Do you use a filter sock?

[vanz]

Personally I don't. Using the herbie method eliminated all the micro bubbles from the overflow. I also turn off the pump to feed so the food doesn't rush down into the sump as fast as it goes in. What are the benefits of filter socks?

[tidalsculpin]

Yes and no. I used to on the 80 reef. Now that I have a solana I use filter floss. I cut a new piece and insert every two weeks. Works pretty well for microbubbles and larger particulates. Replacing every 14 days has not created noticeable nitrates so far.

[grassi]

filter floss here to, changed every other day

[Smann]

On my 180 I use the blue filter pad, Its in a tray 9x9, Three layers that I change once a week. It removes the larger waste and wiil become saturated and overflow which is ok just means its time to change and very simple to pull out the drawer and put in new

On the prop tanks in the garage I used a sock to contain the bubbles from the skimmer and filter the water. since I added a larger sump with more chambers the bubbles arent a problem anymore.

At first the sock was only lasting 3-4 days before it began to overflow and was a real pain to get out. With the new sump its a little easier to get in and out, I put it in last sunday and it hasnt overflowed yet. If it last a week I may leave it in just for filtering or I may go without and see what happens

[finch6013]

Joel, where in your solana do you keep the filter floss? I have been considering this for mine as well. I assume bottom of second chamber?

[CCR]

I have a couple of large tangs that like to make large poo. I find using the socks eeps the water column very clean and clear. I don't need them for bubble disbursement. I change it every Sunday along with shimmer cleaning etc.

[USCG CWO]

Yep I use them. Change them every Wednesday and Sunday. I trap alot of "particulate matter" in them. I find it helps keep the water clean and clear.

[Michael7979]

Use them too.

Grabs whatever makes it down to the sump level.

Change it every week, (atleast).

[Quigley]

I don't use a filter sock. The overflow is diverted to my refugium and mangrove tank. In general my fish catch most of the food before it hits the overflow and I figure that anything else that slips by can feed all the critters in the refugium. I have tons of isopods, amphipods, starfish, bristle worms, snails, and red spagehti worms that clean everything up in there. I have tested my nitrates and they are 0. As for micro bubbles they have never been a problem. The only time I throw in a filter sock is if I am doing maintenance that throws up a lot of sediment.

[wanareef]

Yep, always used one - changed out every 4 days.

[Danik]

I use it and change it every three days. I can see when it needs to be changed by monitoring ORP from my iPhone.

[Benny503]

I dont use filter shock because I have my damsel and peppermint shrimp in my sump and they need some left over food :-)

[Rick]

I don't use one but who knows, maybe I will some time later. No issues with bubbles or keeping the water clear so far though. I also seldom ever use any carbon. I do have some cleanup crew in my sump and refugium to take care of any excess detritus that reaches them. That and a dsb through both.

[markdadof2]

I use a filter sock. I can't imagine what the tank would look like if I did not use one - I change once a week and it is nasty dirty.

[reef165]

I do but only like a week on then wash it and leave it out for a week so basically a week on and a week off. The sock is taking out available food for the corals.

[dj_giantti]

I use 5 of them and have to clean them about 1 time a week.

[downhill_biker]

I use a sock and change daily. I like to keep any chance of decomposition and nitrate build up to a minimum. Changed every morning, and if I am leaving town for a while I run without one at all.

[gawf4fun]

I use a sock which I change weekly. I liken not using a sock to screwing without a rubber: the potential for nuisance beings is not worth the risk!!

[COReefer]

I don't use it at all. I allow the poo to settle in my sump and then grab it with the shop vac

[Benny503]

I don't use it at all. I allow the poo to settle in my sump and then grab it with the shop vac

 

what kind of shop vac? Would you mind telling me little more info... I think I need one :-)

[Rick]

I'm guessing just a regular wet/dry shop vac like you would find at HD or Lowes. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=215727-20097-9300611&lpage=none Never thought about using one on the aquarium but I don't see why it wouldn't work. I would want to get a new one specifically for it though to keep from contaminating the water.

[Michael7979]

I have used a Shop-Vac befors also.

I use to have my set-up with the sump on floor level. And a siphon wouldn't work to clean up the "settlings" in the sump. I would only use it whereever I couldn't get a siphon to work.

 

Yeah it was just a typical Wet/Dry Shop-Vac that I got from Sears.

PS- make sure you remove the filter before use.

[undrtkr_00]

I use a sock which I change weekly. I liken not using a sock to screwing without a rubber: the potential for nuisance beings is not worth the risk!!

 

How would running without a filter sock increase the chance of getting "nuisance beings"?

 

I don't use one. My overflow runs through a BIG chaeto clump teeming with pods, snails, and worms. Keeps the water fairly clear.

[impur]

I don't use one. I use my shopvac once every couple months to clean out my sump.

[Quigley]

What is the best way people have found to clean their filter socks? The primary reason I don't use one is that I haven't found a good way to clean it. My wife won't let me throw it in the washing machine.