avasquez01 - I agree that if your satisfied with your water quality/clarity, little to no algae problems and very little detritus accumulation in your tank/sump then you should leave well enough alone and forget the filter socks. However, the fact that you are asking may mean you are not satisfied with any one of the conditions above and are looking for a way to correct it. Then filter socks would be one alternative. Like any thing in your tank, good maintenance is a must and that definetly is necessary for filter socks. Like many have indicated above maintenace is very easy and the result could be a better looking tank.
For me the use of bleach is not so much to clean the socks but to remove the stains. I'm not sure using any detergent alone will remove all the stains. Maybe some of the detergents you listed could do this.
For me the use of bleach is not so much to clean the socks but to remove the stains. I'm not sure using any detergent alone will remove all the stains. Maybe some of the detergents you listed could do this.