How do you “wash” super fine filter socks?

[Fisherman Joe]

The kind that are like thick socks. 10 micron.

Battling Dinos so running UV and pumping in to a filter sock.

They clog over 12 hours so washing them for an hour (after turning inside out) in the washing machine with just tap water. Then rinsing in RO.

Is it safe to use any chemicals?

 

[Miami Reef]

Bleach. Let it air dry before using in tank again.

Make sure the bleach is plain without any of the “easy pour” thickening agents.

 

[Fisherman Joe]

Would bleach add any cleaning action that washing in a machine with plain water would not achieve?

 

[jmichaelh7]

Bleach and washer . Let dry

 

[exnisstech]

Would bleach add any cleaning action that washing in a machine with plain water would not achieve?

I would think the bleach would help to sanitize. I know a lot of people that clean counters etc with it for that purpose. Also it makes the socks whiter so they look clean. I always dumped a splash in when I washed socks. I'm using reef diapers now so no more washing.

 

[albano]

. I'm using reef diapers now so no more washing.

How often are you changing diapers as compared to the socks?
People have said that they last longer before clogging.

 

[Malcontent]

I've been using a pressure cleaner. It also did a fantastic job cleaning my dishwasher filter when it clogged.

 

[exnisstech]

How often are you changing diapers as compared to the socks?
People have said that they last longer before clogging.

Mine are going about 5 days or so. I've been happy with them after using them almost 5 months now. Some will argue they don't clog as often because they don't filter as well but my water looks just as clean as it did whe it I was using socks and I don't miss having stinky dirty socks in the basement.

 

[Miami Reef]

Would bleach add any cleaning action that washing in a machine with plain water would not achieve?

Of course. Bleach will oxidize organics which is a more effective combination than water alone.

You can clean your filter socks without water (I did it in the past).

 

[SPS2020]

How often are you changing diapers as compared to the socks?
People have said that they last longer before clogging.

They seem to clog faster for me. Jury is still out on whether I'll buy more.

 

[Fisherman Joe]

Reef diapers - Wow!

Here in the UK, getting those might be tricky. I use the 10 micron filter socks and i would be worried about the cost of using a disposable one, plus the waste.

The only way i secure my filters is the little string across the top, I loop around a screw in my sump! ha, the Diapers, i would need a manifold or something to hold them up.

Do you think soaking the socks in citric acid now and then would do anything?

With my Dino outbreak i am running them daily and changing them daily. I'd love a filter roller mat, but i dont have much room.

 

[Blue80]

Have you thought about this for battling your dinos?


It worked for me.

 

[Betex]

When I was using socks the best way I found to clean them was with pressure washer would clean it up to bright white in seconds.

 

[Malcontent]

I don't even use my full sized pressure washer but a handheld battery-powered "pressure cleaner" by Ryobi. It's much more versatile as it can use a garden hose, 2L soda bottle, or a bucket as a water source. I can clean things in a shower or bathtub if it's too cold (or hot) to go outside.