New set up, need advice

[EquiReef]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

Sponge is so quick and easy, with just some squeezing and rinsing in the sink. The gunk comes out real fast, and then pop it back into your sump.

I was totally with you on the sponge as the bleaching process does not seem enjoyable or quick at all. But then you mentioned using the washing machine and it caught my interest. Can they just be thrown in with bleach and then used right away? Or is there a whole process still? I have no issues using my machine for this, cant be any worse than washing the horse blankets in there lol.

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by EquiReef

I was totally with you on the sponge as the bleaching process does not seem enjoyable or quick at all. But then you mentioned using the washing machine and it caught my interest. Can they just be thrown in with bleach and then used right away? Or is there a whole process still? I have no issues using my machine for this, cant be any worse than washing the horse blankets in there lol.

Have not used the washing machine myself, but a lot of people do. Just add a little bleach with the wash cycle. I would probably turn them inside out, too, so all the crud gets washed out. I think this is probably a way better than manual washing them like I did.

You still need to let them dry, to air out any bleach, and perhaps use a dechlorizer soak as well. That's why you want a bunch of them, so you can clean several at a time.

And if you do go filter socks, use the large 7" inch ones, as they last a lot longer.

[harlequin01]

my skimmer would go crazy after putting new filter socks washed in bleach. now i rinsed the socks in clean ro water and that usually do the trick

[EquiReef]

Originally Posted by harlequin01

my skimmer would go crazy after putting new filter socks washed in bleach. now i rinsed the socks in clean ro water and that usually do the trick

How often do you clean your filter socks? Have you ever used a sponge and if you have, how did they compare?