Filter socks - do they really reduce NO3 PO4?

[ZoWhat]

We all know the filter socks polish water cleaning up small particles of debris.

Just curious exactly how much impact do filter socks have on reducing NO3 and PO4 present in the tank.

Meaning, do filter socks remove organics that fed NO3 PO4 and will greatly reduce problems if dirty filter socks are quickly and routinely replaced?

Or do filter socks have little impact on NO3 PO4 levels?

I'm interested in hearing differing opinions and/or facts how the whole process works



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[casper320]

I run filter socks for the purpose of minimizing detritus build up in my system. Bacteria that consumes detritus use up a ton of oxygen too. I don't consider NO3 or PO4 necessarily bad, so my goals for filtration aren't to minimize them. Instead remove organics, detritus and outcompete algae in display.

 

[Ike]

They're more likely to increase them... Phosphate because it will trap food, nitrate if they are in for too long and start building up bacteria.

 

[RichReef]

I use them to keep my sump clean, not for water quality. The ATS handles that.

I change it once a week.

If you want to use them to keep nutrients down you must change them every 2 or 3 days before the organics break down.

 

[Ecvernon]

Great video to watch.

 

[bigdrew]

Great video to watch.

That has the answer.

 

[ZoWhat]

@Ecvernon

Thanks man..... I now have it on my Google Calendar to change my filter socks every 3rd day (if they need it or not). 40% reduction of PO4 is a wonderfully heavy number in the filtration game

 

[bigdrew]

@Ecvernon

Thanks man..... I now have it on my Google Calendar to change my filter socks every 3rd day (if they need it or not). 40% reduction of PO4 is a wonderfully heavy number in the filtration game

HAHA!