Cleaning filter socks

[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

[Reef Pilot]

Well, I just did my first cleaning using bleach. After pre-rinsing, I let it soak in a pail with bleach added for a day, and then thoroughly rinsed it again before letting it sit in fresh water for another day.

I removed it from the fresh water, and rinsed it again. But to my surprise, I can still detect a faint odor of bleach on the filter bag. I haven't dried it yet, so maybe that is still necessary.

But I assume bleach is very bad for my tank. How much is allowable? Is rinsing and soaking in fresh water for a couple days enough?

I haven't gone the clothes washer route yet, but might try that in the future, if I buy some extras.

I am using the CPR 7" 200 micron socks with the plastic handles. They are very thick and stiff, and was not able to turn them inside out for easier rinsing.