how do you clean your filter sock?

avatar71 · 04/11/2007, 10:00 AM

any suggestions other than inside out and spray down?

Shaun120 · 04/11/2007, 10:06 AM

I think you can throw them in your washing machine without detergent. I have not personally tried this but have read it on other posts.

I plan on installing filter socks on my 225 setup I'm working on and will throw them in the washing machine.

Good luck

hansmatt · 04/11/2007, 10:51 AM

I've soaked in bleach for a few days, then good rinsed in sink. Last time, I put them in the washer (inside out) with other rags & no soap. They came out mega clean, and will do this from now on.

bstone · 04/11/2007, 11:13 AM

Many discusions on this topic here on RC. But, I have been washing my filter socks in my washing machine with hot water and with a cup of bleach. I then run it through one more time with no bleach. I have been doing this for YEARS!!! I have dozens of fish, alot of SPS and LPS in my 1100 gallon system. Never had a problem. And from a chemical stand-point, if there would be any free DPD (free hologen/bleach) in the socks, it would not hurt the system at all. Only when a large enough amount to increase your ORP to dangerous levels would this ever be an issue. But, with the method at which I clean my socks, you will never have to worry!

my (proven) 2 cents!

invincible569 · 04/11/2007, 11:15 AM

Why the hot water? Kills living animals?

bstone · 04/11/2007, 11:21 AM

Better for my whites!! LOL

No, bleach is much more active in warmer water. But, it makes no difference in a small washing machine. Plus, the bleach will kill off ALL living things in the washing machine at that concentration.

Shaun120 · 04/11/2007, 12:34 PM

The socks, or any mechanical filter, shouldnâ€™t have living things in it that is why you clean them out regularly (or shouldâ€¦sometimes I lax). After time the sock, foam blocks etc, would then turn in to a biological filter and possibly start causing Nitrate problems over time.

My washer has a sanitation cycle...no bleach, not that I don't like my whites WHITE

ReneL · 04/11/2007, 12:38 PM

I just throw mine in the wash with hot water. Come out just like new. No need for bleach.

avatar71 · 04/11/2007, 03:36 PM

obviously the concern for residual detergent is not there. why?

bstone · 04/11/2007, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by avatar71
obviously the concern for residual detergent is not there. why?

I wash mine twice, once with bleach and the next with just water. So, any residual left would be minuet.

DarG · 04/11/2007, 04:15 PM

Similiar here. I run a full wash and rinse cycle first with the machine empty to clear out any residual detergent. Then throw the filters in with about 1/3 cup bleach. After the final rinse cycle I put them through another full wash/rinse cycle with no bleach to rinse them out. Also use some amquel in one of the final two cycles.

DarG · 04/11/2007, 04:16 PM

Similiar here. I run a full wash and rinse cycle first with the machine empty to clear out any residual detergent. Then throw the filters in with about 1/3 cup bleach. After the final rinse cycle I put them through another full wash/rinse cycle with no bleach to rinse them out. I Also use some amquel in one of the final two cycles.

Shaun120 · 04/12/2007, 10:47 AM

Goodness...for the electricity, H2O, bleach and time, it sound like just buying new socks may be the best bet for some.

Running a rinse cycle before washing them is a good idea though.

bstone · 04/12/2007, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Shaun120
Goodness...for the electricity, H2O, bleach and time, it sound like just buying new socks may be the best bet for some.

Running a rinse cycle before washing them is a good idea though.

Well then , if you want to waste gas and time to run out and get more then thats cool! LOL

But ordering them online would still cost more. Mine have lasted 1.5 years now and have not needed replaced.

ElDiabloPollo · 04/12/2007, 11:07 AM

If yoiu really want to save money on filter socks check out this DIY project

DIY Filter Socks

They work great, and they are uber cheap, as long as you can sew or know someone that can.

J

04/11/2007, 10:00 AM	#1
avatar71 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 203	how do you clean your filter sock? any suggestions other than inside out and spray down?

