Sump Filter sock & Sponge: Both needed?

[thebigblue]

I've read several posts on this subject with varying opinions.

1. Do you need a filter sponge if you're running a sock?

2. Many say to rinse the sponge regularly, some say in fresh water some in tank water after your water change. Does it matter?

3. Does the sponge act as biological filter? If so, will the good bacteria be removed by rinsing in RO water?

4. Is the sponge supposed to help with air bubbles making it back up to the display tank?

My tank has been up and running for 30 days and I've seen almost NO debris making it to the sponge. The sock, however, is doing his job and is rinsed regularly and changed monthly.

**I've included pics of the sump for my 93g cube. The sponge is blue.

thanks!

[Webmanny]

I only run a sock on my Eshopps RS75 sump. I eliminated the sponge. If you don't have enough rock in your tank for the needed bacteria thrive, then you might need it, but most people don't need it. It eventually just becomes a detritus trap.

However, if you must use the sponge, you do need to clean/rinse with salt water, since it has bacteria in it and using any other type of water will essentially kill it. Also, please note that by just rinsing it, even with salt water, you will be getting rid of a bunch of the bacteria in the sponge.

Please note that this is just my experience and it should not be taken as expert advise. I am only another hobby enthusiast and do not work or am certified in this field.

Good luck!

[janes_mw]

Lose the sponge and keep good maintenance on the socks

[Seigmeyer]

As already said, no need for the sponge.

The socks are not what you will depend on for "good" bacteria. Your rocks, sand etc. should sufficiently house nitrifying bacteria to support the tank.

I change out my socks every week or more depending on how I feel. Socks are pretty easily washed. Rinse, then once I build up a collection of old socks I run a small small amount of bleach in the washing machine, rinse again in RO/DI then ready to use. Some people have different methods of washing the socks, but this always worked for me in the past without concern. Just make sure you run the washing machine once empty to rinse out any soap or chemicals before running the filter socks.

I would welcome any suggestions for simpler washing techniques. Socks need to be swapped regularly.

[sowildpaul]

In that design of your sump, the blue sponge is there to get rid of micro bubbles that come from the in-sump skimmer since your sump doesn't have baffles. You can stop using it if you don't notice micro bubbles in the return section. You can put a 50 or 100 micron felt pad there instead to catch finer detritus if you want.

[thebigblue]

Thanks.

I washed one of my socks in the washing machine with a little bleach yesterday. Also ran an extra rinse cycle. It sure came out smelling "bleachy" to me.

I guess an alternative is to replace the sock every month with a new one. I think my LFS has them for about $17 each. My guess is they could be found in bulk for less money online somewhere?

I'll pull out the blue sponge and see if I'm getting any micro-bubbles in the display. If I'm not I think I'll take it out.

[nicoli627]

Socks cheaper on line Bulk reef supply i rotate between 12 of them and wash in batches

[dabob79]

Nice setup! I'm getting ready to set up a 93 gallon cube myself! What sump/skimmer is that? How are you liking the tank so far?

[firemountain]

The biggest feature I find from the sponge is preventing micro bubbles from my skimmer entering the return section of my sump. Due to my cabinet constraints, my skimmer sits at the maximum level required. Hence, I have to leave the gate valve open a bit more, which lets some micro bubbles through. Other than that, it's a detritus trap.

[dabob79]

Originally Posted by firemountain

The biggest feature I find from the sponge is preventing micro bubbles from my skimmer entering the return section of my sump. Due to my cabinet constraints, my skimmer sits at the maximum level required. Hence, I have to leave the gate valve open a bit more, which lets some micro bubbles through. Other than that, it's a detritus trap.

How do you like your Spectrepure dual reactor? I was looking at an AquaFX and it seems to be pretty much the same thing.

[Seigmeyer]

If the sponge is just to relieve micro bubbles, I would suggest at minimum replacing it with strips of bulk filter floss or the quilt padding. This would still trap bubbles, but it can be thrown out and replaced fresh once or twice a week at a fraction of the the cost.

You could also rig up some egg crate, make a shelf in the sponge section and use that space for Chaeta. Add a light, and now you have a pod habitat/bubble catcher that would just need to be pruned and rinsed every so often. Of course, I doubt that small amount of Chaetamorpha would reduce nitrates, but it should produce way less nitrates than a sponge.

Just ideas. Any material that acts as a filter I would want to have an option to regularly, cheaply, and thoroughly clean or replace.

[ca1ore]

I'd suggest neither is needed !

[Webmanny]

Originally Posted by thebigblue

Thanks.

I washed one of my socks in the washing machine with a little bleach yesterday. Also ran an extra rinse cycle. It sure came out smelling "bleachy" to me.

I guess an alternative is to replace the sock every month with a new one. I think my LFS has them for about $17 each. My guess is they could be found in bulk for less money online somewhere?

I'll pull out the blue sponge and see if I'm getting any micro-bubbles in the display. If I'm not I think I'll take it out.

I dont recommend using bleach on the socks. Many tests have been done which show that bleach actually affects the fibers of the socks.

I normally just soak them in peroxide for 24 hours, rinse them well with tap water and hang them to dry for 48 hours. I only have two socks, that I rotate every 4 days using this method.

Before, I did the same thing you did and my skimmer would go crazy and my corals didn't look as happy.

Please note that this is just my personal opinion and experiences and by no means an expert recommendation.

[thebigblue]

I found 200 micron felt filter socks on Amazon for about $6 each. At that price Ill just rinse weekly and replace one each month.

I'm going to lose the sponge and use filter pads of some kind in its place. Just set it on top of the egg crate where the sponge used to be. I can easily replace that weekly. (Weekly replacement is quick enough, right?)

[azjohnny]

Originally Posted by thebigblue

I found 200 micron felt filter socks on Amazon for about $6 each. At that price Ill just rinse weekly and replace one each month.

I'm going to lose the sponge and use filter pads of some kind in its place. Just set it on top of the egg crate where the sponge used to be. I can easily replace that weekly. (Weekly replacement is quick enough, right?)

If it is a decent filter sock you can go a lot longer than 1 month before replacing them, I go anywhere from 6-12 months. Just keep washing them in a washing machine

[firemountain]

Originally Posted by dabob79

How do you like your Spectrepure dual reactor? I was looking at an AquaFX and it seems to be pretty much the same thing.

I really love my Soectrapure dual reactor. It's housing is very sturdy, and the best part is that it has independent flow controls for each reactor. Does the Aqua FX have independent flow controls?? In my opinion....that is a key feature that should be considered no matter which brand you choose.

[billdogg]

Originally Posted by ca1ore

I'd suggest neither is needed !

What he said. Perhaps I'm lazy, but having to change out the sponges and/or socks so often seems like a pia to me. I have neither and never have.