Cleaning filter socks

[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

[Seriak]

I change mine every 7 days or earlier if they start to overflow. I can tell as my skimmer starts going nuts. I don't bother turning them inside out as I didn't really see them getting any cleaner when I did. I have about 10 that I cycle in and out and do 1 load of laundry every couple of months. No bleach or detergent.

I also have a quick look in the sock to make sure I didn't lose any starfish, snails, etc

[asylumdown]

I must be doing something wrong. I get less than 24 hours out of mine before they're overflowing, and there isn't even any fish in my tank at the moment.

I noticed I started getting way less time out of them when I switched from a herbie to a durso, has anyone else noticed bubbles in their overflow water making the filter socks clog up faster? I've got 7 socks, so I'm doing a dedicated filter sock load once a week.

[gregzz4]

Adam, when I was using mesh ( Poly ) socks, I was lucky to only use 2 sets per DAY
Same as you - they would overflow very quickly

Since I've switched to felt I've had no issues, and I have to remember to change them weekly as they seem to last forever now

[asylumdown]

What brand/micron size are you using? My sump was built for square filter socks, and I've been having a hard time finding any for order online. I would happily switch if it meant I could get a couple of days out of them.

[gregzz4]

You'll have to change your hanger if you buy the ones I use
They are round and have a plastic mounting ring

Aqueon 200 Micron sock

These Vertex ones plugged up more than once a day, even though they are 300 Micron vs the 200 I use now