Filter sock... Yes or no?

[Delphinus]

I'd go with a sock over a sponge, any day.

I'm sort of on the fence otherwise though. I've been using 4" socks after having used the larger ones for years. I was hoping the smaller ones would be easier to clean and thus I would do it more, but it hasn't really worked out that way.

My take on this is if you want to go with socks, make it so that it's ridiculously easy to replace them. What I wish I had done with my sump was rather than having the pipe exit into the sock, have the pipe enter a chamber with a tall dam/baffle and have the sock on a horizontal baffle so that water has to pass over the sock. Then when this part overflows (into the next chamber in the sump) then 1) you'd know it was time to take the sock out and clean it, and 2) no need to undo pipes to get the sock(s) in our out.

[Madmak]

I use 2 4" socks in a setup like Delphinus described and they work fine for me. I change them after they begin to overflow, but I don't rush to do it. They catch the big crud and are easy to launder once a month or so. I keep about 20 in rotation.

[The Guy]

Originally Posted by Madmak

I use 2 4" socks in a setup like Delphinus described and they work fine for me. I change them after they begin to overflow, but I don't rush to do it. They catch the big crud and are easy to launder once a month or so. I keep about 20 in rotation.

I use the 4" sock and find it keeps the DT pristine, yes it's a PITA to turn them inside out for washing but totally worth the effort in my opinion. I rotate 8- 200 micron. I tried not using them but could see the difference in the DT after only 1-2 days. Yes! I would say use them.

[Madmak]

Technically they should be the same but the felt socks wear out much faster. Not always a bad thing but they let more through with each wash. The mesh socks seem to stay pretty tight.

[paddyob]

Originally Posted by Madmak

Technically they should be the same but the felt socks wear out much faster. Not always a bad thing but they let more through with each wash. The mesh socks seem to stay pretty tight.

How are they priced comparatively? Buying 5-6 socks of felt seem pricey.

[chef]

Coincidental post. I am 3 days in of going sockless. With a new skimmer and ATO i thought it would be a great time to keep water levels consistent. First day was painful, but just like everything in this hobby, my patience has paid off. Water is getting clearer but I hope I don't **** off my sps. I have a simple open concept rubbermaid sump with no baffles or live rock etc. so it will be easy to clean. Time will tell but i'm excited about the reduction in maintenance i've achieved lately.

[madchild]

Where can you get mesh socks?

[The Guy]

Originally Posted by madchild

Where can you get mesh socks?

So who sells the mesh socks?

[Reef Pilot]

J&L sells both types. But when you are there, you should really ask them which ones do they think are better and why.

[Bblinks]

Originally Posted by clown lover

So who sells the mesh socks?

BRS