Lets see your filter sock mounting rigs

[gregzz4]

I'm torn as to how I want to mount a sock in my sump.
The more pictures the better please.

[mseepman]

Had the sump custom built. :)

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/mseepman/NewSump2.jpg?t=1282705539

[gregzz4]

Thanks Mark for your pic
I saw your build thread the other day. Yours is close to the style I wanted to build, except I'd have an overflow style. Trying to describe it, I'll say I'd want the pipes dropping into a tower that would then have to spill up into the socks. This way the socks are removable without touching the plumbing.
Unfortunately, I didn't plan well enough ahead and now don't have the room for it. I'd have to cut my baffles out, have the glass re cut and, well, I may still do that.

[lastlight]

I'd want the pipes dropping into a tower that would then have to spill up into the socks. This way the socks are removable without touching the plumbing.

This is exactly why I need acrylic! I'm doing exactly as you described and having the water flow over a raceway (after it goes down into the sealed tower/pocket and is forced up) that holds three or four 7" socks. The first would get dirty/full and the water would hit the second etc. I'm running a very fine sock and I can rinse it out 3+ times a day.

I have my drain really close to my return pump and the fine sock catches air bubbles as well keeping them from the pump.

[gregzz4]

My shortsightedness steered me towards wanting as much return area water as possible. I ended up with about 22g, not including the 10g Chaeto tank, which is enough to leave the pump running during a WC. Plus, I spaced the bubble trap with enough room for Jagers, so I cramped the skimmer area. Even though that is 9.5 x 17.25 and 16.75 tall, and is enough room for the 7" sock I bought (2 for washing), it's not enough room for a sock dam. Dam :cry:

[gregzz4]

This is exactly why I need acrylic! I'm doing exactly as you described and having the water flow over a raceway (after it goes down into the sealed tower/pocket and is forced up) that holds three or four 7" socks. The first would get dirty/full and the water would hit the second etc. I'm running a very fine sock and I can rinse it out 3+ times a day.

I have my drain really close to my return pump and the fine sock catches air bubbles as well keeping them from the pump.
Ya, I'd love to be able to do that, but then I'd lose my return volume. I only have a 50g to work with. I'm still toying with the idea of ripping the baffles out and starting over.

[dave_C]

Thanks Mark for your pic
I saw your build thread the other day. Yours is close to the style I wanted to build, except I'd have an overflow style. Trying to describe it, I'll say I'd want the pipes dropping into a tower that would then have to spill up into the socks. This way the socks are removable without touching the plumbing.
Unfortunately, I didn't plan well enough ahead and now don't have the room for it. I'd have to cut my baffles out, have the glass re cut and, well, I may still do that.

that's how we have been building our sumps for some time now
http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad223/conceptaquariums/IMG_0216.jpg

very easy to work with

thanks Dave

[gregzz4]

So the black pipe is the drain, and the white an emergency? That's pretty much what I would like to do.
Thanks so much for the pic Dave

[gregzz4]

I'd have to step up from a 50 to a 75 in order to do it nicely and still keep my other plans.
Hmm ...........

[gregzz4]

While eating McPukes just now, I had an epiphany.
Where's the harm in having the filter socks after the bubble trap? I know it's not ideal for skimming, but is better than no sock at all.
Thanks again Dave, it was your picture floating in my mind that put it together. Seeing the inlet on the left instead of the back made a world of difference.
Now, instead of one 7" sock, I have room for 3 x 4" socks.
This has really made my day :mrgreen:
Can't wait to show everyone when it's done.

[mseepman]

Would love to see some pics.

I plan on leaving the pipes above the socks so that I won't have to move anything either...I can't see why that won't work.

[Myka]

I don't like the socks with rings on them because I find they get worn out around the ring. Mine isn't mounted or tied. It just sits in there propped up in the corner. My socks are 8" and they stand up better than the smaller socks. They are also easier to turn inside out.

