To Filter Sock or Not to Filter Sock

R.W. · 02/16/2009, 02:24 PM

I am in the process for redoing my sump to fit in some new equipment. I am wondering if I should put a filter sock on my drain pipe. The only thing in my sump with be my skimmer calc reactor and zeo reactor. What do you guys think? Pros/Cons? Those of you with socks how do you like them?

Thanks.
R.W.

BigBadBlenny · 02/16/2009, 02:27 PM

i use one now. wasnt for 4 years or so. makes a huge difference on the amount of crap in the sump. make sure you change it on a regular basis. buy more than one to make it easy to switch out.

R.W. · 02/16/2009, 02:42 PM

Thats what i would be doing. Changing it every few days but is it really worth it?

sjm817 · 02/16/2009, 02:42 PM

LOL. I ran them for ~ 4 years and just started running without them. There are valid points pro and con.

mg426 · 02/16/2009, 03:41 PM

100 micron here 24/7

c2300 · 02/16/2009, 04:06 PM

I have one 100 micro in my system. I change once every week. It is really dirty when I clean it and it also help to eliminate micro bubble.

FishNFun · 02/16/2009, 04:20 PM

I run them and change about every 3 days or so. Keeps the crap out of the sump, zero micro bubbles and crystal clear water. Just make sure you keep up with changing them because they do get clogged and can lead to higher nitrates (all the trapped waste breaking down). Also, make sure you keep the sock positioned so that it won't overflow and cause you problems. Works for me.

chercm · 02/16/2009, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by FishNFun
I run them and change about every 3 days or so. Keeps the crap out of the sump, zero micro bubbles and crystal clear water. Just make sure you keep up with changing them because they do get clogged and can lead to higher nitrates (all the trapped waste breaking down). Also, make sure you keep the sock positioned so that it won't overflow and cause you problems. Works for me.

do u have any pics ?

loosecannon · 02/18/2009, 06:53 AM

not

ds4x4 · 02/18/2009, 08:52 AM

25 micron here

smleee · 02/18/2009, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by chercm
do u have any pics ?

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...55#post7112255

Hope that helps.

Bamm Bamm · 02/18/2009, 10:08 AM

I just quit running mine a few days ago I got sick of throwing it in the washing machine every two days..

clockman · 02/18/2009, 10:18 AM

I use a 100 micron on and off. It does keep the sump cleaner and keeps excessive debri from going through the carbon and phosphate reactors. When I go to clean it I try to rescue all the amphipods and baby serpent stars out first. It's time consuming though. Keep several on hand to just do a quick swap and toss the dirty one in the washing machine with a little bleach.

hairyman1 · 02/18/2009, 10:40 AM

I'm glad you guys have sucess with socks. I suppose it solves microbubble and sediment problems and even water clarity issues. However the frequent maintenance and the overflow potential and the micro organisms that get trapped/killed turned me away from them. A properly baffled sump with one section lower than the rest will keep microbubbles out of the tank and will collect most sediment that you can vacuum out according to your schedule. That way your not damaging as much micro life forms and your maintenance is reduced. Again I understand that many sumps are put on as afterthoughts and that's where socks come in as a DIY simple solution to some of these issues. I just wanted to let some of you know that there are alternatives. I'm also aware that many maintenance people put socks on drains for their clients to quickly solve these issues. Just my 2 cents.

smleee · 02/18/2009, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by hairyman1
and the overflow potential

Are you speaking of flooding? A properly designed filter sock setup will just overflow into the sump.

Bamm Bamm · 02/18/2009, 11:04 AM

that was the main reason I took mine out I just run it in the section next tot he overflow with carbon in it so water hits it but doesn;t necessarily go through prob not the most efficient way of having carbon in my sump either but...If I forgot the clean the sock it would raise the water level in the sock itself 2-3" and would get some water splash over the edge of my sump and I noticed this has been a problem since before I set it up(I just recently picked the tank,sump,stand,canopy up as a package) due to the fact that that corner of the stand had some water damage to it...So for me unless I can find a more porous one I don;t know if I'll run one..it does cut down on microbubble into the sump and waste etc though ..

jedheuer · 02/18/2009, 11:11 AM

I been using mine intermittently when I blast the rocks and stir up a bunch of detritus. Its been working for me. It does trap pods though which I see as a big drawback.

SHOmuchFUN · 02/18/2009, 11:36 AM

I have been running one for about a year now and although my water has been clear, I'm not sure that it's been beneficial otherwise. I'm going to run without for a while and see if I notice any differences. I'd almost rather vacuum my sump than have to change a filter sock every 4-5 days.

tufacody · 02/18/2009, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hairyman1
I'm glad you guys have sucess with socks. I suppose it solves microbubble and sediment problems and even water clarity issues. However the frequent maintenance and the overflow potential and the micro organisms that get trapped/killed turned me away from them. A properly baffled sump with one section lower than the rest will keep microbubbles out of the tank and will collect most sediment that you can vacuum out according to your schedule. That way your not damaging as much micro life forms and your maintenance is reduced. Again I understand that many sumps are put on as afterthoughts and that's where socks come in as a DIY simple solution to some of these issues. I just wanted to let some of you know that there are alternatives. I'm also aware that many maintenance people put socks on drains for their clients to quickly solve these issues. Just my 2 cents.

