Filter cups vs filter socks needing input

[Richard baker]

Ok so I have a few questions to ask you guys . I have been running two 7 inch filter cups in my trigger sump for about 4 months , my thoughts where good I won’t have to wash socks no more . So I have tried several brands of filter floss which I don’t like small pieces get into the sump and the last stage befor the return pumps I have a prefilter that catches most of it but sometimes I would see pieces on my power heads . So I ditched the floss and tried the green balls from Germany which work great but also requires washing , I have found a good filter company that I get rolls of filter pad that’s extremely well manufactured and does a prestine job but once again they require washing also so I’m not seeing the benefits of the cups . Are there other media’s you guys run in your cups to justify using them over socks ? Just trying to see what I am missing here .

 

[Jeffcb]

I had 1 sock 1 cup. Switched to 2 socks.

 

[Richard baker]

I have my socks back in right now because it seems the cups are more maintenance

 

[Jamesmost]

The filter pad in the cups, when bought in bulk roll and cut to size cost pennies...
I throw them out , dont wash.
Can cut egg crate, put on top of filter and put a 2nd filter on top...
That is how the filter box on my life reef sump was

 

[DHill6]

From a sock to floss or pinky floss in a cup, back to mesh sock with a piece of PinkyFloss fit on top. Easier to clean, toss the floss. Pinky floss bought by roll and cut to size, very inexpensive.

 

[Jamesmost]

Been sockless for 3 months now,,, finally got around to making a media basket...
Total $10 for 3

Then searched and saw could have purchased 7" media cups...

Just made these tofay.., running smoothe
Modified rim from brs 7" sock
2.5qt hdx container
Filter from roll

 

[TerraFerma]

Cups and floss are much cheaper than socks; but socks are more convenient.

 

[Spare time]

The cups are nice if you can't put media like carbon anmywhere else. Otherwise is easier just get get a bunch of socks, put dirty ones in a bucket, and then when you need to wash them, throw them in the washer machine with or without a little bleach.

 

[Jamesmost]

The cups are nice if you can't put media like carbon anmywhere else. Otherwise is easier just get get a bunch of socks, put dirty ones in a bucket, and then when you need to wash them, throw them in the washer machine with or without a little bleach.

Disagree....socks are a pita to clean, and deal with,,, floss or rolls of filter , just toss and replace...

 

[Spare time]

Disagree....socks are a pita to clean, and deal with,,, floss or rolls of filter , just toss and replace...

Thats why I said you just throw a bunch in the washer, so washing takes about as much effort as pushing a button.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I can’t stand the cups.
went back to socks and now run mesh socks which I hand clean in one minute and pop back into sump. Way too easy and convenient

 

[Phil D.]

I run a cup and then a sock. In the cup I have Chemi-Pure Blue and Seachem Purigen. I change the sock every 3 dayds and wash in washer with bleach, then Prime them.

 

[Jamesmost]

Thats why I said you just throw a bunch in the washer, so washing takes about as much effort as pushing a button.

I go through 3 socks every 5 days
Rotate 24 socks
First go in bucket with 10% bleach
Then sit till I run out
Have to hose them off
Then wash
Then hang dry.
PITA

 

[Spare time]

I go through 3 socks every 5 days
Rotate 24 socks
First go in bucket with 10% bleach
Then sit till I run out
Have to hose them off
Then wash
Then hang dry.
PITA

Again, I just throw them in the wash, let them air dry, and I am done. This is by far the easiest for me given that I open a lid and press a button and then I am done, but obviously there is more than one type of way to wash a filter sock.

 

[Jonify]

Mesh socks. Super easy to clean, don't have to change as often as floss, just rinse under your sink every 4-5 days.

 

[Tastee]

I’m in the mesh sock camp as well. I change them weekly on my two tanks, takes a few mins to replace, rinse each dirty set and hang them out to dry. I have 12 of them - 2+2 for my RSR 250 and 4+4 for my RSR 525XL. If one or two fail then running less socks in the 525 won’t cause any issues until I buy replacements.

 

[Bay_area_reefer]

I long ago abandoned the filter socks..I use filter foams instead. Easier and disposable...

 

[RC Corals]

Go to somewhere like Hobby Lobby or Walmart (or amazon) and buy rolls of cheap filterfloss sheets (batting).
Can easily rinse it a couple time then throw out, or just toss each time.

 

[shred5]

Disagree....socks are a pita to clean, and deal with,,, floss or rolls of filter , just toss and replace...

Agreed.. For those sumps that do not have a filter roller on them I use cups. Just grab the floss and toss.

 

[homer1475]

I could never get cups to work right. Put some floss in them, and they overflow.

Back to felt socks for me, but I only run them for a few hours a week. I don't run them 24/7.