Filter Sock? is it needed????

reef master jon · 02/01/2009, 11:43 AM

Hello all, happy super bowl Sunday (go steelers)
anyways, is a filter sock necessary? I have a drilled overflow box 600gph going into a 20 gal long sump/ refuge. And i know that i would have to buy a bunch of socks to keep up with the maintenances, and from keep it from harming the tank or even overflowing. Is there another alternative? I would like to know if anyone can help; off subject, i have a MAG 12 and MAG 9.5 which would be better? MAG 12 in sump or MAG 12 in closed loop flow i have setup. Right now i have the MAG 9.5 on my closed loop and the MAG 12 in the Refuge. I was told ( don't know if its true ) that its best to have a smaller return pump in a Refuge to keep the most water contact in that section (slow flow through Refuge) .

thanks for your help, sorry about all the Questions, I am almost done with my setup that took me about 7mths to setup

ITS CRUNCH TIME

jon

spleify · 02/01/2009, 11:53 AM

Jon, filter socks are not "necessary" but IMO opinion they help tremendously. I have about 30 of them and change them every few days then when I have a full load I throw them in the washing machine, with a little bleach, and rinse twice more after that, then let them air dry.

I personally would run the Mag 12 on the closed loop and get an even smaller pump for the return. A good rule of thumb is 3-5 X tank turn over through the sump per hour. What you heard is correct, slower flow offers more touch time with macro algaes or reactors if you are running these things.

HTH

Spleify

reef master jon · 02/01/2009, 12:05 PM

ok thanks for the reply; what if i used the 9.5 in the refuge and used a valve to control the flow? is that the same a a smaller pump. if not what do you suggest for the sump, keep in mind i don't want it to overflow , 600gph over flow box.

I AM THE REEFER · 02/01/2009, 12:19 PM

Jon, I follow the same practice as Spleify.

My rational is simple, if you don't use the socks the proteins will bank on the side of the sump anyway and solids (unless you can export all them through some other means) will settle to the bottom of the sump to which you eventually have to clean both. By changing them every few days the sump stays clean and bad stuff is removed. I have not found a move efficient was of exporting the solids.

reef master jon · 02/01/2009, 12:26 PM

thanks for the feed back where did you purchase you socks? does it come in bulk somewhere?? LOL where would be the best place to purchase?

spleify · 02/01/2009, 12:31 PM

To Reef Central

I AM THE REEFER

Jon, yes you can throttle back the return pump, and I would suggest doing so.

This is where I but my socks

http://www.filterbag.com/size.html

HTH

Spleify

ErikJL · 02/01/2009, 12:31 PM

From what I've read, the filter socks also remove good things like pods. I'm wondering if diverting the water into a filter sock for a few hours each week would suffice, then let the water flow around the sock the rest of the time. Thoughts?

spleify · 02/01/2009, 01:10 PM

Erik there are definitely a lot of different opinions on not only filter socks but every aspect of this hobby. There really is no one correct answer.
But in my experience, I am pro, filter socks being run 24/7. I think if you have a good fuge, and a healthy tank pods will prevail.

JMO/E

Spleify

rdelong · 02/01/2009, 01:14 PM

I run 100 micron Polyester felt bags 24/7. I wash them with a hose outside. I also buy them in boxes of 50 from Filterbag.com

ErikJL · 02/01/2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by spleify
Erik there are definitely a lot of different opinions on not only filter socks but every aspect of this hobby. There really is no one correct answer.
JMO/E

Spleify

No need to get offended, I was merely asking for thoughts on my comment.

spleify · 02/01/2009, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ErikJL
No need to get offended, I was merely asking for thoughts on my comment.

And I gave you my thoughts on your question, offended I am not. I try and offer help and opinions. Believe me when I say you took my comment VERY wrong. I gave you a answer how I see it. I have read plenty of posts/debates on filter socks and tried to stay neutral on the situation and give my experience and not try and start another debate.

spleify · 02/01/2009, 02:28 PM

And when you qoute someone you should not ommit the rest of the post. Please g back and re-read what I posted.

Happy reefing my friend.

cdbias2 · 02/01/2009, 02:50 PM

I run filter socks and I also have read many opinions on this topic.
The question isn't really about "socks" per say. Its really a question about filtering by any means using a filter material. In one since, it includes HOB & canister filters.
IMO if you change them out every three days or less there good. I think this is why people don't like the canisters because people let the canisters go a lot longer because they are so much harder clean.
If you dont use a filter material of some sort it will probably just settle in your sump somewhere.
If you have a solid coral tank and no fish the only reason to use a sock would be to polish the water occasionally.
Normally people who dont like socks, dont like any filter material at all.
I couldn't imagine not using one after seeing all the gunk mine pull out.
I do use a washing machine with bleach to clean them. I own 8 or 10 so I can get a good load.

Sk8r · 02/01/2009, 04:17 PM

a good ball of cheato in the fuge should be filter enough.

Is for me, anyway.

