filter sock cleaning?

Art_Vandelay · #1 12/28/2007, 10:03 PM

I want to clean my filter socks in the washing machine but I'm scared to do it in fear that residual soap in the machine may get into the sock and back to the tank :/ I've heard that bleach may be used to clean them in the machine. It's a bit too cold here to wash them with a hose outdoors.
Anyone have any experience with this? Success, failure, advice.... all would be much appreciated. Thanks

USC-fan · #2 12/28/2007, 10:26 PM

run them twice through the washer with just water or you can use bleach.

If you use bleach I would soak the socks in Prime after you run them through the washer. Them let them air dry.

Art_Vandelay · #3 12/28/2007, 10:29 PM

What is prime?

USC-fan · #4 12/28/2007, 10:35 PM

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...=0901187000000

Kentanner11 · #5 12/28/2007, 11:36 PM

IMO, I doubt anyone (besides a LFS, or a breeder) has enough socks to justify an entire 1-2 washing machine loads. I would just use a small plastic tub that you can buy at walmart for going in the sink filled with tap or better yet... water change water to clean them.

USC-fan · #6 12/28/2007, 11:38 PM

I have 27 filter socks and clean them every 3 months!

sjm817 · #7 12/28/2007, 11:39 PM

Any residual Chlorine evaporates out. Let the socks dry before use. A dechlorinator is not necessary.

sundancer · #8 12/29/2007, 12:29 AM

Lay them inside out on the grass and hose the heck out of them.

Kentanner11 · #9 12/29/2007, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by USC-fan
I have 27 filter socks and clean them every 3 months!

wow! do you have like 2 outputs and change them every week? lol! or what? lol!

USC-fan · #10 12/29/2007, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kentanner11
wow! do you have like 2 outputs and change them every week? lol! or what? lol!

i change them every 3 days. They are only $2.50 so i stocked up when i ordered them.

reefmadness08 · #11 12/29/2007, 01:27 AM

First, definately have multiple socks on hand. Wash them in a bucket of any type of water and vinegar with a relatively small amount of bleach. If you have a pump you can position in the bucket to blow water through the sock, even better.

Kentanner11 · #12 12/29/2007, 01:27 AM

wow so do you just let them sit until you wash or ???

USC-fan · #13 12/29/2007, 01:46 AM

Nope, i wash them out in my fish room sink and then they go into a 5 gal bucket. After coming out of the washing machine they look new!

Kentanner11 · #14 12/29/2007, 02:09 AM

oh ok!

sundancer · #15 12/29/2007, 03:41 PM

If I put fish dirty diapers in the washing machine my wife will have a fit!

Kentanner11 · #16 12/29/2007, 03:43 PM

/\ lol!

Engine 7 · #17 12/29/2007, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sjm817
Any residual Chlorine evaporates out. Let the socks dry before use. A dechlorinator is not necessary.

Agreed. Rinse well and let dry.

reefkoi · #18 12/29/2007, 04:22 PM

So you guys think that Chlorine bleach will not be leftover in the sock? I disagree, I think they need to be soaked in Prime, ever since I have done this I have lost no corals. Before soaking in Prime I was having SPS corals RTN on me right after putting the cleaned socks in.
If I'm way off base let me know, I just assumed since it removes chlorine and my bleach says "chlorine bleach" Prime would work?
I'm a believer after what I have witnessed in my own tank.
C

sjm817 · #19 12/29/2007, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by reefkoi
So you guys think that Chlorine bleach will not be leftover in the sock?

Yes. Chlorine bleach breaks down very quickly when exposed to air. This would be a good question for the chemistry forum. One of those guys can explain the process.

I'd be more concerned about Prime making my skimmer go crazy and overflow.

Percula9 · #20 12/30/2007, 01:50 PM

All you need is straight dechlor which is less expensive than prime. This is what I use to neutralize the chlorine. Prime has other chemicals that are unnecessary for this task. Dechlor is sodium thiosulfate.

sjm817 · #21 12/30/2007, 02:32 PM

I dont believe any dechlorinator is needed as long as you let the socks dry.

Kentanner11 · #22 12/30/2007, 02:35 PM

this could actually be an interesting experiment. all you would need to do is take one of your socks and put it in water and test the chlorine level. (pool test strips)

sjm817 · #23 12/30/2007, 02:50 PM

I posted the question in the chemistry forum. This comes up a lot and it would be good to see what the experts say. My understanding of the need or not to use a dechlorinator comes for the posts I've read on the forum, but not the chemistry forum. What those guys say is usually reliable.

garyw68 · #24 12/30/2007, 04:14 PM

I have always washed my socks in my washer with a touch of bleach in hot water. Then I will wash a second time without bleach in cold water...let air dry overnight...put back in my sump...never had a problem....

swisha · #25 12/30/2007, 04:44 PM

I always use the washing machine with no bleach or chemicals. I wash it twice and let it air dry for a day. I have never seen any ill affects for the last 2 years.