cleaning a sock filters

aaron7405 · 12/10/2007, 12:26 PM

hi there I recently install a sock filter in my sump. I t has benn doing a great job, has clean my water excellnet. my cuestion is does this filters can be clean-wash in some way or I have to trougth them away?

Thank you for your comments

t11t5 · 12/10/2007, 12:37 PM

put it in the clothes washer.

DarG · 12/10/2007, 12:54 PM

Wash in the washing machine, no detergent. Use bleach only.
I run the washer through a cycle first with only water to rinse it out. Then I wash the filter socks with about 1/2 - 3/4 cup bleach, then two rinse cycles. That's how I do it, others may do it differently.

aaron7405 · 12/10/2007, 12:57 PM

great info. Tahnk you. any other comments?

Wryknow · 12/10/2007, 01:28 PM

I do the washing machine thing too. Wrolks great. I do let my filter socks air dry when they are finished washing just to make sure that there isn't any chlorine left in them.

kdblove_99 · 12/10/2007, 02:22 PM

I do the same machine wash in bleach and let air dry

gixxer600 · 12/10/2007, 02:26 PM

Machine wash and no bleach for me.

aaron7405 · 12/10/2007, 03:20 PM

how long do this filters last? or have to be repalce

Beach Native · 12/10/2007, 03:33 PM

I machine wash hot, no bleach and air dry. I usually cycle them through 3-4 times before I just toss them. I just swap in the clean(ed) one when I pull the dirty one to wash it. I bought a box of 50 and have been working on those for quite awhile now…maybe 2 years. Good investment!

aaron7405 · 12/10/2007, 04:18 PM

I just wash it no bleach and they get really clean, I will give 2 more cicles, can I dry them on dryer macine on fluf air?

Tahnk you

mike Brolin · 12/10/2007, 04:32 PM

I machine was with bleach,then hand rinse in RO/Di water and hand dry

mike Brolin · 12/10/2007, 04:32 PM

I machine was with bleach,then hand rinse in RO/Di water and hand dry

steve the plumb · 12/10/2007, 04:46 PM

I first let the machine go one cycle empty to make sure no soap is inside then I do 2 cycle hot water with a little bleach I used the delicate cycle.

davocean · 12/10/2007, 05:23 PM

Keep at least a few on hand, wash and change out twice a week.

jennmac415 · 12/10/2007, 07:03 PM

Beach native... where did you get a box of 50?

DarG · 12/10/2007, 07:15 PM

I havent tossed a single one yet after about 1 year. I bought some new ones just to have some more but the old ones dont clog any quicker than the new ones. They hold up well and the bleach obviously keeps the "pores" open. I use 100 micron.
I also put mine in the dryer on super low heat. They dry in a matter of minutes and no issues with doing so. I do a final rinse in RO/DI water before putting them in service.

One thing I notice though is that using a supplement like Seachems Reef Calcium which is polygluconated calcium (or Calcium Syrup as I like to call it) causes them to clog really quick. It also fuels organic growth (some type of evil black spunk) in the bottom of the dirty filter sock bin

FoothillCorals · 12/10/2007, 07:35 PM

Washing machine w/bleach and line dry. They will last for years, literally. I have 10 socks and change them out every 2-3 days. I have been using these same socks for about 3 years now.

aaron7405 · 12/10/2007, 08:03 PM

excellents advises.

So the bleacch is to keep the pores open...

Thank a lot

DarG · 12/10/2007, 08:27 PM

Well, the bleach does get them whiter too. I used to use pleated filters back years ago and they were soaked in bleach solution to clean and open the "pores" . The same should apply to the filter socks to an extent anyway. I have read about some reefers that wash in hot water only and some of them have claimed that they clog easier after a while. Mine dont clog any quicker than the new ones so I assume that the bleach helps.

jdoenumber2 · 12/10/2007, 09:03 PM

Who has the best prices of socks?

lizardarm · 12/10/2007, 09:05 PM

Beach native... where did you get a box of 50?
Probably from www.fiterbag.com
they are really really inexpensive when you by a 50 lot box.

lizardarm · 12/10/2007, 09:11 PM

Oh yeah, washing machine with no bleach rinsed in RO/DI then air dry.

aaron7405 · 12/10/2007, 09:51 PM

I try to find in the filter guy but I couldnÂ´t, if dsome one has the link we will apreceit it.

