socks or not

[D'sreef]

I am using coarse filter sponges. That it's, I hate socks with a passion.

 

[areefer01]

Glass half full, empty. Socks work. Keep spares for easier maintenance and cleaning
Roller mats are somewhat new and remove interval maintenance/cleaning at the cost of the filter material/mat
Running neither is also a thing

Really comes down to personal preference and goals. I personally do not run socks or filter media because I like a more natural and holistic tank. The negative effect this has is a dirtier sump, overflow, and more frequent cleaning of my return pumps (that is what spares are for).

I should note that I'm an active scuba diver so have a very different view on things. Does not mean my way is any better thus noting what each brings to the table at 20,000 feet.

 

[kbrabble]

I switched to reef diapers on my 50G tank several months ago. I change them every 3-4 days. I did buy a couple extra reef diapers holders. Now I just reach in my sump remove the two and replace. Takes less than a minute. 100% the way to go. Cost a $1.00 each on Amazon. So, about $28.00 a month. But no mess no fuss.

 

[chrispycritter]

I switched to reef diapers on my 50G tank several months ago. I change them every 3-4 days. I did buy a couple extra reef diapers holders. Now I just reach in my sump remove the two and replace. Takes less than a minute. 100% the way to go. Cost a $1.00 each on Amazon. So, about $28.00 a month. But no mess no fuss.

i did some research on those might be the oute i go

 

[Pi-314]

I have a AIO and swapped the integrated sock out for a UV that fit perfectly. I like socks and wish i could easily add both the UV and sock without significant mods. I have noticed more detritus in the sump, but i just suction it out once a month during the water change.

 

[mcarroll]

There's no good reason for mechanical filtration in a reef unless you don't realize the role of detritus. (Hint: this is not a fish tank.) Your reef tank would always prefer more flow and no mechanical filtration, although you might have to work your way to that goal depending on where your tank is now.

Perhaps more important, adding unnecessary plastic junk (floss) to the waste stream is very 1970's.....regressive, retrograde.

"Going back to floss and air stones"



Just no.

 

[Sean Clark]

I just ordered up 70 reef diapers. We'll see how it goes.

 

[Idech]

No socks for me. They are a pain to wash by hand and no way am I putting them in my washing machine.

I use a long strip of floss and change it every 4-5 days.

 

[chrispycritter]

I've been washing mine in the washing machine 1st cycle I turn them inside out then normal on 2nd washing. I have enough for about month so the fresh washed ones can air out for a week or 2 before reuse. But after researching and some of the feed back I'm on the fence about maybe not using mechanical filtration and just relying on my skimmer and cheato. But the disposable socks are definitely a great idea.

 

[twentyleagues]

I wear socks everyday. I like them they keep my toes warms and feet comfortable. I change them everyday. I do not put them in my reef tanks at all.

 

[littlefoxx]

I dont run socks anymore. Mostly because its hard to find them in the size I need. But it runs fine with an oversized skimmer and bioballs now

 

[Reefer Matt]

Depends on what your tank needs. If you have high nutrients and lots of detritus, you need something to remove it. If you have neither, you may be able to use a more coarse media like filter floss, or splurge on a roller.

 

[Freenow54]

used socks for years they never seemed to catch much . Cleaned them every week were discoloured but not bad. Stopped using them and switched to Batton or floss if you prefer as a description. This stuff used to stuff pillows and such and found at material stores for sewing hobby. Twenty dollars buys me enough for about 4 months just stuffed in one of the slots on my sump and thrown away when dirty which is every week

 

[Proud]

sock all the way, it just help keep the tank crystal clear.

 

[X-37B]

my system suffers from low to no nutrients. would remove socks help raise my phosphate and nitrate? And thanks for the info great help.

Yes. Try 400 micron mesh. Rinse them out once every few weeks.

 

[X-37B]

There's no good reason for mechanical filtration in a reef unless you don't realize the role of detritus. (Hint: this is not a fish tank.) Your reef tank would always prefer more flow and no mechanical filtration, although you might have to work your way to that goal depending on where your tank is now.

Perhaps more important, adding unnecessary plastic junk (floss) to the waste stream is very 1970's.....regressive, retrograde.

"Going back to floss and air stones"



Just no.

Very well said! My 400 micron mesh catch the big stuff. The bottom of my 150's sump today. This skimmer has not been cleaned, except for the neck/cup that come off together, since startup 1.5 years ago.
A fine layer of sediment on the bottom with brittle stars, and other life.

 

[mcarroll]

Very well said! My 400 micron mesh catch the big stuff. The bottom of my 150's sump today. This skimmer has not been cleaned, except for the neck/cup that come off together, since startup 1.5 years ago.
A fine layer of sediment on the bottom with brittle stars, and other life.

I would be tempted to cram a small powerhead down there to keep that in suspension as coral food – but it does make a nice microhabitat. :)