filter socks...yes/no and where?

[giants4pc]

You guys using them? I'm using them on my drain lines into the sump but didn't realize they would need to be cleaned/changed every few days. I keep up with husbandry and enjoy it, but it seems like quite a PITA to do so as frequently as I've been reading. Not to mention that it's way too expensive to not clean them. What are you doing?

[Casey]

Dont use them

[APFish]

I don't use them. I have asked this question about a year ago and people do use them but it seems that many use them only in certain times. Many used them when they cleaned their rocks off. I would place the sock on the sump return just before it enters the sump.

Rob

[Mike O'Brien]

I'd rather let that stuff be collected in the skimmer. What it doesn't get is good coral food, real marine snow.

[gwaco]

use them and wouldn't run (my) tank with-out . i use one on the tank to sump return and one on the skimmer drain . the key is , if you are going to use them you must keep them clean ! I change mine out every other day . i have 10 or so socks , and just put them on a rotation . once again you must change them frequently !

[Leonardo's Reef]

I use them also. When there is too much detrius flying around (waterchange, Aquascaping, cleaning back wall) I use them for a couple of hours.
I think I'm going to use them more often, because detrius collects in the sump, and I'm too lazy to clean it up every other day.
I don't use them at night, because the corals feed at that time. I clean them every time I used them.

btw, use the 200 Micron, not smaller. The particles that are food for corals (50-150 micron) can go through the bag that way

Leonardo

[giants4pc]

Anyone making their own with felt from walmart or another similar store?

[Leonardo's Reef]

Hmm I don't know... Why not buy a few and wash them?

But What Casey said; I suggest you not to use them constantly. The skimmer has to do the work... (some also say the Micron-bag slows down the skimmer)

Leonardo

[Twitterbait]

only when sucking out the crap from the bottom of the tank and then right back out.

[giants4pc]

Interesting...everyone has their own way. I just bought some material. I know how crazy my wife would be about putting anything from the tank in the washing machine.

[Fly Guy]

Originally Posted by giants4pc

Interesting...everyone has their own way. I just bought some material. I know how crazy my wife would be about putting anything from the tank in the washing machine.

i DONT use them but i will offer you a tip from when i usesd to.......ESPECIALLY since you are making your own.


Install a plastic zipper in them. That way you can rinse them out good as new very quickly and NOT have to avoid the wife on the way to the washing machine ; )

[REEF-DADDY]

I use 100 micron changed daily. 100 micron will not trap any sps food, but get out alot of particles. Especially in newer low nutrient tanks the rocks will shed alot unless you've really cooked them. I also save fish and snails that go over the overflow.

[Viv]

I use them also. Mine is placed after the overflow so it can catch larger particles of whatever before being sucked into the skimmer. I have found snails in there but mostly the sock is just dirty with a tan color, I change mine out daily, alot of people do weekly changes, I like em