Beach Native · 12/11/2007, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lizardarm
Beach native... where did you get a box of 50?
Probably from www.fiterbag.com
they are really really inexpensive when you by a 50 lot box.

That was the place!
Corrected though: http://www.filterbag.com

RandyStacyE · 12/11/2007, 12:14 PM

That is a decent price for a filter sock, but it's a shame one has to comit to by 25-25 at a time. 25 pieces sounds reasonable.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't 50 pieces cost $123.00 and 25 pieces cost $61.50

Anyone can make them too for approx 56Â¢ each ~ DIY Filter Sock

I typically turn mine inside out and give it a good hand wash in the sink. Then I'll throw them in the washing machine set to 'small load' using cold water. I do not typically use bleach, but as everyone has said ... it does make them much whiter.

Newly made socks do filter better than older used socks, but they all work. When they are DIY socks you don't mind throwing them away because the materials are dirt cheap.

It is true that a washing machine holds a couple gallons of water from the previous load. For this reason it is reasonable to assume that there could be residual detergent. This is why it's a good idea to run a small rinse cycle prior to washing the socks. I do not always do this ... actually I rarely do

I typically just throw the socks in the washer and let er rip.

12/10/2007, 12:26 PM	#1
aaron7405 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tucson & Hermosillo Mexico Posts: 780	cleaning a sock filters hi there I recently install a sock filter in my sump. I t has benn doing a great job, has clean my water excellnet. my cuestion is does this filters can be clean-wash in some way or I have to trougth them away? Thank you for your comments

12/10/2007, 12:57 PM	#4
aaron7405 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tucson & Hermosillo Mexico Posts: 780	great info. Tahnk you. any other comments? __________________ I would like to find this book "Wife & Marine Aquarium: simple guide how to get each other along" Current Tank Info: In process SPS dominant Solana XL67

12/10/2007, 01:28 PM	#5
Wryknow Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,203	I do the washing machine thing too. Wrolks great. I do let my filter socks air dry when they are finished washing just to make sure that there isn't any chlorine left in them. __________________ You cannot use reason to change the opinion of a person that did not use reason to form their opinion in the first place. Current Tank Info: 65 G RR, w/ 50 G sump/refugium, DIY LED lighting, AquaMaxx CO-1 skimmer, Tunze 1073.050 return

12/10/2007, 03:20 PM	#8
aaron7405 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tucson & Hermosillo Mexico Posts: 780	how long do this filters last? or have to be repalce __________________ I would like to find this book "Wife & Marine Aquarium: simple guide how to get each other along" Current Tank Info: In process SPS dominant Solana XL67

12/10/2007, 03:33 PM	#9
Beach Native Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: RB Posts: 517	I machine wash hot, no bleach and air dry. I usually cycle them through 3-4 times before I just toss them. I just swap in the clean(ed) one when I pull the dirty one to wash it. I bought a box of 50 and have been working on those for quite awhile now…maybe 2 years. Good investment! __________________ but is a sin to make to die corals for superficialitie of who leads the bathtub. Current Tank Info: 150G LeeMar Starphire

12/10/2007, 12:37 PM	#2
t11t5 I love Bass Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,847	put it in the clothes washer.

12/10/2007, 12:54 PM	#3
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	Wash in the washing machine, no detergent. Use bleach only. I run the washer through a cycle first with only water to rinse it out. Then I wash the filter socks with about 1/2 - 3/4 cup bleach, then two rinse cycles. That's how I do it, others may do it differently.

12/10/2007, 02:22 PM	#6
kdblove_99 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Frederick,CO Posts: 8,683	I do the same machine wash in bleach and let air dry

12/10/2007, 02:26 PM	#7
gixxer600 Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 163	Machine wash and no bleach for me.

12/10/2007, 04:18 PM	#10
aaron7405 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tucson & Hermosillo Mexico Posts: 780	I just wash it no bleach and they get really clean, I will give 2 more cicles, can I dry them on dryer macine on fluf air? Tahnk you __________________ I would like to find this book "Wife & Marine Aquarium: simple guide how to get each other along" Current Tank Info: In process SPS dominant Solana XL67

12/10/2007, 04:32 PM	#11
mike Brolin Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Waunakee Wi Posts: 57	I machine was with bleach,then hand rinse in RO/Di water and hand dry

12/10/2007, 04:46 PM	#13
steve the plumb Moved On Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 3,664	I first let the machine go one cycle empty to make sure no soap is inside then I do 2 cycle hot water with a little bleach I used the delicate cycle.

