Other options instead of filter socks?

[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.