02/01/2009, 11:43 AM	#1
reef master jon Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: tracy, California Posts: 127	Filter Sock? is it needed???? Hello all, happy super bowl Sunday (go steelers) anyways, is a filter sock necessary? I have a drilled overflow box 600gph going into a 20 gal long sump/ refuge. And i know that i would have to buy a bunch of socks to keep up with the maintenances, and from keep it from harming the tank or even overflowing. Is there another alternative? I would like to know if anyone can help; off subject, i have a MAG 12 and MAG 9.5 which would be better? MAG 12 in sump or MAG 12 in closed loop flow i have setup. Right now i have the MAG 9.5 on my closed loop and the MAG 12 in the Refuge. I was told ( don't know if its true ) that its best to have a smaller return pump in a Refuge to keep the most water contact in that section (slow flow through Refuge) . thanks for your help, sorry about all the Questions, I am almost done with my setup that took me about 7mths to setup ITS CRUNCH TIME jon

02/01/2009, 11:53 AM	#2
spleify Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 9,579	Jon, filter socks are not "necessary" but IMO opinion they help tremendously. I have about 30 of them and change them every few days then when I have a full load I throw them in the washing machine, with a little bleach, and rinse twice more after that, then let them air dry. I personally would run the Mag 12 on the closed loop and get an even smaller pump for the return. A good rule of thumb is 3-5 X tank turn over through the sump per hour. What you heard is correct, slower flow offers more touch time with macro algaes or reactors if you are running these things. HTH Spleify __________________ Make it a Great Day!!!! Current Tank Info: 60 gal SPS cube, with 25 gal refugium, 400W MH, DIY Lumenarc III, DIY skimmer, DIY stand and canopy. 40 breeder LPS with 40 gallon sump, DIY stand, 250W MH

02/01/2009, 12:31 PM	#6
spleify Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 9,579	*To Reef Central* I AM THE REEFER Jon, yes you can throttle back the return pump, and I would suggest doing so. This is where I but my socks http://www.filterbag.com/size.html HTH Spleify __________________ Make it a Great Day!!!! Current Tank Info: 60 gal SPS cube, with 25 gal refugium, 400W MH, DIY Lumenarc III, DIY skimmer, DIY stand and canopy. 40 breeder LPS with 40 gallon sump, DIY stand, 250W MH

02/01/2009, 12:31 PM	#7
ErikJL Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 97	From what I've read, the filter socks also remove good things like pods. I'm wondering if diverting the water into a filter sock for a few hours each week would suffice, then let the water flow around the sock the rest of the time. Thoughts? __________________ I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them. - Thomas Jefferson Current Tank Info: 90g RR, 55g sump/fuge, DIY rocks, DIY stand, DIY skimmer.

02/01/2009, 01:10 PM	#8
spleify Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 9,579	Erik there are definitely a lot of different opinions on not only filter socks but every aspect of this hobby. There really is no one correct answer. But in my experience, I am pro, filter socks being run 24/7. I think if you have a good fuge, and a healthy tank pods will prevail. JMO/E Spleify __________________ Make it a Great Day!!!! Current Tank Info: 60 gal SPS cube, with 25 gal refugium, 400W MH, DIY Lumenarc III, DIY skimmer, DIY stand and canopy. 40 breeder LPS with 40 gallon sump, DIY stand, 250W MH

02/01/2009, 12:05 PM	#3
reef master jon Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: tracy, California Posts: 127	ok thanks for the reply; what if i used the 9.5 in the refuge and used a valve to control the flow? is that the same a a smaller pump. if not what do you suggest for the sump, keep in mind i don't want it to overflow , 600gph over flow box.

02/01/2009, 12:19 PM	#4
I AM THE REEFER Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 25	Jon, I follow the same practice as Spleify. My rational is simple, if you don't use the socks the proteins will bank on the side of the sump anyway and solids (unless you can export all them through some other means) will settle to the bottom of the sump to which you eventually have to clean both. By changing them every few days the sump stays clean and bad stuff is removed. I have not found a move efficient was of exporting the solids.

02/01/2009, 12:26 PM	#5
reef master jon Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: tracy, California Posts: 127	thanks for the feed back where did you purchase you socks? does it come in bulk somewhere?? LOL where would be the best place to purchase?

02/01/2009, 01:14 PM	#9
rdelong Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cranberry Township, PA Posts: 263	I run 100 micron Polyester felt bags 24/7. I wash them with a hose outside. I also buy them in boxes of 50 from Filterbag.com

02/01/2009, 02:28 PM	#12
spleify Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 9,579	And when you qoute someone you should not ommit the rest of the post. Please g back and re-read what I posted. Happy reefing my friend. __________________ Make it a Great Day!!!! Current Tank Info: 60 gal SPS cube, with 25 gal refugium, 400W MH, DIY Lumenarc III, DIY skimmer, DIY stand and canopy. 40 breeder LPS with 40 gallon sump, DIY stand, 250W MH

02/01/2009, 02:50 PM	#13
cdbias2 Appalachian Reef Society Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Alum Creek, WV (No more) Posts: 1,433	I run filter socks and I also have read many opinions on this topic. The question isn't really about "socks" per say. Its really a question about filtering by any means using a filter material. In one since, it includes HOB & canister filters. IMO if you change them out every three days or less there good. I think this is why people don't like the canisters because people let the canisters go a lot longer because they are so much harder clean. If you dont use a filter material of some sort it will probably just settle in your sump somewhere. If you have a solid coral tank and no fish the only reason to use a sock would be to polish the water occasionally. Normally people who dont like socks, dont like any filter material at all. I couldn't imagine not using one after seeing all the gunk mine pull out. I do use a washing machine with bleach to clean them. I own 8 or 10 so I can get a good load.

02/01/2009, 04:17 PM	#14
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	a good ball of cheato in the fuge should be filter enough. Is for me, anyway. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.