Need help retrieving upside-down IM filter sock...

[CrashTestBennie]

I realized I shouldn't be using a filter sock during my cycle. So after I took it out, I wanted to try and save that good bacteria, and put sock in upside-down, and now it's stuck! Boy am I stupid... Does anyone have any advice for this noob?

 

[splunty]

I realized I shouldn't be using a filter sock during my cycle. So after I took it out, I wanted to try and save that good bacteria, and put sock in upside-down, and now it's stuck! Boy am I stupid... Does anyone have any advice for this noob?

I am having trouble even picturing what happened.... so.... can you post a photo?

If you still are stuck you might ask IM for advice. They've been very helpful to me when I've done silly things.

 

[CrashTestBennie]

I have to free up space on my phone, I don't have enough memory to save the dang pic...frustrating! Thank you for the advice. I'll give them a call in the morning. Thanks again!

 

[dedragon]

Can you get underneath it to try and push it up? Not sure what it looks like without a photo so just guessing here

 

[CrashTestBennie]

Here ya go!

 

[dedragon]

got it now, it is the all in one so no going underneath. I would stop flow and just try to give it a good yank. Idk how else you would get that out. Customer service is a good recommendation to ask before you do it.
If the sock tears, whatever, it is just a cheap filter sock. The IM tanks are well built. I wouldnt be too worried it couldnt take it unless you jammed it in there way too hard
Did the plastic piece somehow get underneath the glass lip that holds it?

 

[CrashTestBennie]

got it now, it is the all in one so no going underneath. I would stop flow and just try to give it a good yank. Idk how else you would get that out. Customer service is a good recommendation to ask before you do it.
If the sock tears, whatever, it is just a cheap filter sock. The IM tanks are well built. I wouldnt be too worried it couldnt take it unless you jammed it in there way too hard
Did the plastic piece somehow get underneath the glass lip that holds it?

Yeah, I already cut the sock so it wouldn't filter out all my beneficial bacteria, so no problem there. Thanks for your advice!

 

[CrashTestBennie]

Yes, what's usually the top, has locked in at the bottom...which I didn't anticipate there being a lip for it to get hung up on. I may try to snap the black plastic, if customer service can't help.

 

[Reefering1]

Cut the sock and reach into it and pull the plastic part in(towards the center) and up a little, do this all the way around. Then pull it out

 

[CrashTestBennie]

Cut the sock and reach into it and pull the plastic part in(towards the center) and up a little, do this all the way around. Then pull it out

I have tried...it's only 2.3" wide and deep, I can only get my fingers in it. Have tried silverware and long tweezers to no avail. I'm about to try and use the long tweezers to stick a suction cup on the black plastic "top" of the sock, to try and pull the side away from whatever it is caught on...

 

[Reefering1]

Try some pliers? Or long screwdriver to get between the sock and wall, then pry it inward?

 

[dedragon]

Can you bend the filter sock plastic enough to cut it with wire cutters or something?

 

[CrashTestBennie]

I think snipping might be the only way, and I'm cool with that. I'm not even going to use sock filters. I have 2 media caddies with all the shebang...

 

[mrpontiac80]

Are those the square socks? I bet one side is stuck underneath the opening to the next chamber. I’ve never had an IM tank but AIOs basically are the same design. Maybe try grabbing it with pliers or something and sliding it towards the exterior side and up

 

[CrashTestBennie]

That's exactly right! I should have thought about the diagram. Thank you. That actually helps a lot. For some reason I thought it was hung up on outside wall, not the baffle...I bet I can get it now!

 

[CrashTestBennie]

Thanks again! I had to make a tool out of a wire hanger, but I have it out now!!!

 

[mrpontiac80]

Thanks again! I had to make a tool out of a wire hanger, but I have it out now!!!

Awesome. I like my waterbox aio but the rear chambers can be tight for sure

 

[CrashTestBennie]

Awesome. I like my waterbox aio but the rear chambers can be tight for sure

Hey brother, I just wanted to thank you again. I received my very first corals today, and I feel like I'd still be dealing with that inverted filter sock if it wasn't for you. So, thank you!

 

[mrpontiac80]

Hey brother, I just wanted to thank you again. I received my very first corals today, and I feel like I'd still be dealing with that inverted filter sock if it wasn't for you. So, thank you!

Glad I could help