I agree 100%

cpllongjk · 02/18/2009, 12:11 PM

Pluses to Filter socks:

No debree in skimmer
No debree in sump
Clearer water
Able to put some activated carbon in there without buying a reactor

Negatives:
Can become a nitrate trap
Have to clean every week at least
Just a plain damn hassle

I personally live in an apartment and can not throw mine in the washer every few days. I can not stand having to clean it that much right now. Maybe when I get a washer I will think about it again but for now, nope.

mrpenguin · 02/18/2009, 12:55 PM

If I look at how dirty mine is then I will have to say yes use it 24/7
If I didnt use it all of that dirt would be in my sump.

I have 7 socks and wash all of them once a week in the washing mashine with a bit of bleach.

I do my laundry once a week, I wash my socks wile all my clothes is in the dryer .... dont take any more time that what I am using waiting for my clothes to dry.

kc350twin · 02/18/2009, 06:03 PM

Question for the "No Sock" runners or people chime in.

1. How often do you clean out the sump of all the crap that collects?

2. Is the Detritus and debris that collects harmful to the tank?

Thanks for your input.
Kc3

OneReef · 02/18/2009, 06:12 PM

I see no issues with running one with the exception of trapping pods. I hate that. But I love my clean water and clean sump.

jceli728 · 02/18/2009, 06:34 PM

I started using them and it does make a big difference. So I will say yes add it.

tufacody · 02/18/2009, 06:43 PM

I have a very high-turnover sump, so I don't see a lot of detritus. Hopefully the skimmer is getting most of it.

02/16/2009, 02:24 PM	#1
R.W. Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 890	To Filter Sock or Not to Filter Sock I am in the process for redoing my sump to fit in some new equipment. I am wondering if I should put a filter sock on my drain pipe. The only thing in my sump with be my skimmer calc reactor and zeo reactor. What do you guys think? Pros/Cons? Those of you with socks how do you like them? Thanks. R.W. __________________ 180g FOWLR "Sun bathing on the floor next to your tank is not, in any way equivalent to spending time outdoors."

02/16/2009, 02:42 PM	#3
R.W. Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 890	Thats what i would be doing. Changing it every few days but is it really worth it? __________________ 180g FOWLR "Sun bathing on the floor next to your tank is not, in any way equivalent to spending time outdoors."

02/16/2009, 02:42 PM	#4
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	LOL. I ran them for ~ 4 years and just started running without them. There are valid points pro and con. __________________ - Scott

02/16/2009, 03:41 PM	#5
mg426 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 6,923	100 micron here 24/7 __________________ I found a way to make a small fortune running a reef tank. Start with a large fortune. Unofficial President of the SEACLONE haters club Current Tank Info: 125 mixed reef 110 lbs LR, 1x250watt XM 20K MH 2x175watt XM 20K MH on Magetics 2X96 watt actinic PC, 220 watt VHO actinic, 30 gallon refugium, closed loop system powered by Sequence Dart MSX 200 skimmer 38 gallon sump, Oceansmotions squirt

02/18/2009, 06:53 AM	#9
loosecannon Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: port kent Posts: 1,292	not __________________ I like getting WET! Current Tank Info: 44gal. 40 gal. 75 gal. 30gal. and working on a 75gal. rigt

02/16/2009, 02:27 PM	#2
BigBadBlenny Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Thunder Bay On Canada Posts: 598	i use one now. wasnt for 4 years or so. makes a huge difference on the amount of crap in the sump. make sure you change it on a regular basis. buy more than one to make it easy to switch out.

02/16/2009, 04:06 PM	#6
c2300 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 65	I have one 100 micro in my system. I change once every week. It is really dirty when I clean it and it also help to eliminate micro bubble.

02/16/2009, 04:20 PM	#7
FishNFun Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 521	I run them and change about every 3 days or so. Keeps the crap out of the sump, zero micro bubbles and crystal clear water. Just make sure you keep up with changing them because they do get clogged and can lead to higher nitrates (all the trapped waste breaking down). Also, make sure you keep the sock positioned so that it won't overflow and cause you problems. Works for me.

