FILTER SOCK or NO FILTER SOCK...why?

phishx · 01/16/2007, 03:46 PM

im tired of filter socks... i have been super busy in the past week and barely home, since then my filter sock has BEEN filled and overflowing for ALMOST 1 week... (too busy and laziness on my part to be honest)... since im home today i noticed that i have higher levels... i have just done a 15 gallon water change... im pretty sure that since i have neglected to changing this sock, this is the consequence... i decided to check levels when my Carpet would not accept food... i will be doing another 15-20 gallon water change w/ mixed water tonight.

Gooli · 01/16/2007, 03:59 PM

I voted "Other" becuse i use them on and off - typically one week out of the month to get rid of some debris. Other than that, i prefer without it.

phishx · 01/16/2007, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gooliver
I voted "Other" becuse i use them on and off - typically one week out of the month to get rid of some debris. Other than that, i prefer without it.

that makes perfect sense... i can see how that would work... have filter socks ever been known to create nitrate/nitrite/ammonia factories? or am i just making up and excuse for my over feeding *(which i will cut back on major)

Gooli · 01/16/2007, 04:11 PM

"have filter socks ever been known to create nitrate/nitrite/ammonia factories? or am i just making up and excuse for my over feeding *(which i will cut back on major)"

yes..in most cases...an increase in nitrates...not so much a visible level of ammonia\nitrite.

SurfOnH20 · 01/16/2007, 04:12 PM

I change mine out once a week. Like my skimmer, what I see not going in my tank makes me more convinced to keep using it. Most things in your tank if not maintained will lead to issues (nitrate,etc).

JE · 01/16/2007, 04:15 PM

mine seems to do ok without one but if i dont use it i get too many micro-bubbles due to my main pump being in the same section of the sump.

bpd964 · 01/16/2007, 04:21 PM

I use them about 99% of the time. They catch all the little particles and it keeps my sump pretty clean.

818 · 01/16/2007, 04:27 PM

Im with Golan. When I heavy clean my tank, clean back walls, powerheads, sump compartment, I usually run 2 for 3 days to get all the heavy particles.

phishx · 01/16/2007, 04:34 PM

but other then that...? no on the filter socks? does having a DSB pretty much do the same when it comes to filtering?

tomconk · 01/16/2007, 04:39 PM

I got rid of my filter socks....Im way too lazy to wash them...

818 · 01/16/2007, 04:44 PM

I wouldnt use the filter socks if you arent going to clean them period. They definatley need weekly, if not every 3 days clean out. They get dirty pretty damn fast.

jefathome · 01/16/2007, 05:00 PM

Can a filter sock collect gunk that will turn into Nitrates?
YES

If you don't use the filter sock, what happenes to these particles?
Are they "not there" b/c you are not using the sock?
NO

So where are they? Still in your tank of course.

I think that cleaning the sock only when you do a water change will keep things kinda even. Changing/rinsing it more frequently will pull out additional crud that could turn into DOC's.
If you change it less often than you do water changes, then you are keeping detritus in your tank that the water change could have removed.

IMO... Use them. Even if you don't change it all that often, the stuff your bag catches would still be in the tank if you didn't use it.
So why not...

Gooli · 01/16/2007, 05:07 PM

here's a good follow up question...

Can anyone think of an inexpensive alternative to a filter sock that is disposable? So you can use it and toss it and use another.

818 · 01/16/2007, 05:08 PM

Golan, go to an upholstery shop. They sell Poly fiber material in different microns. Completley safe to use and cheap if you buy alot of yards worth.

JE · 01/16/2007, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gooliver
here's a good follow up question...

Can anyone think of an inexpensive alternative to a filter sock that is disposable? So you can use it and toss it and use another.

I was sooo intrigued by this question. I would love a disposable filter sock!!! does that make me a typical lazy person...you know....the kind that find the closest parking spot at the gym......

Gooli · 01/16/2007, 05:16 PM

"closest parking spot at the gym......"

so you're the guy in the handicap space!

gcarroll · 01/16/2007, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gooliver
here's a good follow up question...

Can anyone think of an inexpensive alternative to a filter sock that is disposable? So you can use it and toss it and use another.

