Other options instead of filter socks?

FishyFishy! · #1 01-04-2011, 04:49 PM

This is my first time using filter socks on my 187, and i'm already getting sick of changing them every 2 days, washing, hanging dry etc etc etc etc... What other setups could I use instead of the filter sock?

reefwars · #2 01-04-2011, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishyFishy!

This is my first time using filter socks on my 187, and i'm already getting sick of changing them every 2 days, washing, hanging dry etc etc etc etc... What other setups could I use instead of the filter sock?

Laugh if you like but another reefer got me onto panty hose buy them at the dollar store no washing I just toss them away lol I also use it when syphoning out cyano

sphelps · #3 01-04-2011, 04:55 PM

You can purchase filter floss which is just polyester fiber sheets which you can get cheap from Walmart in the craft department (used for pillow/quilt stuffing). You just need a piece of eggcrate to hold the fiber perpendicular to the water flow direction in your sump. Typically you install the eggcrate horizontally in a baffled section. The floss is cheap enough to be simply tossed when it becomes spoiled and it's much less maintenance than filter socks. It's not quite as thorough as the sock but it's usually all people need.

FishyFishy! · #4 01-04-2011, 05:10 PM

Yeah thats what I thought. I'll be switching over to a custom made media rack with the good old floss then. I can't stand the upkeep of the filter socks.

christyf5 · #5 01-04-2011, 05:20 PM

you could just get a filter sock with a larger pore size, personally I hate the filter floss

Aquattro · #6 01-04-2011, 05:22 PM

The problem I find with floss is that trying to remove it without dumping it's contents back into the tank is tough. I suppose if the rack was removeable and you didn't have to move the floss much to remove it would be better. I've actually stopped using anything, since I think that impacts plankton growth.

FishyFishy! · #7 01-04-2011, 05:26 PM

I was thinking of something with a couple removable drawers so that changing them would be super easy. I think thats the way I'll go. Either that or get a larger pore sock, but I'm sure that dosen't cut the maintenance down that much.

reefwars · #8 01-04-2011, 05:42 PM

IT'S not a cheap solution but you could always buy 8 socks and wash them once a week with the 8th being used on wash day

globaldesigns · #9 01-04-2011, 05:44 PM

I have personally gone from using socks, to not... And I have to say that with the socks, water quality is just much better. They are a pain, but they do a job, and a good job they do!

Also sent you a PM, let me know.

wickedfrags · #10 01-04-2011, 06:04 PM

Exactly. I used 4 at a time, so I had 12+ in circulation. Then just throw 8 in the washing machine at the same time. No drying required.

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefwars

IT'S not a cheap solution but you could always buy 8 socks and wash them once a week with the 8th being used on wash day