Cleaning filter socks

[Reef Pilot]

I use a 7" filter sock in my sump, and it can run a long time before it plugs up and I have to clean it . How often should they be cleaned before they become a nitrate factory?

[wickedfrags]

it will plug before it become a nitrate factory, rate at which it clogs depends on the micron size and how much it is removing from the tank (flow rate, feeding etc.)

once it starts overflowing, or perhaps before, put it in the washing machine, wash and rinse with warm water, no detergent or bleach required. cheers.

[ferret]

I replaced & cleaned the socks once a week no matter they were plugged or not. I flush them with warm water, rinse and soak them in a bucket of fresh water with bleach for overnight. Replace the water next day and hang them till dry. I won't dare to use the washing machine/dryer or else my wife is going to kill me.

[Bblinks]

2-3 days for me. I swear by them. I have 10 in rotation, pre-rinse then I soak them in a bucket with bleach after a week its goes into the washer machine and when it comes out they look brand new.

[gregzz4]

1 week here, give or take a day

Triple 4" felt setup ( same area as 1 x 7" )
I have 2 sets in rotation

Turn inside out, rinse, into washer on gentle and warm water with a cup of bleach
2nd wash water only
Turn right side out and wash 2 more times
Stand up on ring to dry

Maybe I use a lot of water, but they're clean

[gregzz4]

Update ...
I haven't been happy with the residual smell of chlorine, so I've stopped using bleach and my socks come out clean enough

Turn inside out, rinse very well under hi pressure in laundry tub, into washer on gentle and warm water for 2 cycles
Turn right side out and wash 2 more times
Stand up on ring to dry

I could probably get away with 1/2 the wash cycles, but our water is not yet metered

[Salt2Death]

6-7 days o dual 4" socks.

Rinse out, toss 6-8 at a time in the wash with vinegar mix. (Inside out)

14 in rotation- toss out 2 ever other month and replenish.....




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[Reef Pilot]

Thanks for all the replies. Looks like some variance in the times. But I notice most clean with bleach. Is that to kill the nitrate producing bacteria, or is that just what it takes to get them clean looking again?

I use the 7" 200 micron felt type sock. But I only have 2 now, thinking I can run 1 while cleaning the other. I am surprised how many everyone is using. Looks like I may have to buy more.

[gregzz4]

Cleaning with bleach makes them nice and white is all
Gives me the feeling that they are really clean
I'm sure just washing in freshwater will kill off anything live

You don't need to buy more than what you have, unless you plan on letting them soak while you use up enough to warrant a load of laundry

I just turn down the water level as low as it goes and blow off water conservancy

[Royal Aquariums]

I run a rotation of filters socks aswell, usually changing mine out every 3 days or so. Once I have a few dirty ones I throw them in the washing machine with some vinegar. Another nice option is the 300 Micron filter socks that won't clog up near as fast, only catching bigger particles.

http://www.royalaquariums.ca/p/511/v...ch-filter-sock