Filter Socks Yay or Nay?

CoralReefer1019

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I just removed my filter socks for a test run on my system. In my sump I currently run a skimmer and GFO Reactor. My coral and fish are doing good and no issues thus far. I know my sump will be dirty with I will clean. My question is instead of filter socks what else do you run in place of the filter sock if anything at all.
 

tyler1503

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I love my filter socks! My water is clear enough for my liking and they still turn brown within a week. They pull out a lot of stuff I can't even see!
I'm considering taking them out just to cut back on maintenance. I'd use them again for a day after a water change as I like to use a turkey baster to blow all the gunk out of the rocks.
 
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CoralReefer1019

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I love my filter socks! My water is clear enough for my liking and they still turn brown within a week. They pull out a lot of stuff I can't even see!
I'm considering taking them out just to cut back on maintenance. I'd use them again for a day after a water change as I like to use a turkey baster to blow all the gunk out of the rocks.

that makes sense to use it after a WC to trap all the stuff in the water column then remove after a day or so
 

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To your original question back when I didn't run socks I put either a powerhead or a line off the return just for flow in the sump, kept the detritus stirred up and not settling in the sump. I still do that even with socks.

This video by BRS was interesting if you have not seen it:



 

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I have a 125 Reef that has SPF, LPS softies a great stock of fish. Over size skimmer, and I change my socks twice a week. I set up the note in my APEX and it reminds me to change the two socks and the foam covers on my MP40's. The sump stays clean as a whistle as does my water its Chrystal clear. In fact you can read a book placed on the other end. Spotless. I'd recommend them as long as you stay on a strict replacement plan.
 
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To your original question back when I didn't run socks I put either a powerhead or a line off the return just for flow in the sump, kept the detritus stirred up and not settling in the sump. I still do that even with socks.

This video by BRS was interesting if you have not seen it:





nice video, wonder how people have success with out filter socks
 
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CoralReefer1019

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I have a 125 Reef that has SPF, LPS softies a great stock of fish. Over size skimmer, and I change my socks twice a week. I set up the note in my APEX and it reminds me to change the two socks and the foam covers on my MP40's. The sump stays clean as a whistle as does my water its Chrystal clear. In fact you can read a book placed on the other end. Spotless. I'd recommend them as long as you stay on a strict replacement plan.

twice a weeks is good, but it's getting out of control for me to change that often
 

hart24601

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nice video, wonder how people have success with out filter socks
I don't think I have ever heard of a single reefer who could pinpoint success or failure on filter socks. Just a convenient way to keep sump clean for many vs using a bucket head or python to suck out the sump. Although some see less particulate in the display I have never heard of that being the line for failing.
 

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I use them for the only goal of keeping water clear. Don't care about the nutrient removal or sump cleanliness.
 

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No socks here. Never liked them. I use a filter pad in the sump. Easier to clean, much cheaper, can run any material I want or multiple materials. Socks suck.

i-Bw5NPL5-L.jpg
 

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I was banned from using the washing machine after the girl went to change one of my loads of laundry and found filter socks...

I stick filter floss in my first bubble baffle now. I change it out once a week. Does a great job polishing the water.
 
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CoralReefer1019

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I don't think I have ever heard of a single reefer who could pinpoint success or failure on filter socks. Just a convenient way to keep sump clean for many vs using a bucket head or python to suck out the sump. Although some see less particulate in the display I have never heard of that being the line for failing.

Yea I know there is so much mixed reviews, I'm going sock less
 
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CoralReefer1019

CoralReefer1019

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I was banned from using the washing machine after the girl went to change one of my loads of laundry and found filter socks...

I stick filter floss in my first bubble baffle now. I change it out once a week. Does a great job polishing the water.

when you change it out you just toss it and replace with new filter floss?
 

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