Is there an easy mode filter sock maintenance?

[BryanM]

preface: I like my fairly ultra simple big tank. UV and ATS. It is a waterbox 230.6, and it does have two 7" filter socks. I could take them out and not worry about it, and I know plenty of people who do this....

But, I like the idea of a sock or a filter mat.

So the title is the question, is there an easy filter sock maintenance mode? I can't just throw them in the washer because the salt will eventually tear up the washing machine. That just isn't acceptable.

But standing out in the yard, with a hose, blasting out all of the debry sucks.

So is my "EZ Mode" a new filter roller for this tank, or is there an answer to deal with filter socks reasonably easily, that doesn't involve just buying more and more and more. The WB filter socks are NOT cheap, and there is no cheap alternative.

 

[CBonito]

I just pull em out, wash em in the sink between my hands until clean again and throw them back in.
Don't overthink it.

 

[BryanM]

I just pull em out, wash em in the sink between my hands until clean again and throw them back in.
Don't overthink it.

i over think tap water, that is my only concern with your method... That worries me, but maybe if a lot of other people say the same I'll stop worrying.

 

[CBonito]

i over think tap water, that is my only concern with your method... That worries me, but maybe if a lot of other people say the same I'll stop worrying.

It's such a small amount it doesn't even matter. Wash em, shake 'em out or dry them in a paper towel and throw 'em back in.

It's definitely not a problem.

 

[BryanM]

It's such a small amount it doesn't even matter. Wash em, shake 'em out or dry them in a paper towel and throw 'em back in.

It's definitely not a problem.

Hoping more people will confirm this. That would be easier, cheaper, and mentally more acceptable than another piece of equipment :)

 

[agamblinalot]

I have a cheap electric pressure washer. Takes 5 min for like 3 socks. Works great so long as you don’t get too close.

 

[agamblinalot]

I have a cheap electric pressure washer. Takes 5 min for like 3 socks. Works great so long as you don’t get too close.

Also hooked up to city water and let them dry outside. Tank seems to be fine. I guess I could soak in bleach water after before letting them dry but I’ve been doing it this way for a few months and my corals and fish seem fine.

 

[Reef.]

I don’t think the salt will ruin your washer, dish washers use salt and they are just fine and don’t forget most washers rinse 3 times at the end of the cycle and some you can even add an extra rinse.

 

[BryanM]

I don’t think the salt will ruin your washer, dish washers use salt and they are just fine and don’t forget most washers rinse 3 times at the end of the cycle and some you can even add an extra rinse.

fwiw, I meant clothes washer, and there have been stories that they were ruined.

Do dish washers really use salt?

 

[Reef.]

fwiw, I meant clothes washer, and there have been stories that they were ruined.

Do dish washers really use salt?

Finish® Dishwasher Salt

Finish® Dishwasher Salt. Designed To Prevent Limescale Build-Up

www.finish.co.uk

 

[Waters]

I wash them in a sink with tap water then soak them in bleach for a day or so. After that I rinse them again in tap water and let them air dry.

 

[tobster]

I use the sprayer nozzle on kitchen sink. Turn them inside out and air dry. No issues. I thought about removing them altogether but I like the idea that they catch the bigger stuff and keeps the water column cleaner.

 

[Pntbll687]

Take them out. Wash in washer with an extra rinse cycle. Don't worry about it. It's not like you're slopping gallons of saltwater into the washer, maybe a splash or two but it gets so far diluted it wouldn't be anything to worry about.

I had the rectangle socks from eshopps and got tired of cleaning them. First, I cut the bottom off them, this let the water flow through faster, but the large pieces of detritus still got stuck on the sides of the sock. Second, I switched to a filter cup and filled it with coarse pond foam. It catches most, but def not all detritus. Now I clean the foams about every three months or so.

 

[DarthRaiderBob]

I just pull em out, wash em in the sink between my hands until clean again and throw them back in.
Don't overthink it.

This is exactly what I do as well.

 

[Utubereefer]

Use filter floss

 

[albano]

I wash/bleach 30x 12” filter socks every month in my washing machine… twice! First inside out then outside out.
Been doing this for at least 8 years, machine is still working perfectly.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

preface: I like my fairly ultra simple big tank. UV and ATS. It is a waterbox 230.6, and it does have two 7" filter socks. I could take them out and not worry about it, and I know plenty of people who do this....

But, I like the idea of a sock or a filter mat.

So the title is the question, is there an easy filter sock maintenance mode? I can't just throw them in the washer because the salt will eventually tear up the washing machine. That just isn't acceptable.

But standing out in the yard, with a hose, blasting out all of the debry sucks.

So is my "EZ Mode" a new filter roller for this tank, or is there an answer to deal with filter socks reasonably easily, that doesn't involve just buying more and more and more. The WB filter socks are NOT cheap, and there is no cheap alternative.

Perhaps replace the socks with media cups and use filter floss?

Filter Media Cup for Aquariums and Sumps / 7” Diameter / 3" and 6” Height Options - Etsy

This Aquariums & Tank Decor item by PrintedOasisShop has 5 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Hinckley, OH. Listed on May 29, 2025

www.etsy.com

 

[vancouverredsea350]

Also vote filter floss, I had the same issue and once I switched it made my life way easier. Also my wife would never let me put dirty filter socks in the washing machine lol

 

[ShawnSaucier]

Media cups with filter floss would probably be the easiest option. Floss can be super cheap in bulk, some use pillow stuffing.

 

[Reefing102]

There’s also reef diaper disposable socks (not sure if they come in the size you need) but if you don’t regularly maintenance them, they can expand