I gave up on filter socks after about 6 months. BIGGEST PITA cleaning those things.

any fabric media(sponge, floss, sock) unless religiously cleaned or replaced will end up leaching nitrates back into the system, never mind the cost to replace or clean.....so I say, why bother?

+1
nothing for me

I dont understand what is so difficult about them. I throw mine in the washing machine, spin dry and throw it back in the tank. Easy as pie.

I tried them too, but then I just go with nothing. Once every few months to half year, siphon out the detritus that has settled in the sump.

wondering.... plankton growth?

+1 on nothing, i have a filter sock hanging off the return line plumbing ready to be put in for when i aquascape and kick up the sand. Other than that i run nothing and siphon out detrious from the sump every other water change. Water quality is good, i have 2 rena XP3's sitting in the closet, i was planning on using them but after running nothing for awhile now i can't see much difference in water quality. Nitrates are below measurements without it, i agree to people saying they're nitrate factories now.

Go
 

I used socks for a while, but then got sick of cleaning them, I probably will go back to using them though

What size socks is everyone using the small 4 inch ones or the larger 7 inch ones?

I know it's been discussed before but what is the best way of cleaning them? Washing machine but just a rinse cycle? I've tried by hand but that sucks big time!