[mseepman]

I don't like the socks with rings on them because I find they get worn out around the ring. Mine isn't mounted or tied. It just sits in there propped up in the corner.

You know it's funny you say that Mindy. I have 5 socks in rotation right now. All are 4" and all have the ring. They go 3-4 days before I replace them. When I take them out, I soak them in a very light bleach/water mixture for 5-10 days while I put the other socks through their paces and then I wash the bunch out in the machine with vinegar.

I've had the same 5 socks going for 5 years and they still look new...no wear or tear. I thought the bleach would kill them, but I can't seem to.:lol:

[cale262]

Mine, as built by Dave...

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg293/cale262/Aquaruims/Niner-Niner/IMG_0282.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg293/cale262/Aquaruims/Niner-Niner/IMG_0284.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg293/cale262/Aquaruims/Niner-Niner/IMG_0304.jpg

[gregzz4]

Would love to see some pics.

I plan on leaving the pipes above the socks so that I won't have to move anything either...I can't see why that won't work.
The only thing about your idea would be noise with the possibility of water splashing into your sump. I've heard you can help that by putting 2 90s in place just before the end.
I had thought about using Unions to make sock replacement easier, and that way the main drain is under water for less noise.
So look at Dave's picture again. Now imagine the socks after the trap, instead of before the skimmer. I still have TONS of room in my return pump area next to my Chaeto tank.

Mindy, I guess there are different quality ringed socks out there.

Boy I hope this plan works out

[gregzz4]

Mine, as built by Dave...
That's another nice layout
Thanks

[dave_C]

The only thing about your idea would be noise with the possibility of water splashing into your sump. I've heard you can help that by putting 2 90s in place just before the end.
I had thought about using Unions to make sock replacement easier, and that way the main drain is under water for less noise.
So look at Dave's picture again. Now imagine the socks after the trap, instead of before the skimmer. I still have TONS of room in my return pump area next to my Chaeto tank.

Mindy, I guess there are different quality ringed socks out there.

Boy I hope this plan works out


here is two more options of you :wink:
http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad223/conceptaquariums/IMG_0099-1.jpg

this is the new design we have been using, it incorporates a stand pipe to control water level in the skimmer chamber
http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad223/conceptaquariums/IMG_0204.jpg

[gregzz4]

Thank you !

[mark]

keeping it simple (the string)

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h316/das75/sock-1.jpg

[lastlight]

http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad223/conceptaquariums/IMG_0216.jpg

very easy to work with

Easy to work with? You must clean those 2 particular socks often then Dave. How often? :wink:

[gregzz4]

keeping it simple (the string)
Ha, thanks Mark :smile:

[dave_C]

Easy to work with? You must clean those 2 particular socks often then Dave. How often? :wink:

i said easy! never did i say i've cleaned them:redface:

for the record zero cleanings:wink:

[gregzz4]

Ewwww, Nitrates

[WindowMaker]

Some great ideas in here. Ive got some plans for a 55long that I may have to make come to life...

[The Grizz]

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg293/cale262/Aquaruims/Niner-Niner/IMG_0304.jpg

you do realize cale262 that you are running your pellets wrong, the outlet from you reactor should be directed as close as possible to your skimmer as possible.

[cale262]

you do realize cale262 that you are running your pellets wrong, the outlet from you reactor should be directed as close as possible to your skimmer as possible.


The pellets never ran as pictured for more than an hour or two. This picture was taken Just after the sump swap and shortly after the tlf reactor and pellets were move to another tank. You may have also noticed that the water level is very high and not at running height...the return pump is off, the skimmer is not skimming, the calcium reactor is not there...etc.

Why did I post this picture again....oh yeah, to show where the overflow lines ran in relation to the socks.

[The Grizz]

Ok just checking, I think that's way some people have problems running the pellets.