Filter socks are disposible. Just expensive to use that way. I have been using filter socks on all my tanks since the beginning. I do change them out evey 3 days and when I go out of town. or when I don't want to be bothered, I just remove it.

chalowolf · 01/16/2007, 05:22 PM

The trick is to have a couple of socks; change them and wash the dirty one when you have more time.... keep the dirty one in a bucket so it doesnt dry out.
I thought all socks were disposable, you cant use them forever. You can just clean them to get a couple of uses out of them.

818 · 01/16/2007, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by My F1sh R D34D!
Golan, go to an upholstery shop. They sell Poly fiber material in different microns. Completley safe to use and cheap if you buy alot of yards worth.

^^ same thing you guys are getting robbed!

jefathome · 01/16/2007, 05:25 PM

How do you guys wash them?

I've been using a hose b/c I thought that the detergents in the washer would mess up the tank.

Gooli · 01/16/2007, 05:44 PM

these upholstery shops....wont they be just flat pieces of material? how can i use that? i need a "sock-like" thingy

Charles99 · 01/16/2007, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by My F1sh R D34D!
Im with Golan. When I heavy clean my tank, clean back walls, powerheads, sump compartment, I usually run 2 for 3 days to get all the heavy particles.

Same here. I only run one when I clean. I use an old Rio to stir up detritus... works great. Sock on during that and maybe 1 day afterwards.

I voted "Other".

JE · 01/16/2007, 05:52 PM

i run my few socks through my washer with hot water and a little bleach. then i let them air dry....they get super white and last longer then just trying to rinse them.

i actually have some of that upholstrey mesh. it works just as good to me. i tried to make a small box that i can put a piece of this into like a sock.....got lazy and bought the socks....lol.

818 · 01/16/2007, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gooliver
these upholstery shops....wont they be just flat pieces of material? how can i use that? i need a "sock-like" thingy

Dude...I just cut a large rectangular piece fold in half, use my mom sewing kit, old shoe lace and tie around sock and PVC. Of course when you do this make like 20...shouldnt take long. Gotta put in extra back work to save money.

phishx · 01/16/2007, 06:08 PM

im learning... seems like filter socks are good in a sense, but SKIMMERS ARE BETTER!... o... sorry, wrong thread...
guess im gonna wash this daym filter sock

View Poll Results: Filter socks -OR- No Filter Socks
Yes I Agree On Using Filter Socks	39	61.90%
No I Dont Like Stinky Rotten Filter Socks	20	31.75%
? -OTHER REASON- ?	5	7.94%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 63. You may not vote on this poll

01/16/2007, 03:46 PM	#1
phishx Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: TORRANCE Posts: 1,297	FILTER SOCK or NO FILTER SOCK...why? im tired of filter socks... i have been super busy in the past week and barely home, since then my filter sock has BEEN filled and overflowing for ALMOST 1 week... (too busy and laziness on my part to be honest)... since im home today i noticed that i have higher levels... i have just done a 15 gallon water change... im pretty sure that since i have neglected to changing this sock, this is the consequence... i decided to check levels when my Carpet would not accept food... i will be doing another 15-20 gallon water change w/ mixed water tonight.

01/16/2007, 03:59 PM	#2
Gooli Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: West Los Angeles Posts: 3,746	I voted "Other" becuse i use them on and off - typically one week out of the month to get rid of some debris. Other than that, i prefer without it. __________________ "Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. " - Benjamin Franklin Current Tank Info: 180g SPS

01/16/2007, 04:11 PM	#4
Gooli Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: West Los Angeles Posts: 3,746	"have filter socks ever been known to create nitrate/nitrite/ammonia factories? or am i just making up and excuse for my over feeding *(which i will cut back on major)" yes..in most cases...an increase in nitrates...not so much a visible level of ammonia\nitrite. __________________ "Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. " - Benjamin Franklin Current Tank Info: 180g SPS

01/16/2007, 04:27 PM	#8
818 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 6,759	Im with Golan. When I heavy clean my tank, clean back walls, powerheads, sump compartment, I usually run 2 for 3 days to get all the heavy particles. __________________ I'll be back.

01/16/2007, 04:12 PM	#5
SurfOnH20 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Huntington Beach Posts: 295	I change mine out once a week. Like my skimmer, what I see not going in my tank makes me more convinced to keep using it. Most things in your tank if not maintained will lead to issues (nitrate,etc).

