filter sock help!!!

[ozorowsky]

Ok, so I bought a new refugium, which is really nice. My one dilemma is I think I should go with a dual return filter sock.

Now, should I get 1 7" dual return filter sock? CPR Aquatics seems to make one for around $50.00.

Is this a good filter sock or should I get a different brand?

Any help/advice is appreciated; I need to order asap.

Thank you.

[jim.crunk]

Need tank info.
How large is the tank?
What is the flow rate you have or plan to have through the sump?

I prefer one sock/mount just due to space & simplicity. If I ran a large return pump I would use dual socks so that they wont clog up as fast.

[ozorowsky]

Originally Posted by jim.crunk

Need tank info.
How large is the tank?
What is the flow rate you have or plan to have through the sump?

I prefer one sock/mount just due to space & simplicity. If I ran a large return pump I would use dual socks so that they wont clog up as fast.

I'm sorry. I have a 230 gallon reef; I have one pump that is a Rio 32HF that flows 1920gph and a Rio 1100 that flows 300gph through my 36W UV light.

I want to stick with 1 sock/mount as you said for space; I have a 30" long refugium that has 3 chambers; 1 that I would use for the Sock(s) and chaeto in the same sump, the second would be for my protein skimmer/heater, and the final will be where my return pumps are.

Thank you

[dlterry85]

i have a 75 gallon tank and a 30 gal sump. i run an oversized overflow (eshopps pf1200)with twin drains and a mag 9 return. i have dual filter socks just to keep detritus out and so they don't clog.

[ozorowsky]

Should I use filter socks? My dilemma is I have 2 return hoses leading to my sump that I have to do something with.

I was thinking of running both through a filter sock, but I'm lazy and don't want to wash the socks every week.

Anyone have any differing opinions?

Thank you

[cpc12]

Sorry to be that guy but...

your solution is simple, don't be lazy...

Sorry I could not resist

[ozorowsky]

Originally Posted by cpc12

Sorry to be that guy but...

your solution is simple, don't be lazy...

Sorry I could not resist

heh; so you say I should get filter sock? Should I have 1 7" filter sock with the 2 returns going to it?

Should I T off my 2 returns and put them both down the 1" drain? Will that cause my tank to over flow?

Should I run both lines to 2 different pipes to the filter sock?

I need an angle to go on so I can order the parts I need. Any experience is appreciated.

Thank you

[beatle]

Not sure why you're talking about feeding the sock with your return. Mine comes from the two drain lines of my herbie overflow. If my sump was smaller I would run a single sock through the primary drain and the emergency would not have a sock.

[ozorowsky]

Originally Posted by beatle

Not sure why you're talking about feeding the sock with your return. Mine comes from the two drain lines of my herbie overflow. If my sump was smaller I would run a single sock through the primary drain and the emergency would not have a sock.

Poor choice of words on my part. I do mean drain not return.

And what do you mean by primary drain?i have two, and one does flow faster than the other but I assumed that was due to my tank not sitting level.

I have one filter sick now, would I be ok putting a t on current filter sock area and just putting both returns into that one inch pipe or would there not be enough flow causing my tank to over flow?

Thank you

[Donniegnzls]

If you combine them into a T making it just 1 output to the sock the T would need to equal 2 inches on the output side. 1” in 1” in 2” into sock. I would just buy the CPR two into one sock mount kit. You should change your sock out every other day. That is my opinion of course but…I would really take that advice. I have a 5 gallon bucket and every other day I pull the filter sock throw it in the bucket and replace with a clean one. When I have a few in the bucket I wash them with bleach in the washer and then wash them again with no bleach. Let them dry and they are ready to go. Ever since I have fallowed this process I have had 0 nitrates and 0 phosphates. I have a Mag9.5 and a Mag 12 running through 1 7” sock so it will handle the flow.

[Donniegnzls]

There are several reasons to change the sock as often as possible. The main one is because you take the waste and excess food out the natural cycle. It is no longer being moved around the tank for pods crabs worms and bacteria to consume it efficiently. Instead it sits and rots and becomes a high nitrate and phosphate sponge. Changing the sock every other day in my opinion is much like what a skimmer does. The sock is the bubbles and then removing the sock is the same as the bubbles going into the skimmer cup. If the waste was in your skimmer chamber and never made it to the cup it would be of no use to skim at all because the waste would remain in the water. Same principle as leaving the sock in the water. I also notice that when I replace the sock every other day I skim less. I’m convinced that this is because the sock has removed almost all the waste already.

I like many others have my sock where the overflow comes into the sump then the water flows to my skimmer and then the fuge. I think this is not correct so I am designing a new sump that will have my skimmer first and fuge second. The socks will be the last filtration before the return. This way my skimmer can remove the waste from the water immediately and then the macro algae and pods will consume some and then the socks will pull the rest out. My only dilemma at this point is pods being able to get past the sock to make it to the main tank for natural food for the fish. But I feel that even if I can only have the skimmer first this will be more efficient in removing waste.

[reeftivo]

IME Drain to skimmer chamber then fuge then return works best. The pods coming off the fuge will still get chopped a bit by the return pump but most will make it back to the display. IMO a sock at the return would be counter productive. I ran sockless for years with larger sumps but now use mesh socks mostly to calm the bubbles that affect my skimmers. If my skimmer chamber on my sump was a bit larger I would run sockless again.

If you run sockless you should stir up the bottom of the sump (via turkey baster) frequently to keep detritus settling at a minimum. That's the only knock I have in running sockless.

Tivo

[reeftivo]

IME Drain to skimmer chamber then fuge then return works best. The pods coming off the fuge will still get chopped a bit by the return pump but most will make it back to the display. IMO a sock at the return would be counter productive. I ran sockless for years with larger sumps but now use mesh socks mostly to calm the bubbles that affect my skimmers. If my skimmer chamber on my sump was a bit larger I would run sockless again.

If you run sockless you should stir up the bottom of the sump (via turkey baster) frequently to keep detritus settling at a minimum. That's the only knock I have in running sockless.

Tivo

[Donniegnzls]

+1

Why do you think having the sock at the return would be counter productive?

[reeftivo]

trapped pods. pods are little workhorses and tasty treats.

Also, depending on the amount of water run through socks after the fuge, potential for fluctuating water levels where most run their ATO sensors.

[Donniegnzls]

Yep the pods are a concern I noted. You are correct on the fluctuation. My idea was to have a chamber before the return just for the socks. Still havnt worked out the Pod issue though. Hmmmmm. Im thinking of just running my fuge seperate but I have put alot of planning and work into minimizing the amount of pumps in my system and would hate to. Well my system runs great as is but I am always trying to improve on things. The enemy of good enough is better