To Filter with your Socks or not?

[lastlight]

I believe removing the detritus daily is beneficial and minimizes what breaks down in the tank. Lucky for me (or very unlucky lol) I run THREE 100 micron socks and all three require daily cleaning as they plug in less than 24 hours!

[Myka]

I use 200 micron. I would prefer 50 micron, but I can't find them for a decent price. I have 10 socks that I changed everyday. When I've used 8 I flip them inside out and wash in the machine. I don't add anything to the machine (no soap, bleach, baking soda). Since I change them everyday they don't get so dirty that I need to pre-rinse by hand. Pre-rinsing sucks.

[lastlight]

Mine become so thoroughly clogged that when I pick them up they are no longer allowing ANY water through. I have to rub the sock against itself and let it slowly trickle out to the point where I can pinch the top and squeeze the sock empty. It's routine and I think it's worth the hassle so I do it.

I wash by hand and do suspect I'm not able to get them as clean as the washer could. I might start doing them in there once a month or something. I worry about all the soap residues in the machine though.

[bignose]

I only use one when I do a big tank clean and remove when done. I find my skimmer goes crazy when I put a filter sock in my tank.

[dreef]

Yeah same as me,i would just shut the skimmer down till the next day.Then i tried mesh,never ever using felt again.Too easy to clean even by hand,don't even look at it for a week.

[tim the toolman]

I run 2 x 7" socks and have to change them about every 4-5 days. I bought 10 socks so I only run a laundry load about once every couple weeks or more. Just use bleach and do a double rinse. Never had an issue as bleach will flash off quite quickly even under household lighting. I like to turn them inside out before cleaning because I can usually shake out a couple dozen pods which I throw back into the system as a nice treat.

[lastlight]

Ok I bought myself some clorox for my socks!

I'm going to run 100-100-300 (or whatever my others happen to be) and clean the 100 that's not in use and cycle them this way.

Can someone please tell me what strength to mix the soaking solution at? And can the mix be re-used like vinegar for soaking powerheads?

[phi delt reefer]

I use a capful of bleach in a litre of water. Soak for 24 to 48 hrs. Then hot water rinse throughly.

[Reefer Rob]

I'm addicted to filter socks, I can't seem to stop. Easier not to use them, but love the look of crystal clear water. 200 micron felt, tried the mesh, but I'm not sure they remove enough.

[lastlight]

Originally Posted by Reefer Rob

I'm addicted to filter socks, I can't seem to stop. Easier not to use them, but love the look of crystal clear water. 200 micron felt, tried the mesh, but I'm not sure they remove enough.

The mesh Vertex 100 micron I use are crazy fine. CAn't see those pores almost without a magnifier. I find hand-washing mesh way easier than felt.