Filter Socks

[milto29]

Hey guys will Filter Socks not let the Protein Skimmer work to its full potential?
It seems that every time I exchange dirty socks with freshly clean socks. The skimmer doesn't want to produce any skimmate. Or is my Skimmer the problem? I currently have a ASM Mini G.

Thanks !!

[chercm]

interesting question

[malady]

try your system without the filter socks for a while and see how you like it.

I got tired of cleaning them every few days so I just went open system and let my skimmer do the work.

the sump gets more debris but I actually got more color out of my coral and my mandarin gets some more pods now.

[montepora]

It is normal. The residue from whatever you used to clean the socks will cause the skimmer foam collapsing. The foam will kick back up after few hours.

[milto29]

Originally Posted by malady

try your system without the filter socks for a while and see how you like it.

I got tired of cleaning them every few days so I just went open system and let my skimmer do the work.

the sump gets more debris but I actually got more color out of my coral and my mandarin gets some more pods now.

Im going to give it a shot without socks. I'll let the refugium,uv sterilizer and protein skimmer do all of the work. Those socks are crazy. My water is crystal clear and the socks get really nasty after a couple of days.

[milto29]

Originally Posted by montepora

It is normal. The residue from whatever you used to clean the socks will cause the skimmer foam collapsing. The foam will kick back up after few hours.

I only clean them with a water hose.

[chercm]

i think a lot of them are using bleach to clean the socks

[milto29]

Originally Posted by chercm

i think a lot of them are using bleach to clean the socks

Oh ok, I see why he's saying residue.

Thanks

[sowildpaul]

Can it be cleaned under tap HOT water (no bleach)?

[milto29]

No you need some pressure in order to get it really cleaned.

[rounder45]

Quite a bit of what is trapped in a filter sock can be skimmed out. Not to mention the trapped detritus can in itself be broken down and producing skimmable organics.

[milto29]

Originally Posted by rounder45

Quite a bit of what is trapped in a filter sock can be skimmed out. Not to mention the trapped detritus can in itself be broken down and producing skimmable organics.

I under stand what you're saying and it makes sense. If I run with out socks will I need a better Skimmer ?