04/11/2007, 10:06 AM	#2
Shaun120 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 259	I think you can throw them in your washing machine without detergent. I have not personally tried this but have read it on other posts. I plan on installing filter socks on my 225 setup I'm working on and will throw them in the washing machine. Good luck __________________ I'm givin' er all she's got Captain! Current Tank Info: 225 Reef + 120 FOWLR in-wall system, and 68 FOWLR

04/11/2007, 12:34 PM	#7
Shaun120 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 259	The socks, or any mechanical filter, shouldnâ€™t have living things in it that is why you clean them out regularly (or shouldâ€¦sometimes I lax). After time the sock, foam blocks etc, would then turn in to a biological filter and possibly start causing Nitrate problems over time. My washer has a sanitation cycle...no bleach, not that I don't like my whites WHITE __________________ I'm givin' er all she's got Captain! Current Tank Info: 225 Reef + 120 FOWLR in-wall system, and 68 FOWLR

04/12/2007, 10:47 AM	#13
Shaun120 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 259	Goodness...for the electricity, H2O, bleach and time, it sound like just buying new socks may be the best bet for some. Running a rinse cycle before washing them is a good idea though. __________________ I'm givin' er all she's got Captain! Current Tank Info: 225 Reef + 120 FOWLR in-wall system, and 68 FOWLR

04/11/2007, 10:51 AM	#3
hansmatt Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Western Wisconsin Posts: 681	I've soaked in bleach for a few days, then good rinsed in sink. Last time, I put them in the washer (inside out) with other rags & no soap. They came out mega clean, and will do this from now on.

04/11/2007, 11:13 AM	#4
bstone Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana (GO COLTS) Posts: 1,027	Many discusions on this topic here on RC. But, I have been washing my filter socks in my washing machine with hot water and with a cup of bleach. I then run it through one more time with no bleach. I have been doing this for YEARS!!! I have dozens of fish, alot of SPS and LPS in my 1100 gallon system. Never had a problem. And from a chemical stand-point, if there would be any free DPD (free hologen/bleach) in the socks, it would not hurt the system at all. Only when a large enough amount to increase your ORP to dangerous levels would this ever be an issue. But, with the method at which I clean my socks, you will never have to worry! my (proven) 2 cents!

04/11/2007, 11:15 AM	#5
invincible569 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 5,715	Why the hot water? Kills living animals?

04/11/2007, 11:21 AM	#6
bstone Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana (GO COLTS) Posts: 1,027	Better for my whites!! LOL No, bleach is much more active in warmer water. But, it makes no difference in a small washing machine. Plus, the bleach will kill off ALL living things in the washing machine at that concentration.

04/11/2007, 12:38 PM	#8
ReneL Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Wrentham, MA Posts: 62	I just throw mine in the wash with hot water. Come out just like new. No need for bleach.

04/11/2007, 03:36 PM	#9
avatar71 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 203	obviously the concern for residual detergent is not there. why?

04/11/2007, 04:15 PM	#11
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	Similiar here. I run a full wash and rinse cycle first with the machine empty to clear out any residual detergent. Then throw the filters in with about 1/3 cup bleach. After the final rinse cycle I put them through another full wash/rinse cycle with no bleach to rinse them out. Also use some amquel in one of the final two cycles.

04/11/2007, 04:16 PM	#12
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	Similiar here. I run a full wash and rinse cycle first with the machine empty to clear out any residual detergent. Then throw the filters in with about 1/3 cup bleach. After the final rinse cycle I put them through another full wash/rinse cycle with no bleach to rinse them out. I Also use some amquel in one of the final two cycles.

04/12/2007, 11:07 AM	#15
ElDiabloPollo Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Amherst, NY Posts: 643	If yoiu really want to save money on filter socks check out this DIY project DIY Filter Socks They work great, and they are uber cheap, as long as you can sew or know someone that can. J