Filter Socks

[@croman]

Hi All; I wanted to get some knowledge and ideas from you all on the best methods to clean filter socks ? Currently i run my pressure washer on my socks and let them air dry before using them. I have 8 socks and i invert them and pressure wash 7 at a time. But its problematic during winter time as its freezing cold outside.


Thanks
Uma

 

[Patty's tank]

The filter socks I got from amazon came with instructions to wash them in the washer with a little bit of bleach, then rinse them well and let them air dry! Of course this is not convenient to do every time the sock needs to be cleaned. What I do is rinse the socks in my kitchen sink with hot water and then soak them in RODI water before putting them back in my sump. I do this until the socks start getting clogged up, then I throw them in the wash. I usually run the wash with 7 out of 8 socks to save time... Hope this helps

 

[3mm3]

I soak mine in hydrogen peroxide then rinse off and dry.

 

[mtraylor]

I rinse mine with hose then throw in the washer with bleach. I seen an article some where that people said they get them so cheap they throw them away.

 

[BigHildy53]

I rinse them well in the kitchen sink. Store them inside out. When I've saved up enough I wash them inside out with bleach. Turn right side out and then wash again. Then air dry.

 

[Reef Pets]

Turn the sock inside out and wash in the washing machine for a little bleach. Then dry in the dryer.

 

[CoralReefer1019]

ever tried not using filter socks?

 

[@croman]

The filter socks I got from amazon came with instructions to wash them in the washer with a little bit of bleach, then rinse them well and let them air dry! Of course this is not convenient to do every time the sock needs to be cleaned. What I do is rinse the socks in my kitchen sink with hot water and then soak them in RODI water before putting them back in my sump. I do this until the socks start getting clogged up, then I throw them in the wash. I usually run the wash with 7 out of 8 socks to save time... Hope this helps

I soak mine in hydrogen peroxide then rinse off and dry.

I rinse mine with hose then throw in the washer with bleach. I seen an article some where that people said they get them so cheap they throw them away.

Thanks Guys; I always thought about the washer but was concerned about any detergent residues that can cling into the socks and leech into the tank later on, are you guys using this method for SPS Reef tanks ? Also the chlorine in the bleach isn't that harmful to the aquarium, although its a tiny amount used ? I know the salt we add to the water is Chloride but that's not the same as Chlorine.

Hydrogen Peroxide this is interesting, i should read up on it.

I thought of the idea of buying bulk and throwing away but i want to be environmentally conscious too and also save a few bucks :), I prefer to recycle as much as possible.

Thanks
Uma

 

[3mm3]

I've used the peroxide for a decade. Sps clams LPS.

 

[mtraylor]

I have over 40 Sps colonies in my aquarium, and I have no issues with the bleach cleaning. I do 2 to 3 rinses though. If not it can throw your protein skimmer into a frenzy.

 

[danschoenherr]

I wait until all of my filter socks are dirty and run them through the washer with Oxyclean on the sanitary cycle which I believe is hot water and an extra rinse and spin cycle. It takes like 2 hours on this cycle, but they are very clean and I have had no problems. Currently I only use a filter sock during water changes as I blow the detritus off of the rocks and leave it in for a few hours, but I may start using them all of the time on my new build. I get a lot of detritus buildup on my liverock and would like to correct that.

 

[PatW]

I clean them with a spray of water from a hose and then I rinse in RODI water.

I have washed dingy ones in the washing machine with hot water and bleach. I ran a hot water rinse cycle first to remove any residual detergent.

 

[DH-Reef]

I wash mine inside out in the washer, no bleach, extra heavy spin, air dry. They come out white and doesn't effect protein skimmer at all.

 

[@croman]

Whoa there! I cant believe i got this many responses :D Thank you all.

I guess i can throw them in my washer and then rinse them in RO water and air dry them.

Regards,
Uma

 

[@croman]

For sure tried it many times, but filter socks gives that crystal clearness of water and helps removing solids and particles off your tank, otherwise they will end up somewhere in your tank. Eventually on the long run you may need to syphon them out somehow.

ever tried not using filter socks?

 

[jhatfield]

I hose them off to get the crud out then soak in regular tap water and bleach. After rinsing, I end up air drying for at least two days mostly due to procrastination but a day should be fine.

Bleach (plain bleach, no additives) isn't an issue if you allow it to air dry for a day or so. I've done vinegar instead of bleach a couple times without any issues from what I can tell.

 

[zachxlutz]

Flip them inside out... OxyClean and Vinegar in the washing machine... extra rinse cycle... hot water.

 

[Pola0502ds]

First, if you search there are a ton of threads on this. But i turn mine inside out, put in washer. Use a little bleach, no soap, hot water, extra rinse cycle and they come out looking brand new every single time. It is the best and easiest way to do it. Been doing it for 2 years with no issues using bleach.

 

[prinaudo]

I use a very small amount of bleach and switch to the strongest speed on the washer and double rinse and air dry for at least 24 hours.

 

[TheSeaAndMe]

Throw em in the washer with a little bleach. Double rinse. Air dry. Done.