Filter Sock or Not? (Let's Discuss)

[Perry]

Hello SPS gurus!
I have mixed emotions on the subject, and can see validity in both arguments, so let's hear from the SPS pros, I know who you guys are ;) I have used both, but in my current setup, sort of on the fence about the subject. In my new setup, I do not find reason to worry over catching debris, the tank is bare bottom, and the skimmer is WAY overpowered for the system. The idea behind bb, as I know it is to keep detritus in suspension in the display, and to ultimately have it channeled through the overflow to the sump for removal, most have recommended to use the sock as a means of removal. That said, are we removing possible food sources to our corals? Some of my most favorite hobbyist's from Europe swear on not using them, allowing the detritus to sort of get handled in the sump with sponges, micro critters, dusters, worms, pods, all thriving in siporax. I have been using a sock recently, but after thinking things over, I am leaning on adding about 30 more lbs of live rock to the sump, as I have two chambers available to home the rock. In each chamber, I will run a powerhead to keep detritus suspended until it reaches the skimmer chamber, where ultimately it will settle or be skimmed off. The skimmer chamber is quite accessible, and would be no problem if detritus gathered, to easily be sucked out. Now, I realize the skimmer will likely take out all the detritus/ possible food sources, but some will definitely make the pass. I know there are now roll filters out too, and this seems promising for those who love to automate. Personally, I am more hands on, so I sort of know my answer before asking, but would love to hear from you guys!
Cheers!!!

 

[ChelseaBidwell]

We, personally, only use a filter sock for 24 hours each week. Saturday morning - Sunday morning. Just to get anything hanging out there that the skimmer may have missed. We could probably do without one altogether, but I am anal about keeping my system clean. Lol! Our NO3 and PO4 stay well within range (10-20/ppm & 0.05ppm) without any issues and we haven't seen a significant detritis build up since our cycle (and we have 2-3" of sand). Using it once a week has worked really well for us.

 

[Perry]

We, personally, only use a filter sock for 24 hours each week. Saturday morning - Sunday morning. Just to get anything hanging out there that the skimmer may have missed. We could probably do without one altogether, but I am anal about keeping my system clean. Lol! Our NO3 and PO4 stay well within range (10-20/ppm & 0.05ppm) without any issues and we haven't seen a significant detritis build up since our cycle (and we have 2-3" of sand). Using it once a week has worked really well for us.

I am at the opposite end, LOL.
Skimmer rated for heavy stock on 200 gallons, skimming a 60 gallon tank, lol. PO4 0.00 and NO3 .5, yeah I know, very low. I like it this way, not trying to start that debate though, LOL. I do not anticipate and issue either way :)

 

[ChelseaBidwell]

I am at the opposite end, LOL.
Skimmer rated for heavy stock on 200 gallons, skimming a 60 gallon tank, lol. PO4 0.00 and NO3 .5, yeah I know, very low. I like it this way, not trying to start that debate though, LOL. I do not anticipate and issue either way :)

What works for one may not work for the other! I just love the consistency. Our readings have always stayed within that range, so it must be working! I have no idea how you've managed 0.5ppm NO3. We have never been below 10. Probably the sand? We have a 75g with around 9 fish and 4 LPS (adding 4 SPS / 1 softie Friday- SO EXCITED). Our skimmer is around the same, I believe. It does work. Hahahaha

 

[Gareth elliott]

I use filter socks, but my only other filtration is a skimmer now(took my fuge out)
Socks just give me one less bit of maintenance, cleaning my sump).
I also broadcast feed coral foods daily(coral gumbo from hikari fish eat it too).

 

[C. Eymann]

I suffer from lazy butt reefer syndrome sometimes, so I know I wouldn't be able to keep up with changing socks 3x a week so I just put a power head in my sump to keep detritus in suspension so it can be caught by the skimmer and removed from the system.

 

[Silent]

I think if you do not feed heavy, no socks no problem. If you feed heavy, then socks full time makes sense. Not everything will be eaten or taken out by the skimmer. Also depends on what maintenance you want to do, suck up detritus or wash filter socks.

 

[Edp251]

I think the shape of socks makes them a bit of a pain to clean. Based upon the way that @WWC uses pads instead, I am wondering if i should buy a role of filter material and just lay it over the sock section in the sump. It may not catch every bit that flows through like a sock but would likely catch a lot of stuff. Has anyone tried this?

 

[madweazl]

No sock on ours for the last three years; I figure those floaties are feeding something.

 

[X-37B]

120 with 40 breeder sump.
1-7" filter sock, way easier to clean than a 4", changed every Saturday.
Skimmer and bare bottom.
Pretty much how I have ran all my systems over the years.
Whatever you run if its working go with it.

 

[Waterislife]

I am a big fan of water clarity. My socks are cleaned when ever, they act like a trap for debris and a place for carbon. I let them overflow to create a prefoamer for the skimmer, then polishing floss instead of a sponge. With Crystal clean water the lights don't have to work as hard.

 

[Rjramos]

The way I’ve been doing it for many, many years is with a simple cut to size blue bonded filter pad. I run the 1 pad post tank return and post refugium. I maintain a depth of water about 1” above the pad. This does 2 things. It allows for tiny living larval stage organisms to pass through the pad and back to display from refugium. And the layer of water above the pad keeps Adult amphipods and copepods alive and consuming what detritus and food the pad does catch. When I change the pad out, it is full of pods that I return to the refugium. Also run a skimmer, either full time or on a timer, depending on PO4 and NO3 levels.

 

[SeaDweller]

No more socks for me for this reincarnation. Tank has never been better. I find mesh socks easier to clean when needed.

 

[jda]

I tried socks, hated changing and cleaning them. Tank was the same either way, but I don't mind siphoning stuff out of the sump and my N and P are always near NSW levels with or without the socks.

I would not use them just to use them, but I also would deal with the pain if I needed them. The control of accumulating building blocks needs to be managed from many different fronts and if this was necessary, then I would do it as part of a greater plan. I do not find them either worthless nor a miracle cure for anything.

 

[mfollen]

Removed socks a month + ago. Zoas have really improved. Sps growing still, certainly not negatively impacted.

 

[sarcophytonIndy]

No socks. I have a fuge full of dense chaeto/ulva/pods that act as my filter socks.

 

[Retro Reefer]

Not a sps guy but I have a few sticks in my mixed Reef.. I stopped using socks because it was just to much of a pain to constantly clean and replace them and my tank seems to be doing better than ever without them.

 

[siggy]

Hello SPS gurus!

I am not but still would like to know
Im guessing You're asking about particulates other than dissolved solids. Has anyone concluded that the particulate in the sump has any beneficial nutrients? I look at it as spent organics or inert.

 

[sarcophytonIndy]

I am not but still would like to know
Im guessing You're asking about particulates other than dissolved solids. Has anyone concluded that the particulate in the sump has any beneficial nutrients? I look at it as spent organics or inert.

Hard to say. In the web of life that is a mature reef, it is hard to rule anything out.

 

[backdraft_reefer]

I think the shape of socks makes them a bit of a pain to clean. Based upon the way that @WWC uses pads instead, I am wondering if i should buy a role of filter material and just lay it over the sock section in the sump. It may not catch every bit that flows through like a sock but would likely catch a lot of stuff. Has anyone tried this?

Was thinking about doing the same thing on my tank. Would love to hear other opinions about this.