[lastlight]

Big Ugly. Freehand cuts with a skill saw and 7" openings down with a few hundred tiny drilled holes :lol:

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/404/bigugly.jpg

[gregzz4]

Nice job. I'd like to see it again when it's running.
Hopefully I'll get mine done Sunday.
I grabbed the Plex Fri and have been itchin' to get at it.

[lastlight]

I've never worked with acrylic before but I used the weld-on 16 and it was simple to work with out of a tube.

[tim the toolman]

Just some old plexi cut with table saw and a jig saw. Effective and easy to change socks.
8801

[gregzz4]

Tim, your's is the first design I was toying with

[tim the toolman]

Yeah it was quick and easy to make and it removes from the sump in seconds. Also I got the plexi for free so that helped my decision lol.

[gregzz4]

I don't know if you've read this entire thread, but I hope to get mine built today. It'll be a similar concept as Brett's. I got the idea from some pictures and I think Brett already had his plan on the go.

[tim the toolman]

Best of luck with the build. Pls post some pics when it's done, would like to see the finished product.

[gregzz4]

Thanks, I definately will

[Parker]

that's how we have been building our sumps for some time now
http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad223/conceptaquariums/IMG_0216.jpg

very easy to work with

thanks Dave

Is there much noise from the water flowing over and the down through the socks?

[lastlight]

Mine's certainly louder than before when I had a pipe extend all the way into the sock and underwater. I laid a strip of acrylic over the first sock so the water rushes across it and falls over each side as well which made it quieter. Once the first sock is full the setup gets quieter but the old setup was dead silent until it overflowed (then was very loud).

I'm not too concerned about the noise aspect mind you. When I shut the door it all goes away.

[Parker]

Damn, my tank is already bordering on obnoxious. Id hate to make I louder, but I really like the way it's set up. I don't want to undo plumbing every time I need to change a sock.

[gregzz4]

I don't want to undo plumbing every time I need to change a sock.
And that's why I'm building it this way.
I tried sooo hard to get mine done today. Had a late start, and then all the interruptions ... it's very, very close.
I see no reason why I won't be posting pics of it tomorrow.
Don't get too excited though, it's nothing special. But I am quite pleased with how it's turning out :mrgreen:

[dave_C]

Is there much noise from the water flowing over and the down through the socks?

it was not too bad

but this design should fix the noise issue
http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad223/conceptaquariums/nate60x18.jpg

just by raising the baffle in the filter sock chamber higher will bring the water level up, this should prevent water from splashing

thank

[Parker]

it was not too bad

but this design should fix the noise issue
http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad223/conceptaquariums/nate60x18.jpg

just by raising the baffle in the filter sock chamber higher will bring the water level up, this should prevent water from splashing

thank

Sorry to keep asking questions,


Would you not have to run the skimmer chamber fairly full as well to stop the noise of the water falling into that chamber, or is that fairly quiet?

[The Codfather]

Hey Robb,
I also have a sump made by Dave, here is a pic of what it looks like. It works very nice, I'll snap a few pics tonight, your welcome to stop by and have a look if you want, but the setup is quiet. The only change was the filter sock tray was lowered, so there was a lip to catch the water. I did mod mine a bit, I added a few peices of acrylic to hold the sock down firmly, so all the water would pass through the socks.
Its a great design, and Dave did a very nice job putting it together.

http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt252/codfather_2009/sump.png

http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt252/codfather_2009/sump2.png

[Parker]

Hey Robb,
I also have a sump made by Dave, here is a pic of what it looks like. It works very nice, I'll snap a few pics tonight, your welcome to stop by and have a look if you want, but the setup is quiet. The only change was the filter sock tray was lowered, so there was a lip to catch the water. I did mod mine a bit, I added a few peices of acrylic to hold the sock down firmly, so all the water would pass through the socks.
Its a great design, and Dave did a very nice job putting it together.


