how do you guys wash your filter socks??

pogiboy67 · #1 01/16/2006, 03:01 PM

ok guys i have a 100 micron filter sock that needs washing. is it ok to use Tide with bleach to machine wash it? then put it in the dryer? anything i shoud be avoiding? thanks!

MarksReef · #2 01/16/2006, 03:04 PM

NO tide. Use straight bleach. I let mine air dry.

BethanyM · #3 01/16/2006, 03:05 PM

I dont think you want to use actual detergent. If you have to use something stick with bleach or vinegar. If you have the type of sock with a plastic ring in it dont put it in the dryer. It will eventually make it break.

sjm817 · #4 01/16/2006, 03:10 PM

Toss it in the washer with some bleach. Use the extra rinse cycle if you have it. Let it dry before use.

Abysswater · #5 01/16/2006, 03:28 PM

white vinagar and warm water works for me. let it soak for 20 mins. Rinse well and good to go!

Ti · #6 01/16/2006, 04:21 PM

bleach + water

pogiboy67 · #7 01/16/2006, 04:28 PM

so no detergent...just bleach... any certain type?

sjm817 · #8 01/16/2006, 04:31 PM

Unscented Clorox or generic. Just regular bleach with nothing fancy added.

Fmellish · #9 01/16/2006, 04:35 PM

Do you have to bleach it? Or is the bleach just to restore the white color?

I clean mine almost daily in the sink, but I've never bleached it. So I keep the pores open and the junk out, but the sock is pretty much brown in color. Should I be bleaching it? If the bleach only restores the color back to white, then I see no reason to bleach other than just for looks.

Thanks
Josh

Dave A · #10 01/16/2006, 06:20 PM

I wash mine in bleach in the washing machine, then run it through an extra rinse cycle. Then I put it in a bucket of water with "Prime" for 10 minutes to neutralize any remaining chlorine. Then I hang dry. I have four socks that I rotate and I'm able to run a sock for about 10 days on my set up.
The bleach not only cleans the sock and returns it to white, but also kind of sterilizes it. I really like using 100 micron socks because for me it keeps the water gin clear.

Dave

Treg · #11 01/19/2006, 05:49 PM

Whats "Prime"?

I've never washed mine with bleach before until today, been rinsed 3 times and air dryed. I can still smell the bleach...

dxtr · #12 01/19/2006, 06:46 PM

So on a 100 Gallon closed loop set up I should be washing my sock about once a week then?

(runs home to put 3 week sock in washer) - lol

Dave A · #13 01/19/2006, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Whats "Prime"?

Prime is made by SeaChem and is a water conditioner that removes (neutralizes) chlorine, among other things. It smells like sulfur but works wonderfully.

Dave

JimR · #14 01/19/2006, 07:22 PM

I would never ever put any aquarium item in a container of any type that has held soapy water in it.

A washer isnt needed. Just a tad of bleach and water. Let it soak, then swish it around some if needed. Hang dry.

Gooli · #15 01/19/2006, 07:22 PM

simple...throw them in the washer on "white" cycle with a half glass of regular bleach. i do 2-3 socks at a time. hang'em up to dry for 1-2 days and they're ready to use again. i change socks once a week in my reef tank - no ill effects.

javajaws · #16 01/20/2006, 12:44 AM

marilynrn711 · #17 01/20/2006, 01:15 AM

I change mine out about every 5 days..put them in a bucket of water w small amt of bleach until ready for a load. Wash them in small amt of bleach and run through 2 cycles..either air dry or dryer but make sure they are bone dry as it will get dissipate bleach.

Never use any laundry detergent. They will smell horrible when you dump them in the washer, just like emptying your skimmer.

I also feed corals w dts /golden pearls etc while mine are off.

elekamit · #18 01/29/2006, 06:59 AM

just a question, isn't bleach toxic?
it won't harm my fishes?

MiddletonMark · #19 01/29/2006, 07:06 AM

If 100% completely dry, bleach is safe.

If still with water/wet/liquid ... bleach is very dangerous for your tank.

So, if you're hanging dry for a few days + are sure it's completely, fully dry ... no problem. Some seem to soak in anti-chlorine/bleach stuff [like Prime] to negate this issue. [I prefer letting them 100% dry, personally]

I have bleached mine from time to time [when I'm not using them that week, can let them dry and not worry] ... but generally just use the washer, nothing added. [extra rinse]

dkh0331 · #20 01/29/2006, 08:22 AM

I do't have my filter socks yet, but I was wondering if OxiClean might be better since it's oxygen based bleach, not chlorine based.

David

lossman · #21 01/29/2006, 09:58 AM

We've been using filter socks for almost a year now. I have several sets and change them out at least every other day, sometimes every day if I am blowing detritous off the rocks. I first run my washer through a rinse cycle on hot water. Then wash the socks in a full tub of water with 1/2 cup bleach. Then run through a second rinse cycle and let air dry. We've had no problems with this process in all the time we have been using them.

MiddletonMark · #22 01/29/2006, 10:33 AM

David - IMO the use of bleach every wash is unneeded.
I don't think my tank cares if the filter sock starts white or discolored - just as long as it's clean.

dkh0331 · #23 01/29/2006, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MiddletonMark
David - IMO the use of bleach every wash is unneeded.
I don't think my tank cares if the filter sock starts white or discolored - just as long as it's clean.

Mark,
Gotta have the whitest and brightest.

My question was geared towards more if it might be better to use an oxygen based bleach as opposed to a chlorine based bleach.

Billy has done a good job of promoting his oxy-bleach.

David