Simple filter socks

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

That's a good question and maybe @Randy Holmes-Farley would know more than I do.

What question?

 

[heathd.hd]

About the material if it's safe?

 

[Purpule Tang]

Hi,Randy.
I will use white wool felt for filter socks this have a harmful material?
Thanks

 

[jess1111]

very interesting indeed! what innovative idea you've been so kind to demonstrate and share. If you do not mind my asking, what type of filter medias do you use to fill the 'sock' post its creation?

 

[heathd.hd]

Honestly I'm not really trying to take any credit for the idea of making socks at home there's alot of posts on making them and many ways. I just wanted to show how they work with my tank. I don't run any media in the sock currently. I do run carbon in a nylon bag in my sump though.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Hi,Randy.
I will use white wool felt for filter socks this have a harmful material?
Thanks

As long as it isn't treated with something, felted wool is OK. Wool is a protein, so even if bits and pieces get loose, it isn't going to hurt anything.

But as noted earlier int eh thread, you don't want a treated felt, such as kinds that are waterproof or antimildew.

 

[tyler1503]

What is everyone's thoughts on this stuff....

It states "100% cotton" and "natural". The lady in the fabric store couldn't give me any more info though.
It also says "no resin, spray, glue or bonding" but the lady was reluctant to say it didn't have any additives or chemicals though.

 

[phillrodrigo]

Maybe I can get my grandmother to sew me a few. I've just started using them. My first few were given to me. The amount of crap they pull is worth it.

 

[heathd.hd]

Anyone can sow these tings guys. Super easy and there's all kinds of ways to use them. I only run one on weekends or when I'm moving stuff around. But there a must have. And 18 of them for 8 bucks is worth making them and throwing them away.

 

[heathd.hd]

tyler1503 that looks safe 2 me.

 

[tyler1503]

It's looks ok to be me too, but I was a bit unsure. Thanks!

 

[prsnlty]

What is everyone's thoughts on this stuff....

It states "100% cotton" and "natural". The lady in the fabric store couldn't give me any more info though.
It also says "no resin, spray, glue or bonding" but the lady was reluctant to say it didn't have any additives or chemicals though.

I know a lot about fabric. All fabric - ALL, have sizing on it. You must prewash it. It can be prewash in plain water. No soap! But the sizing (starch) needs to be rinsed out for our use...

 

[rayn]

Nice! New build utilizes socks, first ever. I have a sewing machine coming too actually, so thanks for sharing this!

 

[prsnlty]

This is a great share Heath!

For you who want a more porus sock you can use unbleached muslin. It's super cheap and will hold up for several washing but cheap enough to just throw away. About .50 per large sock.

 

[heathd.hd]

Ty for your fabric knowledge Jackie. I just took someone else's idea and tweaked it a bit and made a video. Made my girl feel involved also. I just like the idea of not washing and throwing them away! So cheap.

 

[prsnlty]

You're welcome I agree. I made 12 from felt and do wash them but they cost me $7 and I've been using them well over a year. Got my money's worth for sure. But I plan to go to muslin because it'll catch large particles while letting micro particles pass through keeping the good stuff in the water column.

 

[heathd.hd]

I'm thinking I may try that also.

 

[prsnlty]

They will be pretty flimsy but if you make a dowel pocket you can use a small dowel to hold it in place the way your opening is set up by the drain pipe

 

[tyler1503]

I know a lot about fabric. All fabric - ALL, have sizing on it. You must prewash it. It can be prewash in plain water. No soap! But the sizing (starch) needs to be rinsed out for our use...

Thanks for the tip! I'll wash it in the washing machine without detergent before I use it. Maybe a splash of bleach so it looks nice and white too

Nice! New build utilizes socks, first ever. I have a sewing machine coming too actually, so thanks for sharing this!

I'm in the same situation. Am yet to try them but as the new build comes together I'll be using this method. "Messy" eaters will hopefully benefit from the added filtration!

 

[heathd.hd]

I run a sock Friday - sunday the other days I don't. Unless I mess around in the tank and stir crap up. Than I throw it in.