This is perfect timing, I was trying to incorporate filter socks into my sump in a nice way. I built it out of a standard 75 gallon and used acrylic baffles in it, well due to the amount of flow I have running throught the sump the baffles haven't held up, all but one of them have come loose. Last night I was playing with my return pluming to add filter socks and my bulk heads started to leak like crazy and I can't get to them at the moment. I got annoyed an figured I would tear all my drains and sump apart and rebuild the entire thing correctly.

The bad part being, my sump doens't come out of the stand, so I have to rebuild it under the tank, I sense back-pain in my future!

I was thinking of pinging Dave to see if he was interested in building me the parts and ship them up and I could install them, hint, hint, nudge nudge..lol

Probably wasn't the best idea to pull my sump apart without a plan in place first, but I had to shut it down due the leaking bulkheads anyway. Heaters hanging in the tank, no skimmer, no reactors... lol

[dave_C]

Sorry to keep asking questions,


Would you not have to run the skimmer chamber fairly full as well to stop the noise of the water falling into that chamber, or is that fairly quiet?

no it shouldn't have too, that's a lot of surface area there. the surface tension should keep the water from gushing over the baffle or add a slight angle to the baffle will help too

thanks

[gregzz4]

Finally got mine finished. Can't test it yet as there's no DT or plumbing. It hangs from the bubble trap and is removable. Sump pics will be updated in my build thread once everything is ready.
I was able to cut the circles with my jigsaw. If you try this, don't remove the backing as it keeps the cuttings from being drawn into the cut and gumming it up.

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx136/Gregzz4/75%20Gallon%20Build/SockTray.jpg

[RuGlu6]

Here is the $10 one +shipping
http://www.reefshops.com/images/detailed/product_detailed_image_547_1087.jpg
.
http://www.reefshops.com/two-replacement-pre-filter-sock-and-mount-for-prefilter-for-aquarium-tank.html

[phi delt reefer]

my only concern is wouldnt dietrus and other crap accumlate in that first chamber the overflow flows into? (in reference to CA's drawing and codfathers sump)

[Mrfish55]

my only concern is wouldnt dietrus and other crap accumlate in that first chamber the overflow flows into? (in reference to CA's drawing and codfathers sump)

I did a similar setup for someone about 5 years ago and that chamber stays clean as it is small in area with high flow so nothing has a chance to settle.

[apexifd]

Finally got mine finished. Can't test it yet as there's no DT or plumbing. It hangs from the bubble trap and is removable. Sump pics will be updated in my build thread once everything is ready.
I was able to cut the circles with my jigsaw. If you try this, don't remove the backing as it keeps the cuttings from being drawn into the cut and gumming it up.

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx136/Gregzz4/75%20Gallon%20Build/SockTray.jpg

that's awesome job with jig saw.

[lastlight]

Yeah can't get over how clean those holes look nicely done!

[gregzz4]

that's awesome job with jig saw.

Yeah can't get over how clean those holes look nicely done!

Thank you guys :biggrin:

[Paverdude]

try these
http://cdn.trendhunterstatic.com/phpthumbnails/52/52868/52868_2_600.jpeg

[gregzz4]

try these
Hey, the post reads " Let's see your filter socks", not "Lets see 'er fill 'er socks"
Thanks for the pic :mrgreen:

[parkinsn]

this is the new design we have been using, it incorporates a stand pipe to control water level in the skimmer chamber
http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad223/conceptaquariums/IMG_0204.jpg

Dave I like where your head is at on this design. If you see this I'm going to pop by after work and chat with you on that sump I sent you.

[gregzz4]

Hey guys, even though I built my sock hanger, you could still post pics of yours
Lets keep this thread alive for others

[gregzz4]

The design below has changed. Stay tuned for a new pic

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx136/Gregzz4/75%20Gallon%20Build/SockTray.jpg

[gregzz4]

So here's my new design. Flow goes through the socks and over the heaters while being a bubble trap at the same time.

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx136/Gregzz4/75%20Gallon%20Build/DSC00899.jpg