filter socks

Remmers · 09/27/2014, 09:27 AM

What are the benefits of filter socks other then catching the finest of debris?

A few people ave told me there bad for your system because they can house ditrates(sp)?

StaySalty · 09/27/2014, 09:44 AM

You pretty much summed up the benefit of them. It results in a slightly better water clarity. Some people say its better not to use filter socks so the corals can consume the particles it would catch.

I personally do run one. I try to change it out every 2 weeks. If you go long periods of time without cleaning/replacing them, then they can leech nitrates back into the system because the material they trap just starts rotting.

Remmers · 09/27/2014, 09:56 AM

Since the sump I have is built to hold two, could I get the best of both worlds and just run one?

ca1ore · 09/27/2014, 10:00 AM

I am unaware of anyone who has run a legitimate experiment on this so you are left with anecdotes and personal opinions. As with most things in this hobby, opinions on filter socks run the gamut. I don't use any kind of intentional mechanical filtration on my tank. My own personal observations over many tanks is that nitrates ran higher on those with significant mechanical filtration than on those without. Now, I am not particularly good at regular maintenance so it may be that filter socks can be advantageous if cleaned every few days. If you cannot do that then they are better avoided.

The reality is that with an adequately skimmed and circulated tank, water clarity is unlikely to be a problem.

StaySalty · 09/27/2014, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca1ore

I am unaware of anyone who has run a legitimate experiment on this so you are left with anecdotes and personal opinions. As with most things in this hobby, opinions on filter socks run the gamut. I don't use any kind of intentional mechanical filtration on my tank. My own personal observations over many tanks is that nitrates ran higher on those with significant mechanical filtration than on those without. Now, I am not particularly good at regular maintenance so it may be that filter socks can be advantageous if cleaned every few days. If you cannot do that then they are better avoided.

The reality is that with an adequately skimmed and circulated tank, water clarity is unlikely to be a problem.

IME, it does make the water slightly more clear. But I'm not good at keeping up with the maintence on them either. If it wasn't for microbubbles, I would probably just remove them all together.

Gary Majchrzak · 09/27/2014, 10:12 AM

My personal experience (after experimenting with and without for several years on several aquariums) is that I am in more control of the results in any aquarium when using mechanical filtration.
Bonus: mechanical filtration in many home reef systems can be employed without additional energy costs by using filter socks on drains.
For me it's a no brainer.

IanWR · 09/27/2014, 10:22 AM

Ca1ore makes a good point: absent experiments, we are left with people's experience using socks (or not) on as many different tanks as there are people. So what works for one person may not work for another since everyone has different tanks, coral, fish, flow, etc.. That being said, I think there are 2 opinions I have heard expressed that make some sense to me. First, if it makes no difference when you add socks then why bother using them. The second thought is watch how much gunk your socks catch; would you rather have that stuff in your tank?

Personally I have used 2 socks on my tank since I started it (just over a year, so still new), so can't say what it would be like without. What I do notice is the socks are dirty when I change them (once or twice a week depending how dirty), and I happen to have unreadable nitrates. So for me, I assume they do more good than harm. Then again I don't have any nps corals, or other mainly filter feeding corals.

So to specifically answer your concerns about socks, or not, or just one,... My 2cents would be try running them. If they are too much work, and/or if nitrates are climbing, try taking them out. Or do it the other way, try without and if you aren't satisfied with water clarity or you find too much detritus accumulating in the sump add socks. Big help, eh?

- Ian

DasCamel · 09/27/2014, 11:03 AM

I use/switch mine out every week. Traps a lot of gunk, another form of easy nutrient export. Only negative is, it needs to switched out. Not for the lazy. In my case, undetectable nitrates, minimal algae issues..

shesacharmer · 09/27/2014, 11:21 AM

I use two and change them twice a week. I think if I wasn't willing to change twice a week (a chore that takes all of about 3 minutes mind you) then I'd go without. I definitely would not leave them in there a week or two without changing as mine clog in a week.

m0nkie · 09/27/2014, 11:28 AM

Mine has been trapping lots of amphipods.. considering removing the socks. I get lazy and change it when it clogs

cloak · 09/27/2014, 11:50 AM

I would much rather things float freely throughout the system, than getting caught up in a filter sock for days on end. Leftover food would be a good example of this. Nothing can utilize that food when it's rotting away in a sock. Those frozen foods can be kind of messy sometimes.

m0nkie · 09/27/2014, 11:59 AM

Those of you that changed from socks to no socks. Do you have to clean the sump more frequently?

cloak · 09/27/2014, 12:18 PM

I usually use a power head to stir things up in my sump right before a water change, (weekly) but I don't really consider this to be an added chore so to say. Being that this is done on a regular basis, it never seems to get dirty down there.

Gary Majchrzak · 09/27/2014, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m0nkie

Those of you that changed from socks to no socks. Do you have to clean the sump more frequently?

