I genuinely enjoy filter socks. I feel they are effective and easy to maintain. I do think rollermats are convenient, they just aren’t for me.Its just a lot of scraping. Why are you going filter socks instead of roller filter floss? If I were you id totally go roller filter floss. Why not move the panel on the other side? (it'll probably be evident when I go back and look at your sump plan)
Any interest in downgrading your skimmer?
Yes, we are going to move the panel to the left like you said.