Anyone ever had this filter sock situation?

[Eric19]

Hi reefers,

I run a Red Sea reefer 450 which has two filter socks built into the sump. For years I had to rinse them about once a week. Then a couple months ago they just stopped collecting anything. I haven’t changed them now in months and they remain clean. As if they’re completely brand new every day, water just flows right through them. I see these little bugs all over the socks now and I hadn’t before (pic attached). Is it possible they’re eating the detritus that gets caught in the socks? There is definitely flow going through the socks and the socks aren’t damaged at all, there’s also some mild-moderate algae issues in the display so it’s not like there isn’t anything to be captured by the sock. So strange...wondering if anyone else has had this happen? Thanks! Eric

 

[Webslinger]

You need to use a lower micron sock like 300 or 100. The holes in your sock is to big to catch detritus.

 

[Eric19]

You need to use a lower micron sock like 300 or 100. The holes in your sock is to big to catch detritus.

Thanks but these are actually the Red Sea Mesh 225 micron socks, they worked great for years then suddenly just stopped. The picture is a little blurry but those brown spots are actually little bugs and not holes

 

[Eric19]

Maybe this

is a better photo of the little guys crawling around and the set up of the socks

 

[Webslinger]

I wouldn't run socks for a while then. I only run them for a few days every month (100m). Get a wrasse or mandarin, they will be happy.

 

[TriggerFinger]

The bugs look like pods and they do eat detritus and left over food bits. As far as why the sock filtering capabilities have changed, I’m not sure. Do you notice detritus in your sump now?

 

[Webslinger]

Yeah, it gets vacuumed a couple time a year

 

[TriggerFinger]

Sorry @Webslinger :) I meant to reply to @Eric19

 

[vetteguy53081]

with mesh. . . . I do and I simple reverse the pods back into a cup and reintroduce back into tank.

 

[Auquanut]

Looks like your pod population has exploded. I'm sure the fish are enjoying that. Any recent changes that might help explain the increase in pods and decrease in detritus?