02/18/2009, 08:52 AM	#10
ds4x4 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pennsville NJ Posts: 279	25 micron here __________________ -Asking her for Forgiveness is much easier than asking for Permission.- Current Tank Info: 120gal Re-Build

02/18/2009, 10:08 AM	#12
Bamm Bamm Saltwater Guru Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Brentwood, NOR CAL Posts: 9,309	I just quit running mine a few days ago I got sick of throwing it in the washing machine every two days.. __________________ 25g rimless cube in the works Current Tank Info: 60g cube

02/18/2009, 10:18 AM	#13
clockman Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Downingtown, PA Posts: 121	I use a 100 micron on and off. It does keep the sump cleaner and keeps excessive debri from going through the carbon and phosphate reactors. When I go to clean it I try to rescue all the amphipods and baby serpent stars out first. It's time consuming though. Keep several on hand to just do a quick swap and toss the dirty one in the washing machine with a little bleach. __________________ The seagrass is always greener in the other tank. Current Tank Info: 90 gal w/ sps and soft corals

02/18/2009, 10:40 AM	#14
hairyman1 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 271	I'm glad you guys have sucess with socks. I suppose it solves microbubble and sediment problems and even water clarity issues. However the frequent maintenance and the overflow potential and the micro organisms that get trapped/killed turned me away from them. A properly baffled sump with one section lower than the rest will keep microbubbles out of the tank and will collect most sediment that you can vacuum out according to your schedule. That way your not damaging as much micro life forms and your maintenance is reduced. Again I understand that many sumps are put on as afterthoughts and that's where socks come in as a DIY simple solution to some of these issues. I just wanted to let some of you know that there are alternatives. I'm also aware that many maintenance people put socks on drains for their clients to quickly solve these issues. Just my 2 cents.

02/18/2009, 11:04 AM	#16
Bamm Bamm Saltwater Guru Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Brentwood, NOR CAL Posts: 9,309	that was the main reason I took mine out I just run it in the section next tot he overflow with carbon in it so water hits it but doesn;t necessarily go through prob not the most efficient way of having carbon in my sump either but...If I forgot the clean the sock it would raise the water level in the sock itself 2-3" and would get some water splash over the edge of my sump and I noticed this has been a problem since before I set it up(I just recently picked the tank,sump,stand,canopy up as a package) due to the fact that that corner of the stand had some water damage to it...So for me unless I can find a more porous one I don;t know if I'll run one..it does cut down on microbubble into the sump and waste etc though .. __________________ 25g rimless cube in the works Current Tank Info: 60g cube

02/18/2009, 11:11 AM	#17
jedheuer Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Sonoma, Ca Posts: 558	I been using mine intermittently when I blast the rocks and stir up a bunch of detritus. Its been working for me. It does trap pods though which I see as a big drawback. __________________ 120 Starphire, 2x 250 MH plus VHO, Octopus skimmer, 2x MP40, vodka, refugium, DIY 2 part. Current Tank Info: currently tankless

02/18/2009, 11:36 AM	#18
SHOmuchFUN Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Vermont Posts: 4,461	I have been running one for about a year now and although my water has been clear, I'm not sure that it's been beneficial otherwise. I'm going to run without for a while and see if I notice any differences. I'd almost rather vacuum my sump than have to change a filter sock every 4-5 days. __________________ Erik Engstrom President, Vermont Marine Aquarists. Current Tank Info: Custom 180gal, 6x80w ATI T-5s, (2) Tunze 6025, Vortec MP40w, MSX200 w/ red demon, controlled by AcJR.

02/18/2009, 12:11 PM	#20
cpllongjk Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Modesto, Ca Posts: 1,066	Pluses to Filter socks: No debree in skimmer No debree in sump Clearer water Able to put some activated carbon in there without buying a reactor Negatives: Can become a nitrate trap Have to clean every week at least Just a plain damn hassle I personally live in an apartment and can not throw mine in the washer every few days. I can not stand having to clean it that much right now. Maybe when I get a washer I will think about it again but for now, nope.

02/18/2009, 12:55 PM	#21
mrpenguin Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada Posts: 515	If I look at how dirty mine is then I will have to say yes use it 24/7 If I didnt use it all of that dirt would be in my sump. I have 7 socks and wash all of them once a week in the washing mashine with a bit of bleach. I do my laundry once a week, I wash my socks wile all my clothes is in the dryer .... dont take any more time that what I am using waiting for my clothes to dry. __________________ Mix Reef 75G Display 50G Sump/fuge 4x 54W T5 HO Lighting Berlin Protein Skimmer Phosban Reactor runing carbon 24/7 Phosban Reactor runing GFO 24/7

02/18/2009, 06:03 PM	#22
kc350twin Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Severn, MD Posts: 1,579	Question for the "No Sock" runners or people chime in. 1. How often do you clean out the sump of all the crap that collects? 2. Is the Detritus and debris that collects harmful to the tank? Thanks for your input. Kc3 __________________ 112g Cube 36x36x20= Custom 12x39wPower Module (Par Monster)= Neptune Apex=ATB 840v2=BM Doser= 2 MP-40's

02/18/2009, 06:12 PM	#23
OneReef Reef Guru Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: the great South Posts: 3,218	I see no issues with running one with the exception of trapping pods. I hate that. But I love my clean water and clean sump.

02/18/2009, 06:34 PM	#24
jceli728 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: nj Posts: 63	I started using them and it does make a big difference. So I will say yes add it.

02/18/2009, 06:43 PM	#25
tufacody Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,890	I have a very high-turnover sump, so I don't see a lot of detritus. Hopefully the skimmer is getting most of it.