01/16/2007, 04:15 PM	#6
JE Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1,302	mine seems to do ok without one but if i dont use it i get too many micro-bubbles due to my main pump being in the same section of the sump.

01/16/2007, 04:21 PM	#7
bpd964 Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bridgeport, CT Posts: 2,237	I use them about 99% of the time. They catch all the little particles and it keeps my sump pretty clean.

01/16/2007, 04:34 PM	#9
phishx Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: TORRANCE Posts: 1,297	but other then that...? no on the filter socks? does having a DSB pretty much do the same when it comes to filtering?

01/16/2007, 04:39 PM	#10
tomconk Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 648	I got rid of my filter socks....Im way too lazy to wash them...

01/16/2007, 04:44 PM	#11
818 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 6,759	I wouldnt use the filter socks if you arent going to clean them period. They definatley need weekly, if not every 3 days clean out. They get dirty pretty damn fast. __________________ I'll be back.

01/16/2007, 05:00 PM	#12
jefathome Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Mission Viejo, CA Posts: 2,915	Can a filter sock collect gunk that will turn into Nitrates? YES If you don't use the filter sock, what happenes to these particles? Are they "not there" b/c you are not using the sock? NO So where are they? Still in your tank of course. I think that cleaning the sock only when you do a water change will keep things kinda even. Changing/rinsing it more frequently will pull out additional crud that could turn into DOC's. If you change it less often than you do water changes, then you are keeping detritus in your tank that the water change could have removed. IMO... Use them. Even if you don't change it all that often, the stuff your bag catches would still be in the tank if you didn't use it. So why not... __________________ Without Geometry, life is pointless Current Tank Info: NEW 150g in-wall Solartube display; 60g 4x2ft frag tank; 3g work Pico.... all Reef tanks

01/16/2007, 05:07 PM	#13
Gooli Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: West Los Angeles Posts: 3,746	here's a good follow up question... Can anyone think of an inexpensive alternative to a filter sock that is disposable? So you can use it and toss it and use another. __________________ "Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. " - Benjamin Franklin Current Tank Info: 180g SPS

01/16/2007, 05:08 PM	#14
818 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 6,759	Golan, go to an upholstery shop. They sell Poly fiber material in different microns. Completley safe to use and cheap if you buy alot of yards worth. __________________ I'll be back.

01/16/2007, 05:16 PM	#16
Gooli Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: West Los Angeles Posts: 3,746	"closest parking spot at the gym......" so you're the guy in the handicap space! __________________ "Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. " - Benjamin Franklin Current Tank Info: 180g SPS

01/16/2007, 05:22 PM	#18
chalowolf Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Glendale, Ca Posts: 717	The trick is to have a couple of socks; change them and wash the dirty one when you have more time.... keep the dirty one in a bucket so it doesnt dry out. I thought all socks were disposable, you cant use them forever. You can just clean them to get a couple of uses out of them.

01/16/2007, 05:25 PM	#20
jefathome Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Mission Viejo, CA Posts: 2,915	How do you guys wash them? I've been using a hose b/c I thought that the detergents in the washer would mess up the tank. __________________ Without Geometry, life is pointless Current Tank Info: NEW 150g in-wall Solartube display; 60g 4x2ft frag tank; 3g work Pico.... all Reef tanks

01/16/2007, 05:44 PM	#21
Gooli Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: West Los Angeles Posts: 3,746	these upholstery shops....wont they be just flat pieces of material? how can i use that? i need a "sock-like" thingy __________________ "Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. " - Benjamin Franklin Current Tank Info: 180g SPS

01/16/2007, 05:52 PM	#23
JE Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1,302	i run my few socks through my washer with hot water and a little bleach. then i let them air dry....they get super white and last longer then just trying to rinse them. i actually have some of that upholstrey mesh. it works just as good to me. i tried to make a small box that i can put a piece of this into like a sock.....got lazy and bought the socks....lol.

01/16/2007, 06:08 PM	#25
phishx Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: TORRANCE Posts: 1,297	im learning... seems like filter socks are good in a sense, but SKIMMERS ARE BETTER!... o... sorry, wrong thread... guess im gonna wash this daym filter sock