Filter Socks Yay or Nay?

[CoralReefer1019]

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.

 

[Shaddow_wolf169]

I pulled mine run bare

 

[tyler1503]

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.

 

[CoralReefer1019]

I pulled mine run bare

ok thx

 

[CoralReefer1019]

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

 

[hart24601]

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:

 

[lariat8099]

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.

 

[CoralReefer1019]

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

 

[CoralReefer1019]

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

 

[Cary Hover]

Go barefoot. No socks. Only during a stir up of the tank.

 

[hart24601]

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.

 

[Velcro]

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

 

[d2mini]

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.

 

[Rufus’ goofs]

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.

 

[CoralReefer1019]

Go barefoot. No socks. Only during a stir up of the tank.

gonna give your method a try

 

[CoralReefer1019]

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

 

[hart24601]

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

Sweet! Let us know how it goes and if you don't like it not a big deal to put them back.

 

[CoralReefer1019]

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

yea I will use it after water changes to only catch the large floating particles

 

[CoralReefer1019]

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.

Awesome looking sump man!

 

[CoralReefer1019]

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?