Filter sock issues

[AHBrit]

so whats your monthly budget for disposable supplies?

[Mr.Reef]

I change them when ever the bags turn completly brown. My sump carries two diatom bags, so I change them about two to three times a month.

[R3]

Cool, Mr. Reef what does a diatom bag look like and are they a little cheaper than the regular filter socks? Later Ryan

[Mr.Reef]

I get my diatom bags for six dollars a piece

[R3]

Okay so about the same price. Just wondering thanks for the info. Later Ryan

[Mr.Reef]

Here are how the diatom bags look.

[R3]

Yep exact same one i have. If your interested in washing them it does work. Bleach, I guess no soap. Extra rinse. Wash out again for good measure and let air dry. Nice setup by the way very very clean. Looks great. Later Ryan

[Mr.Reef]

Thanks, what if I just wash them without bleach just rinse cycle, would that be fine? I wouldnt want any harmful chemicals leaking into my tank. It just doesnt seem worth the risk , of using bleach, IMO.

[R3]

I dont know if that would get the funk out? I havent heard of anyone having problems with this. Heres a couple of real expireinced folks talking about it. You shouldnt have a problem if they are rinsed well, "smell test" and air dryed. Later Ryan

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/sh...t=filter+socks

[NeilsReef]

Originally Posted by Mr.Reef

Thanks, what if I just wash them without bleach just rinse cycle, would that be fine? I wouldnt want any harmful chemicals leaking into my tank. It just doesnt seem worth the risk , of using bleach, IMO.

I have been using filter socks that have been cleaned in my clothes washer, with bleach with out any ill effects what so ever.

I do check the inside of my washer prior to using it, making sure I don't have any surprises. I also put my machine on an extra rinse cycle, just like a lot of other people.

When I first started washing my filter socks I use to take them out of the washer (after the filters were cleaned) and soak the socks inside a 5 gallon bucket of water to leach out anything that may have been left. Sometimes when I was over cautious (when I first started) I would even change out the water in the 5 gallon bucket a couple times.

Hope this helps.

[Krux]

if the bleach scares you, you can soak it in a bucket with plenty of amquel, which neutralizes the bleach.

[DennisW]

I just wash mine with a regular, hot water, wash cycle. No bleach. They come out very clean everytime. No problems in the past 6 years doing it that way.

Dennis

[izzypop]

I have used bleach and tried without. I currently don't use bleach since we got a really good washing machine now that pretty much works without bleach on the socks. Only thing I did once that was a mistake was throw one in with a towel and that is a bad idea. You get little fuzz balls all over it.

I recently just added a new sock and didn't wash it first and my skimmer went a little nuts but nothing crazy. Passed in a day.

[Mr.Reef]

Thanks for the info everyone

[AHBrit]

i'm still finding it hard to believe you only change out the sock every couple of weeks. i would love to see a pic of the inside of the sock when you change. i can't go past 3 days.....the water stops flowing easily and starts climbing the bag