Filter sock - to use or to not???

[jmr0613]

Should I run my tank without the filter sock? 31g nano with light bioload as of now (2 clowns, goby, blenny). I am running a skimmer

 

[reefNreefer]

Should I run my tank without the filter sock? 31g nano with light bioload as of now (2 clowns, goby, blenny). I am running a skimmer

Nah that would be overkill lol why do you think you need more filtering? the skimmer alone is plenty.

 

[jmr0613]

Should I run my tank without the filter sock? 31g nano with light bioload as of now (2 clowns, goby, blenny). I am running a skimmer

Nah that would be overkill lol why do you think you need more filtering? the skimmer alone is plenty.

I just wasn’t sure, I’m new to reefing. I’ve since removed the sock, trying to get the skimmer dialed in (not having tremendous luck with that).

 

[Gumbies R Us]

What skimmer do you have?

 

[BryanM]

Many people ditch the socks, many people keep them. You just have to experiment.... Remove them, keep testing, see what changes. In time you'll figure out if they were an important part of your filtration and can replace them if needed.

 

[reely989]

Have to figure out how much maintenance you're willing to do. I think they are helpful, but I can tell you that I wouldn't maintain filter socks. I barely maintain my fleece roller and it's about as easy as it gets. I moan and complain the once a month I have to change it out. But ultimately, are they necessary? Absolutely not.

 

[bushdoc]

Skimmer and mechanical filtration are complementary, not excluding methods. Skimmer primarily removes Dissolved organic compounds, mechanical filters remove larger particles. In my experience skimmers for small tanks are a bit finicky and not always very efficient. I would use socks, they are not very expensive, you can always ditch them.
If you do, remember to change them every 3 days or so. I use mine regularly, just remove them when I am away for more than few days.

 

[exnisstech]

On my small tanks 20g and 8g lightly stocked i use floss. Its much easier than cleaning small socks. I don't always run it but i do when I'm scraping glass and blowing off rocks. No skimmer on those tanks. I did try a mini Q skimmer on the 20g but decided it was more hassle than I thought it was worth.