Filter sock?
 

Hey guys, I am designing/building a new SPS tank. I am going with a BareBottom display and need a bit of input as for as the sump goes. Do you guys like filter socks in a SPS sump or not? What about refugiums on a barebottom system...sandbed in refugium?

YES I WILL BE ON TOP OF CHANGING THEM OUT EVERY FEW DAYS!!!!!

All help is welcome.

You shouldnt need a fuge in BB, skip it for now.

I do run a filter sock on mine.

What skimmer are you looking at, and what is the total system size?

I like filter socks; they keep the floating particles in the water to a minimum (you'll never get rid of them.) When I went BB, I also removed the fuge. Not because I am against one with the other; I just wanted to move the skimmer in sump.

I have a 24x24x20 cube made out of 3/4 Acrylic(rimless) so the internal water will be 40 gallons without LR. I plan on making my sump 24x24x15 and I will be using the new Xtreme 160 skimmer. I should have it in a couple of days. Marine Soultions MSX160, with a Sicce pump. I think one member did some fine tuning and got 32 scfh (15L/Min) out of it!!!!!(off topic)

Anyone else want to reply?

Socks are a must IMO.

wouldnt run my tank without a sock

I am always amazed at how much junk my socks pickup, even though the water look clear. Just have to change them every few days.

I agree. I use one and it collects a ton of stuff. But where are all the people who don't use them? I know you are out there!

I also use a sock on my BB 30g SPS. I change it out every 3 or 4 days. I have been contemplating removing it so I can allow all of the small waterborn critters to circulate but I'll prolly leave it. I set my sump up with a refugium and DSB originally but removed them both after having some browning issues. Now all is good with growth and color. I have 4 socks so I only have to clean them in 2 week intervals so it's no big deal. It's amazing how much carbon dust my sock traps after changing the carbon/GFO mixture in the reactor in the sump. That would still float aroung in there without one.

I am not running any mechanical filtration, I believe it's called berlin method? Just because I am too lazy to maintain them. There is no harm except for the visuals, I have alot of particles and dust in the water though. I am considering building a little crate in the sump where I can put filter FLOSS to partially polish the water. A sock would be a good way to get some detritus out but I just siphon some of it out of the sump during water change.

I run a sock on my 240. I have 10 of them and I change them every 3 days. Then I wash them all and let it run without a sock a day or 2. This helps stir up the sump and gets any detritus in suspension to go back through the tank to feed corals and then end up in the filter sock after they are cleaned.

Peace

Just started running one. After a few days it's surprising to see how much junk it collects.

I put one on during water changes and when i blast my rocks. Other than that i dont use one.

I put one on when I do my tank maintenance on Sunday's and leave it on for 3-4 days. Then I run w/o one until Sunday.

Well it seems that running a filter sock pass the RC test, so I am going to incorporate 2 in my sump design! Thanks GUYs!!!!

Having said that, how many of you guys run a refugium vs. not having one! I noticed that 30reef mentioned that he "had" one but due to some browing issues he no longer does....I am assuming he was having PO4 problems from the DSB in the refugium.?.?.? What do the rest of you guys think about that?

BTW I had the same problem as 30reef in my last setup, and as soon as I removed the refugium and sandbed down there, my browning/PO4 problem eventually went away.....!

I am reluctant to have a refugium because of that reason!?!??!

my sponge growth increased no end when I removed the sock.

I don't use one.

[QUOTE][i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11566187#post11566187 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by j.prostrata [/i]
[B]I run a sock on my 240. I have 10 of them and I change them every 3 days. Then I wash them all and let it run without a sock a day or 2. This helps stir up the sump and gets any detritus in suspension to go back through the tank to feed corals and then end up in the filter sock after they are cleaned.

Peace [/B][/QUOTE]

how are you washing them?

I also have ten of them and throw mine in the washing machine with a cup of bleach. Too much work trying to rinse em out by hand. I set em out on the counter for a couple hours to dry although not moisture in them after the spin cycle.

[QUOTE][i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11572854#post11572854 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sgwill122 [/i]
[B]I also have ten of them and throw mine in the washing machine with a cup of bleach. Too much work trying to rinse em out by hand. I set em out on the counter for a couple hours to dry although not moisture in them after the spin cycle. [/B][/QUOTE]

Yep, same here....
I use to frown on the use of a sock, but after I added, was amazed at the clarity of the water, and the little detritus build up in the sump..... I give filter socks a thumbs up......

I don't use one, but also have crazy sponge growth. I'm getting some detritus buildup, so I was thinking I might get one just to put on temporarily while I stir things up and blast the rock every few weeks. Seems like a good compromise.

-Tim

[QUOTE][i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11572799#post11572799 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jeffmperez [/i]
[B]how are you washing them? [/B][/QUOTE]

Jeff, I run an empty cycle through my washing machine and then I put the socks in and wash them 2 times. Set them out to dry and thats it. No bleach or anything needed.


Peace

I use oxy bleach in my washing machine. Let them air dry for a day or so and they are good to go.

no sock here