12/10/2007, 05:23 PM	#14
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Keep at least a few on hand, wash and change out twice a week. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

12/10/2007, 07:03 PM	#15
jennmac415 premium member "reefmama" Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 1,903	Beach native... where did you get a box of 50? __________________ Jenni AKA "Reefmama" Current Tank Info: currently just have a 34 gallon.

12/10/2007, 07:15 PM	#16
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	I havent tossed a single one yet after about 1 year. I bought some new ones just to have some more but the old ones dont clog any quicker than the new ones. They hold up well and the bleach obviously keeps the "pores" open. I use 100 micron. I also put mine in the dryer on super low heat. They dry in a matter of minutes and no issues with doing so. I do a final rinse in RO/DI water before putting them in service. One thing I notice though is that using a supplement like Seachems Reef Calcium which is polygluconated calcium (or Calcium Syrup as I like to call it) causes them to clog really quick. It also fuels organic growth (some type of evil black spunk) in the bottom of the dirty filter sock bin

12/10/2007, 07:35 PM	#17
FoothillCorals Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 522	Washing machine w/bleach and line dry. They will last for years, literally. I have 10 socks and change them out every 2-3 days. I have been using these same socks for about 3 years now.

12/10/2007, 08:03 PM	#18
aaron7405 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tucson & Hermosillo Mexico Posts: 780	excellents advises. So the bleacch is to keep the pores open... Thank a lot __________________ I would like to find this book "Wife & Marine Aquarium: simple guide how to get each other along" Current Tank Info: In process SPS dominant Solana XL67

12/10/2007, 08:27 PM	#19
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	Well, the bleach does get them whiter too. I used to use pleated filters back years ago and they were soaked in bleach solution to clean and open the "pores" . The same should apply to the filter socks to an extent anyway. I have read about some reefers that wash in hot water only and some of them have claimed that they clog easier after a while. Mine dont clog any quicker than the new ones so I assume that the bleach helps.

12/10/2007, 09:03 PM	#20
jdoenumber2 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Fairport, NY Posts: 2,093	Who has the best prices of socks?

12/10/2007, 09:05 PM	#21
lizardarm Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: between a rock and a hard place Posts: 182	Beach native... where did you get a box of 50? Probably from www.fiterbag.com they are really really inexpensive when you by a 50 lot box. __________________ Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently motivated fool. Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

12/10/2007, 09:11 PM	#22
lizardarm Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: between a rock and a hard place Posts: 182	Oh yeah, washing machine with no bleach rinsed in RO/DI then air dry. __________________ Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently motivated fool. Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

12/10/2007, 09:51 PM	#23
aaron7405 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tucson & Hermosillo Mexico Posts: 780	I try to find in the filter guy but I couldnÂ´t, if dsome one has the link we will apreceit it. __________________ I would like to find this book "Wife & Marine Aquarium: simple guide how to get each other along" Current Tank Info: In process SPS dominant Solana XL67

12/11/2007, 12:14 PM	#25
RandyStacyE Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,659	That is a decent price for a filter sock, but it's a shame one has to comit to by 25-25 at a time. 25 pieces sounds reasonable. Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't 50 pieces cost $123.00 and 25 pieces cost $61.50 Anyone can make them too for approx 56Â¢ each ~ DIY Filter Sock I typically turn mine inside out and give it a good hand wash in the sink. Then I'll throw them in the washing machine set to 'small load' using cold water. I do not typically use bleach, but as everyone has said ... it does make them much whiter. Newly made socks do filter better than older used socks, but they all work. When they are DIY socks you don't mind throwing them away because the materials are dirt cheap. It is true that a washing machine holds a couple gallons of water from the previous load. For this reason it is reasonable to assume that there could be residual detergent. This is why it's a good idea to run a small rinse cycle prior to washing the socks. I do not always do this ... actually I rarely do I typically just throw the socks in the washer and let er rip.