Filter Sock & Filter Trays: Which do you prefer and why?

[revhtree Verified Admin]

We are GO for launch on the weekend! YES! But as we move into enjoying the weekend let's begin a discussion on filter socks versus filter trays! I'll reserve the pros and cons for you guys to discuss as I know that I would most assuredly miss something!

1. Do you prefer to run a filter sock or a filter tray and why do you choose one over the other?

2. What filter sock or filter tray set up do you run and a photo would be great!


Homemade filter tray via @G Santana

 

[Why-Me]

I happen to be a lucky dude who won a Clari-Sea SK5000 Roller Filter here on R2R
Shoutout to Triquatics and Reef2Reef

I love this thing!!!
Totally recommend roller filters.
My office tank has filter sock setup, which isn't too bad.
I really love being able to throw that nasty paper away over washing those gross crusty filter socks in my home.
Not sure I have a pic of it running as it used to sit in the back of the sump.
But I am getting ready to set up my 120 very soon.
Here's a shot of my roller filter setup.

 

[DC Reefer]

I use socks on all my tanks because that is how the sumps were built. I don't really have a preference one way or the other because have never tried a tray. Will be interesting to hear the pros and cons of the trays.

 

[sp1187]

neither.
the darkness creatures in the sump need to eat. :cool:

 

[fade2black]

Filter tray. For my custom AIO, it takes 2 seconds to toss the nasty one and replace it with a new one.

 

[Specific Ocean]

Filter socks. It’s all I’ve ever known. Maybe on my next build I’ll go a different route. Is it the same as changing out filter socks? Every few days or so?

 

[Tacticool-Reefer]

I run a fleece roller, and I have to admit, I've never seen such crystal clear blue water during my water changes with socks or pads, and I don't overfeed but I don't under feet either.

 

[Clownfish_Boy]

I use a HOB motor filter and a AquaMaxx HOB filter/skimmer combine.

 

[Rubberfrog]

I would run a roller if I had room for one. I don't use traditional socks. I have cups stuffed with polyfill. I just toss it once a week and refill. You can get a HUGE bag at a craft/sewing store for ten bucks. Lasts forever.

 

[HD_Reefer]

200 Micron Nylon socks with media pad as a pre-filter for the new build.

 

[MBruun]

I love my BM FleeceFilter :)
Super quietly and only have to changed and cleaned every 2.5 months.

 

[fishybizzness]

I integrated a filter tray into my diy sump when I built it. I use a piece of 2 layer filter pad that I cut off a roll i bought and hose it off every 3-4 days. I use the same piece for about a month until the layers start separating and then throw it out and replace with a new piece. A roll lasts a long time. It takes me a few minutes at most twice a week.

 

[Mical]

The only "filtration" I run is chaeto & skimmers in both of my tanks. No socks, no filter floss, etc...

 

[dbowman5]

first year learning... i have Bean Animals and was under the impression that the siphon and partial siphon needed to let out under water to function properly. Now i seem to hear that the reason is to keep the noise and splashing manageable. if that is so i would be in favor of chopping off my full siphon drain (going into the skimmer section) and installing a sock holder.

 

[Midrats]

I just cut the bottoms off of a couple of mesh socks to stop any splashing. My skimmer does all the heavy lifting.

 

[mattdg]

Socks. Easy to clean in the washer, with a cap full of bleach, air dry. Double 7x12" on a 120 gallon SPS heavy mixed reef. Other options seem far to expensive and wasteful.

 

[vabben]

I use filter pads from Intank and cut to fit. My next build will absolutely have a fleece roller in the sump.

 

[ReefBeta]

The best way of course is to filter tray in the form of filter socks.

 

[BaysEndReef]

I use mesh socks on my frag tank. I have a filter tray with the green sponge on the biocube 32. I use the same green sponge filter on the nuvo 10g. All smaller tanks use the cartridges for the HOB mechanical filtration. Next build will have a roller. It seems to be less maintenance after it's installed.

 

[>>klong<<]

Other options seem far to expensive and wasteful.

I watched a recent Nova on PBS last night - Beyond the Elements: Indestructible. Very interesting. Kinda put a damper on my search for rollers because of all the single use plastic waste.