Other options instead of filter socks?

[Chin_Lee]

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

[fishytime]

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?

[wingedfish]

+1
nothing for me

[bryceschutte]

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.

[Dez]

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.

[paddyob]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

The problem I find with floss is that trying to remove it without dumping it's contents back into the tank is tough. I suppose if the rack was removeable and you didn't have to move the floss much to remove it would be better. I've actually stopped using anything, since I think that impacts plankton growth.

wondering.... plankton growth?

[Lampshade]

+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.

[imcosmokramer]

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

[Twinn]

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

[AquaticFinatic]

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!