Filter sock or no sock at all?

[Brady4000]

Hey all,

I am over changing my filter sock on my FOWLR. Anyone running no filter sock, no skimmer? I just have cheato.

Thoughts of removing the sock?

 

[outhouse]

I am over changing my filter sock

Who knows? you didnt give us a clue

Anyone running no filter sock,

lots of people, but you will have to do more water changes to compensate for the extra detritus

no skimmer?

same as above

 

[JumboShrimp]

I don’t run a sock in my 150 gallon FOWLR; I do run a skimmer and a Pentair 40W UV. Thirdly I have media trays with sponges (squeeze out) and filter floss (throw out). Socks are a Pain with a capital “P.”

 

[Cunning_plan]

I run no socks with a big refugium with no water changes. I do have a skimmer though running before my fuge. Base of fuge is full of rubble so I am fine with detritus as it is chock full of pods etc.

I was really worried initially as my socks were always filthy. It’s probably the most positive change I have ever made. Algae issues got better, fuge works better, nutrient control better, water is clean.

I won’t pretend to understand why, nor should you take my anecdote as evidence but my experience was very positive.

 

[Brady4000]

Who knows? you didnt give us a clue

lots of people, but you will have to do more water changes to compensate for the extra detritus

same as above

Kinda confused on your responses… also I don’t do WTs on my FOWLR tank.

 

[Brady4000]

I run no socks with a big refugium with no water changes. I do have a skimmer though running before my fuge. Base of fuge is full of rubble so I am fine with detritus as it is chock full of pods etc.

I was really worried initially as my socks were always filthy. It’s probably the most positive change I have ever made. Algae issues got better, fuge works better, nutrient control better, water is clean.

I won’t pretend to understand why, nor should you take my anecdote as evidence but my experience was very positive.

I don’t run a sock in my 150 gallon FOWLR; I do run a skimmer and a Pentair 40W UV. Thirdly I have media trays with sponges (squeeze out) and filter floss (throw out). Socks are a Pain with a capital “P.”

Thanks for the comments!

How much of your success is due to the skimmer? I am not looking to get one. Planning on just running a Refug and that’s it.

 

[14 foot reef]

I just retired all socks and went to buying bulk filter floss in a 30' roll off eBay. use it till it gets dirty pull it throw it away.
Best thing I ever did. those dang socks !!!!!!

 

[ZoWhat]

I am over

Plz explain what this statement means

 

[Just John]

Plz explain what this statement means

It means he's tired of doing it, he doesn't want to do it anymore.
Zoa, it's like how you are so over noobs doing dumb stuff and not knowing what they are doing in the first place.
He would rather sit on the beach with a beer.

 

[ZoWhat]

It means he's tired of doing it, he doesn't want to do it anymore.
Zoa, it's like how you are so over noobs doing dumb stuff and not knowing what they are doing in the first place.
He would rather sit on the beach with a beer.

Well...I'm tired of doing about 17 things for my reef BUT I suck it up and keep on keeping on....bc I know the routines will pay off

 

[snorklr]

i believe its millenial speak....i am so over this...meaning i no longer want to do this...my days of doing this are over... i'm tired of water changes,replacing filter media,emptying my skimmer cup, making ro/di water,testing paramaters....isnt there some way i can have an awesome reef with absolutely no effort at all?

 

[Just John]

I'm tired of doing about 17 things for my reef BUT I suck it up and keep on keeping on

Yeah, you do.

 

[JumboShrimp]

@Brady4000 , I always recommend a skimmer as a prime tool against ‘Yuck.’ If you see what is being pulled out here— that stuff that looks like Starbucks coffee— fish were swimming in that.

 

[Brady4000]

Well...I'm tired of doing about 17 things for my reef BUT I suck it up and keep on keeping on....bc I know the routines will pay off

True, but dose the pros outweigh the cons?

I guess by saying I am “over” something I should have know the lazy police would come after me. Lol

I made the post to see just that. Dose the pros outweigh the cons. Especially when I get a fire and have to walk the wife through how to change a sock that may not be needed.

 

[WVNed]

I just got some 7 x 32 inch ones

 

[Peace River]

Friendly nudge to everyone - please stay helpful and be nice.

There are also other options in addition to socks or no socks. Filter rollers, media cups with filter floss, mesh bags, and skimz nylon socks that can be rinsed and reused are all options direct replacements for traditional filter socks. Additionally, the role of filter socks is mechanical filtration so there are a number of other approaches to mechanical filtration such as skimmers, water changes, and so forth.

 

[Brady4000]

It means he's tired of doing it, he doesn't want to do it anymore.
Zoa, it's like how you are so over noobs doing dumb stuff and not knowing what they are doing in the first place.
He would rather sit on the beach with a beer.

Oh wow this got hostile fast. Lol. and I didn’t think this post would get interesting.

 

[Just John]

Oh wow this got hostile fast. Lol. and I didn’t think this post would get interesting.

I meant it honestly. No criticism. Lazy noobs drive Zoa crazy more than anyone. There's nothing wrong with that.

 

[Brady4000]

I meant it honestly. No criticism. Lazy noobs drive Zoa crazy more than anyone.

All good my feelings didn’t get hurt. Kinda made my day. Lol definitely made me laugh.

 

[ZoWhat]

Oh wow this got hostile fast. Lol. and I didn’t think this post would get interesting.

I wouldn't say hostile.

Reefing is a lot of maintenance and work. Exactly like owning a BOAT.

Your expectations on yourself in entering this hobby is you'll be forced to do chores you groan about... but you do them.

Yes, changing filter socks 2x a week has the benefits of having a 2nd layer of filtration. Cleaner and CLEARER tank


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