DIY Filter Socks

8pixel

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A few people have asked me how I make my filter socks so I figure I'd post a thread in case this can be helpful to others. All you need is a sewing machine, very basic sewing skills and about 30-45 minutes every 2 months. I buy my polyester felt from JoAnn Fabric for about $2.50/yard (usually $5 but they have online coupons every month or so for 50% off). One yard of material will give me 15 12" socks which comes out to around .16 cents a piece. Old ones just get tossed and no need for washing and drying, etc. Changing them out twice a week these will last you almost 2 months.


The key to making these easy to use and change is the ring which you only need to make once. When it comes time to change socks, you just pull out the ring and thread it in to the new sock through the upper slot and you are done….30 seconds tops.


Below are the steps with photos.


1) Cut fabric in to 12" strips


sock1.jpg



2) Cut strips every 13"


sock2.jpg



3) Using the default straight stitch, fold a 1/2" flap and sew across leaving both ends open. This will be the slot that receives the ring. Doesn't have to be perfect as long as it stays wide enough that the ring can pass through.


sock3.jpg



4) Fold the fabric in half. Using the same stitch (or tighter one) close up the sock. Doesn't have to be perfect.


sock4.jpg



5) Trim the edges around stitching and cut off any long threads (not necessary).


sock5.jpg



6) Using a torch, bbq lighter, stove or hair dryer, heat up some 3/16 rigid tubing and form it around the neck of a 4" filter sock. You can leave a gap like I have or have it overlap…might be easier with the gap. I also found that if you cut one end at an angle it makes it easier to thread it through the sock.


sock6.jpg



7) Thread the ring through the slot you sewed at the top of the sock.

sock7.jpg



8) Done. Hope you can find this useful


sock8.jpg
 

tyler1503

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Great idea! I never ran filter socks as they're pretty expensive here and all the hassle to wash them etc. but these are cheap and disposable, so I'll have to try this! :)
 
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8pixel

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Great idea! I never ran filter socks as they're pretty expensive here and all the hassle to wash them etc. but these are cheap and disposable, so I'll have to try this! :)

Definitely the reason why I went this route. Good luck!
 

Intricateart

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Thanks, that's what I thought. There are a few aquarium options in that section. I literally looked at all those to make sure there weren't any chemicals added to prevent mold. The eco ones are all natural, good choice. Also if anyone needs affordable filter sponge there is a product called EZ-dry (boat seat padding) but exactly like the old fluval sponge at Joanns as well.
 

revhtree

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This is a great idea! Thanks!
 

zemuss

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Great Idea and you will need one of these to keep it simple: Singer Stitch Sew Quick | Overstock.com Shopping - Big Discounts on Singer Sewing Machines

I did this by hand a few times and always went back to just running a filter floss. My current sump is design with no filter sock and a integrated filter / bubble trap which I can run filter floss and carbon on. It makes it easier on me because I find that I forget to clean the sock and then it gets nasty and over flowing.
 

Orphek

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Thanks, that's what I thought. There are a few aquarium options in that section. I literally looked at all those to make sure there weren't any chemicals added to prevent mold. The eco ones are all natural, good choice. Also if anyone needs affordable filter sponge there is a product called EZ-dry (boat seat padding) but exactly like the old fluval sponge at Joanns as well.

BE VERY CAREFUL OF THIS!!!! Many of the products designed for this application have an anti-microbial additive that is part of the foam manufacturing process. Even if the company doesn't know or it's not marked on the package it could still be in there. I have a family member that is in the foam manufacturing business and over 95% of reticulated foam produced has this anti-microbial in it. If you put an anti-microbial product in your tank you will wipe it out.

I just thought I would comment from experience on this one. :) IMHO.....filter foam is one that's better purchased as a product made for aquarium usage.
 

Ellery

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the mesh socks have been great... not as effective for polishing but doesn't build up so fast. I just use the socks to polish once a week when I stir the sand up.
 
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