You don't have to

but a sump WILL accumulate more detritus without mechanical filtration (as might the display).

bundybear1981 · 09/27/2014, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Majchrzak

You don't have to

but a sump WILL accumulate more detritus without mechanical filtration (as might the display).

This is the reason I've order some for my tank (more so sump) Hopefully keep the bare bottom sump a bit cleaner.

jeperry3 · 09/27/2014, 05:00 PM

I run them only when doing maintenance that stirs up a lot of crud (water changes, blasting blasting rocks with a turkey baster, etc). I actually use some bleached stocking that come 5 pair for a dollar. I get some funny looks when I buy them. (I'm a 6'4", 280lb guy)

ca1ore · 09/27/2014, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m0nkie

Those of you that changed from socks to no socks. Do you have to clean the sump more frequently?

Whether one uses filter socks, or any kind of mechanical filtration, or does not use them, it will not change the amount of detritus produced by the tank. It's got to go somewhere. I don't like or use socks for reasons I've articulated many times here on RC, but I don't dismiss the appeal of removing detritus. So, I designed a settling chamber into my sump that gets cleaned out every time I do a water change. The remainder of my sump remains relatively clear.

toothybugs · 09/27/2014, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca1ore

Whether one uses filter socks, or any kind of mechanical filtration, or does not use them, it will not change the amount of detritus produced by the tank. It's got to go somewhere. I don't like or use socks for reasons I've articulated many times here on RC, but I don't dismiss the appeal of removing detritus. So, I designed a settling chamber into my sump that gets cleaned out every time I do a water change. The remainder of my sump remains relatively clear.

That is a rather nice idea.

I run a ladder of socks, 100 micron, 50, and 10. My tank runs rather clear.

I have to change the 100 about every 5 days. The others, not so much.

I have a course for getting socks in bulk if anyone is interested - they come down to about a buck and a half a piece.

Zer0. · 09/27/2014, 08:50 PM

I quit running them, and since then my pod population has shot up. Guess that's one benefit of not running them lol. O and no changing them

Miz40B · 09/27/2014, 09:50 PM

I'm a notorious rock blower. Using a turkey baster 2-3x a week to clear off my rock. This is where a filter sock comes in very handy for me. My power heads keep the crap suspended long enough for the majority of it is removed via the over flow, where my sock traps it.
Although a pain at times to change out, I really like the benefits of having them. I've ran a tank without, will never do so again.

Scubaken · 09/27/2014, 10:32 PM

The water is certainly clearer with socks, I would love to be in a position to get a couple of days out of a pair, I get 1 day most out of a pair of 7inch wide, 14 inch long ? I'm return pump does appear to be more active than I need though. 3200 gallons per hour, with 2 WP 60 powerheads, I certainly turn the water over enough for a fowlr tank. I am considering ramping down to 600gph to try and reduce the flow and socks

E46Twist · 09/28/2014, 02:15 AM

In my experience I run a BB with up to 8,000 gph in a 125 and detritus does not settle in my tank. If I did not run a sock on one of the returns I would all kinds of crap blowing around. I clean it out every night and it gets pretty nasty, and I believe it allows my skimmer to work better as it doesn't suck any of that up. Also I already have to turn pumps off to be able to feed so losing food is no issue.

09/27/2014, 09:27 AM	#1
Remmers Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 332	filter socks What are the benefits of filter socks other then catching the finest of debris? A few people ave told me there bad for your system because they can house ditrates(sp)?

09/27/2014, 10:00 AM	#4
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	I am unaware of anyone who has run a legitimate experiment on this so you are left with anecdotes and personal opinions. As with most things in this hobby, opinions on filter socks run the gamut. I don't use any kind of intentional mechanical filtration on my tank. My own personal observations over many tanks is that nitrates ran higher on those with significant mechanical filtration than on those without. Now, I am not particularly good at regular maintenance so it may be that filter socks can be advantageous if cleaned every few days. If you cannot do that then they are better avoided. The reality is that with an adequately skimmed and circulated tank, water clarity is unlikely to be a problem. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

09/27/2014, 10:12 AM	#6
Gary Majchrzak Team RC Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 41,560	filter sock = mechanical filtration My personal experience (after experimenting with and without for several years on several aquariums) is that I am in more control of the results in any aquarium when using mechanical filtration. Bonus: mechanical filtration in many home reef systems can be employed without additional energy costs by using filter socks on drains. For me it's a no brainer. __________________ over 24 years experience with multiple types of marine aquarium systems see Upstate Reef Society Forum on RC and FB GOOGLE JUNIOR'S REEF Current Tank Info: 84x24x30 265g reef past TOTM honors

09/27/2014, 11:03 AM	#8
DasCamel Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Kenmore, WA Posts: 1,542	I use/switch mine out every week. Traps a lot of gunk, another form of easy nutrient export. Only negative is, it needs to switched out. Not for the lazy. In my case, undetectable nitrates, minimal algae issues.. __________________ 375g DT 125g sump acrylic, Mixed SPS/LPS tank with anemones and fish. Current Tank Info: 375g Build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2608197

09/27/2014, 11:21 AM	#9
shesacharmer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Central NH Posts: 1,241	I use two and change them twice a week. I think if I wasn't willing to change twice a week (a chore that takes all of about 3 minutes mind you) then I'd go without. I definitely would not leave them in there a week or two without changing as mine clog in a week. __________________ 75 gal, LR w/refugium, 79 deg, PH 8.0, sg 1.025, amm 0/nit 0/nit 0, Calcium 420, dKH 8.3, mag 1300, Phos 0 Current Tank Info: A work in progress...

