Filter socks while on vacation?

[rsisvixen]

Can always get the new Theiling Roller Mat, self replacing filter sock, it will replace itself automatically while you are away

[Reefer Rob]

I always take them out when I go on vacation. The less to go wrong when you're away the better.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Yes, I would recommend taking them out before going on vacation too.

[kien]

I never liked asking my tank sitter(s) to care for the socks so I always took them out. I never liked seeing them overflow so can't imagine the extra stress that would put on my tank sitter if they saw that (even if I told them to ignore it). This was three years ago and I haven't put them back on yet.

[GoFish]

Sorry shoulda mentioned the socks I use are felt and the tank is a custom designed all-in-one (Theiling roller mat won't fit). I've tried the mesh socks but they last 2 days max, or less if I clean the glass. Anyone need any mesh socks? I have 2 used used once each you can have them for free

The issue with just leaving the sock in is that when it overflows over the emergency it causes the ATO to fill a big void in the return section and ends up overfilling the back chamber, salinity drops a from 1.026 to 1.024, ATO alarm goes off and that's all I know, this is when I take the sock out put a new one in and have to wait a couple days for the water level to go back down so I can turn the ATO back on...

I could remove the sock pretend to go on vacation, see what happens... Maybe throw some filter floss down the hole to catch the bigger debris. My biggest concern with going sock-less is how the tank was designed. The filter sock section is separated from the skimmer section with a wall, that wall has a hole in it, which leads directly into the skimmer intake. With no sock, either the crap falls to the bottom of the sock section OR it makes a roger and goes right into a filter on my skimmer intake, 2 1/2 weeks of this would most likely completely clog the skimmer intake. I'll try and find a picture if that doesn't make sense...

[iamfrontosa]

i usually snipped of a tiny piece around the plastic holder to let the water flow through faster and won't cause overflow.

[mark]

I'd always remove mine. Wouldn't have been a big deal to leave though as when they plugged up, water would just overflow into the sump.

[GoFish]

Originally Posted by iamfrontosa

i usually snipped of a tiny piece around the plastic holder to let the water flow through faster and won't cause overflow.

This suggestion it gave me an idea, Thank you
And to the other input as well, it all helps! When i first made the post i was open to doing either, but came to conclusion i was 98% sure that removing the sock entirely would let too much junk flow into the skimmer intake (pics to follow about what i mean)

Instead of snipping a piece of the plastic i was thinking about drilling smaller holes in order to keep un-eaten pellets out of the rear chamber. Seeing as how i have a 1" return would need to snip or drill about 1 cubic inch worth of the plastic trim out

Here's the sock with emergency cut-out (that I didn't wanna rely on due to salinity issue mentioned earlier)...

Top down view, the wall in between has a 4" hole cut directly in the center of the skimmer screen/intake...

Skimmer screen (tulle, clamato bottle top) Oh look a snail, not so fast

Stuff needed (needle, thread, razor or scissors, and the blue plastic screen used for crafts can't remember the name)

Line up 1" squares and cut felt out with razor

Line up squres with holes and sew. tadda


So i dont know if this will work as its supposed to yet, but i dont see why not. I'll do a water change tomorrow and basic maintenance as i would before leaving and then not touch the tank (gonna be hard). Carbon dosing is staying on, fingers crossed

Phos: 0.00 (salifert)
Nitrate 0 (api) I know, API...but its all i have and never worry about nitrate anyway

Will update this in a few weeks