New set up, need advice

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by EquiReef

You found it easier to clean the sponge rather than the filter sock? Did you find the sponge still collected enough? The filter socks I have seen are very very fine, I would imagine much finer than any sponge.

Yeah, they both collected about the same, although the sponge does not last quite as long as the filter socks did. I had the large 7" X 16" filter socks, so a lot of capacity. Many use the smaller 4" socks, which would plug up really fast in my system (230g). The sponge is 2" X 3" wide X 14" long. My baffles are actually deeper so could accommodate quite a bit larger sponge. So if/when I buy a new one, I would get a bigger one.

With filter socks, you have to put them in bleach for a couple days, then turn them inside out to scrub them clean, and then back in the water with a dechlorizer solution for another day, and then dry. Some do them in the washing machine, but I know my wife would not allow that... Was a real PITA for me.

Sponge is so quick and easy, with just some squeezing and rinsing in the sink. The gunk comes out real fast, and then pop it back into your sump.