09/27/2014, 09:44 AM	#2
StaySalty Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 279	You pretty much summed up the benefit of them. It results in a slightly better water clarity. Some people say its better not to use filter socks so the corals can consume the particles it would catch. I personally do run one. I try to change it out every 2 weeks. If you go long periods of time without cleaning/replacing them, then they can leech nitrates back into the system because the material they trap just starts rotting.

09/27/2014, 09:56 AM	#3
Remmers Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 332	Since the sump I have is built to hold two, could I get the best of both worlds and just run one?

09/27/2014, 10:22 AM	#7
IanWR Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: SK, Canada Posts: 214	Ca1ore makes a good point: absent experiments, we are left with people's experience using socks (or not) on as many different tanks as there are people. So what works for one person may not work for another since everyone has different tanks, coral, fish, flow, etc.. That being said, I think there are 2 opinions I have heard expressed that make some sense to me. First, if it makes no difference when you add socks then why bother using them. The second thought is watch how much gunk your socks catch; would you rather have that stuff in your tank? Personally I have used 2 socks on my tank since I started it (just over a year, so still new), so can't say what it would be like without. What I do notice is the socks are dirty when I change them (once or twice a week depending how dirty), and I happen to have unreadable nitrates. So for me, I assume they do more good than harm. Then again I don't have any nps corals, or other mainly filter feeding corals. So to specifically answer your concerns about socks, or not, or just one,... My 2cents would be try running them. If they are too much work, and/or if nitrates are climbing, try taking them out. Or do it the other way, try without and if you aren't satisfied with water clarity or you find too much detritus accumulating in the sump add socks. Big help, eh? - Ian

09/27/2014, 11:28 AM	#10
m0nkie Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: LA Posts: 6,264	Mine has been trapping lots of amphipods.. considering removing the socks. I get lazy and change it when it clogs __________________ 560gal in the making

09/27/2014, 11:50 AM	#11
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	I would much rather things float freely throughout the system, than getting caught up in a filter sock for days on end. Leftover food would be a good example of this. Nothing can utilize that food when it's rotting away in a sock. Those frozen foods can be kind of messy sometimes.

09/27/2014, 11:59 AM	#12
m0nkie Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: LA Posts: 6,264	Those of you that changed from socks to no socks. Do you have to clean the sump more frequently? __________________ 560gal in the making

09/27/2014, 12:18 PM	#13
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	I usually use a power head to stir things up in my sump right before a water change, (weekly) but I don't really consider this to be an added chore so to say. Being that this is done on a regular basis, it never seems to get dirty down there.

09/27/2014, 05:00 PM	#16
jeperry3 Old Fossil Join Date: May 2002 Location: Alabama Posts: 148	I run them only when doing maintenance that stirs up a lot of crud (water changes, blasting blasting rocks with a turkey baster, etc). I actually use some bleached stocking that come 5 pair for a dollar. I get some funny looks when I buy them. (I'm a 6'4", 280lb guy)

09/27/2014, 08:50 PM	#19
Zer0. Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 479	I quit running them, and since then my pod population has shot up. Guess that's one benefit of not running them lol. O and no changing them

09/27/2014, 09:50 PM	#20
Miz40B Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Michigan Posts: 169	filter socks I'm a notorious rock blower. Using a turkey baster 2-3x a week to clear off my rock. This is where a filter sock comes in very handy for me. My power heads keep the crap suspended long enough for the majority of it is removed via the over flow, where my sock traps it. Although a pain at times to change out, I really like the benefits of having them. I've ran a tank without, will never do so again.

09/27/2014, 10:32 PM	#21
Scubaken Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 261	The water is certainly clearer with socks, I would love to be in a position to get a couple of days out of a pair, I get 1 day most out of a pair of 7inch wide, 14 inch long ? I'm return pump does appear to be more active than I need though. 3200 gallons per hour, with 2 WP 60 powerheads, I certainly turn the water over enough for a fowlr tank. I am considering ramping down to 600gph to try and reduce the flow and socks

09/28/2014, 02:15 AM	#22
E46Twist Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Columbia,MO Posts: 328	In my experience I run a BB with up to 8,000 gph in a 125 and detritus does not settle in my tank. If I did not run a sock on one of the returns I would all kinds of crap blowing around. I clean it out every night and it gets pretty nasty, and I believe it allows my skimmer to work better as it doesn't suck any of that up. Also I already have to turn pumps off to be able to feed so losing food is no issue.