Do you use mechanical filtration? Floss, socks, roller etc

[TastyScrants]

I’m thinking of dropping my filter floss from my sump.

My nitrates are at <1ppm (salifert and Nyos) and my phosphate 0ppm (Hanna checker).

Im interested to hear what you are all doing?

Do you use a form of mechanical filtration to remove detritus?

Thanks!

 

[164644]

Hello,
I have a “love & hate” for the filter socks.

Mostly, if I use it:
-my sump stays cleaner and my skimmer doesn’t work that much, since I change it each 2 or 3 days.
-Then, I hate to clean them…

If I don’t use it:
-my sump gets more dirty and my skimmer works way harder…
-Happy not to need to clean anything.
-I just syphon the sump in each water change…

Nutrients? Not much changes really…

I’m currently not using it. Actually, only if I need to clean my rocks with a powerhead… then, I put them again.

I hope that helps!
Cheers

 

[jft]

Sponges easier and NO FILTER socks, threw them out years ago!

 

[Shon]

My build plan has a settling tank which should make easier water changes.

 

[AJsReef]

Prior to redoing my system I ran a Clarisea. In all my years of reefing I had the most most issues with having my water “too clean”. Dynos a few times, then a turf algae that was super efficient at surviving on low nutrients.

This go around Im planning on using socks periodically as needed. Im a little hesitant that my sump will get gross but that’s what ShopVacs are for.

 

[dk2nt9]

Filter socks, when I has a large tank with a sump. Just get used to washing a group of them once a week. Now in sump rollers with micron felt are available, if you can afford them.

In small tanks, dual density filter floss or 50 microns micron pad in a HOB, when situation calls for it. Changed frequently, as needed.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Roller for me just because I despise felt socks, but I do keep mesh socks as a backup. Previous tanks I used filter floss. As someone said above I think the roller does a bit too well of a job sometimes!

 

[Reef Diaper Verified Sponsor]

Filter socks work great, but they are definitely a hassle to clean. We make a disposable solution that is very simple to change and you get a perfectly clean filter every time. The flange assembly is reused and only the lightweight filter element is thrown away. The filter elements are less than a buck a piece when you order a pack of thirty. You can follow the link below for more info. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[ecam]

Prior to redoing my system I ran a Clarisea. In all my years of reefing I had the most most issues with having my water “too clean”. Dynos a few times, then a turf algae that was super efficient at surviving on low nutrients.

This go around Im planning on using socks periodically as needed. Im a little hesitant that my sump will get gross but that’s what ShopVacs are for.

Seriously. I have so much turf algae in my tank right now. Would’ve never tied it to my Clarisea and algae scrubber

 

[dferrant]

I stopped all mechanical filtration.
Now I noticed the skimmer is pulling out more and nastier stuff.

I think it is giving the skimmer more of a chance to pull out the nasties instead of building up and slowly decomposing on the socks.

 

[AJsReef]

Seriously. I have so much turf algae in my tank right now. Would’ve never tied it to my Clarisea and algae scrubber

I’m a big believer than too clean of a system is where some of the strains thrive. I couldn’t do anything to knock it back it just sucked up all N/P like crazy.

I could be way off base, but I’m not going with a roller mat anymore. I’ve had less issues with higher nutrients for sure

 

[TastyScrants]

I’m a big believer than too clean of a system is where some of the strains thrive. I couldn’t do anything to knock it back it just sucked up all N/P like crazy.

I could be way off base, but I’m not going with a roller mat anymore. I’ve had less issues with higher nutrients for sure

Definitely! My system is too clean which led me to making this thread. My skimmer is too big for my tank, 150L system with a skimmer rated to 600L in a mixed reef. I don’t seem to have any skimmer performance issues; the problem is it’s just pulling too much out. So by removing the filter floss I’m hoping the sump gets dirtier to give me a chance of generating more N and P before the skimmer can pull out the DOMs before they break down. Also I’m going to neglect my weekly water changes for a while and monitor N and P while I dose RedSea trace elements to offset the lack of water changes