Best micron size for filter socks?
 

What micron size of filter sock is everyone using?
I just got a 100 micron and 200 micron filter socks and I think the 100 micron size definitely cleans the water better. Would a 50 micron sock be even better? I am concerned that with a smaller micron size, they socks may get plugged faster and need to be changed more often. I have been using my socks for one week and have had to change it every 3 days - it this normal? I do have a fairly large fish population and bio load.

filterbag.com has 7" x 16.5" polypropylene felt, 50 micron filter socks with plastic rings for $2.75/each.

I use 100 micron and change them once a week.Seems to work good for me.I think how much you feed your fish and the amount of fish you have are a factor as well as how much gunk your skimmer pulls out.

I vote for 100 micron. Not as much laundry :wink:

I had both 50 and 25. The 50s lasted about 3-4 days and the 25s lasted just over 24 hours. The 100s last about a week which works better for me as Sunday is tank cleaning/maintenance day :biggrin:

(100 micron) cleaned once a week for me too

I have to change my 100 micron about every 3-4 days

I generally use 100 mic

Agreed. This is the best size.

I tried a 10 micron once...that was not a good idea. 7 hours it lasted.

I think I am going to stick with the majority and use the 100 micron bags.
Thanks to everyone for their input.
Shane

i'm setting up a sump pretty soon and was wondering if i go 100 micron can't i just wash it out once or twice before replacing it, or does it get way too clogged even from the first use?

They really need to go thru a full cycle in the washing machine to get clean. Rinsing them just won't get them clean enough. You could run it through the wash quickly each week. My tank splashes too much when the sock is off so I would have to keep the circulation off while the sock was in the wash. They are under $3-10 each, and it is much easier to have a few socks to exchange when they get dirty. When a few are dirty, put them all in the wash together to safe on H2O and electricity.

When it becomes clogged (water flowing out the top rather than through the sock) you simply remove it and wash it. Handy to have an few extra but not a requirement. The bags last for years.

HI I don't use one but heard they work. How much media (carbon) does one put in them and do you tie it onto the pipe going into the sump or do you have it elsewere.

What other media's do other reefer use?

I don't think many reefers are putting anything such as carbon in their filter socks. It would get too dirty and loose its effectiveness quickly. You would be better to put it in a separate mesh bag in the sump where it would not get so dirty.

I perfer 50 micron, but each to their own.