just throw them away when they get full/clogged, at $0.17 each you're not throwing much away

 

[inigomontoya]

Same here.

+2 I usually put on during work on the tank during the weekend to catch anything stirred up and then take it off midweek and leave off until next time I work on the tank or think about it.
I also like the manual filter sock where you get tubing, establish a siphon and put the other end of the tubing clamped into a sock that is clamped to the sump. That way you can vacuum specific areas without actually changing water. Lately I have been doing this get rid of these pesky little feather dusters and asterinas that are all getting plague like. Toothbrush and siphon is only option.

 

[rlpardue]

+2 I usually put on during work on the tank during the weekend to catch anything stirred up and then take it off midweek and leave off until next time I work on the tank or think about it.
I also like the manual filter sock where you get tubing, establish a siphon and put the other end of the tubing clamped into a sock that is clamped to the sump. That way you can vacuum specific areas without actually changing water. Lately I have been doing this get rid of these pesky little feather dusters and asterinas that are all getting plague like. Toothbrush and siphon is only option.

I still think your hordes of feather dusters look cool! Unless they sting corals...do they?

 

[toefu]

Same here. Mainly during maintenance or when we throw parties to get that extra clear look. Most of the time I go without.

 

[inigomontoya]

Lee- no stinging, but so obtrusive that they will cover coral and block off sun and just annoy the coral.
I can picture Ben and Dennis at the dollar store with carts full of pantyhose now

 

[d2mini]

 

[Mark L.]

I can picture Ben and Dennis at the dollar store with carts full of pantyhose now

I gotta quit reading this site during meetings. I just busted up laughing!

 

[Diesel]

Oh Boy, you silly man !
I wear them first before I use them as filter socks.

Btw, here's another filter sock that I'll use.

BRS Mesh Filter Sock with Plastic Ring - Bulk Reef Supply

Won't polish the water as good as the 200 micron but good and professional enough.

 

[cliner]

I'll be in line behind them. Thanks for the feedback. Since 'beatin round the bush' didn't work, i'll be blunt. I vant to see your sumps, muh hah hah hah

 

[steveb]

Oh Boy, you silly man !
I wear them first before I use them as filter socks.

LOL

That's a picture in my mind I N E V E R wanted to have.... Thanks Ben!

 

[CCrescini]

After hearing the suggestion from the guy at reef dynamics, I went out and found some 400 micron socks. They are a fine mesh that doesn't clog quickly. They also don't stop bubbles from getting into the system, so I used a foam block between the skimmer and the return to keep them out. So far it's working well. If you are interested, I will go back and find where I got the 4" x 400 micron socks. It took a bit of searching to find them.

Chris

 

[cliner]

I have done that several years ago. But, then the foam plugged up rather quickly. Total nitrate/phosphate factory. The socks i use aren't as bad, but i'm ready to ditch them 24/7 use.