Filter sock

[Tahlequah]

What type of material could i use to make a filter sock? It would mainly be for micro bubble reduction as it is a gravity return from my sump.

[RandyStacyE]

White felt in the fabric section.
http://www.randystacye.com/diy_filter_sock.htm

[GrandeGixxer]

Randy, have you ever looked for an alternative for the plastic ring? I have a few socks that are still good, but I would like to make a few more so I don't have to wash them as often. I am using the 4" socks with the CPR holder.

BTW, Tahlequah great job on the DIY refugium!

[RandyStacyE]

GrandeGixxer, I've looked and looked for some type of alternative to a ring, but I find it hard to get away from the simple sewn on handles. Actually when the socks end up being thrown away I rip off and reuse the handles.

In the beginning it was my intent to eventually use one of those CPR holders, but I could never find a ring


Tahlequah, the sock will put an end to micro bubbles, by the way.

[RandyStacyE]

Well here's an idea ... one can take some 3/8" OD plastic hose, cut off a length, and join their ends to create a ring!

I was thinking that if one had a plastic rod that is approx 1/4" OD it can be used to connect the two ends.

I think that would work very well.

[GrandeGixxer]

That is a good idea. I might have to take a little trip to wally world tonight after work.

[RandyStacyE]

Originally posted by GrandeGixxer
That is a good idea. I might have to take a little trip to wally world tonight after work.

You could probably use 1/4" OD hose to lock the 3/8" OD (1/4" ID) hose togeter to make the ring.

[kingsland]

You could try something like this on a smaller scale. It is made from felt that hangs on a PVC frame and can be removed for washing. If your need rings, you might be able to use circular knitting needles or a round frame used for cross stich. Look around a frabic or hobby store, there are all kinds of things that can serve a dual purpose.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/...1125_4-med.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/...1125_9-med.jpg

[RandyStacyE]

That is awesome!

[rwblues]

when you use a sock how often do you have to change it

[kingsland]

Thanks, it traps all bubbles from the drain lines and skimmer. About $7.00 in material to make two felt bags and the frame.

[kingsland]

Originally posted by rwblues
when you use a sock how often do you have to change it

How often you change it will depend upon the amount of water flowing through it and how quickly it becomes dirty. It is amazing how much gunk they trap. IMO its best to rinse them frequently.

[GrandeGixxer]

I wash mine every 2-3 days.

Man Kingsland, that is some filter bag right there! Nice job on it. I will have to check around tomorrow for something to use for the ring. I need to get the wife to teach me how to sew.

[NanoReefWanabe]

i once used acrylic rods (from vertical/ horizontal blinds) and put them in the oven for about 5 minutes then wrapped them around pop cans to make rings..then you could use a little weld on to join the ends...nice round ring...just fold the felt over it and sew it in..

you have to wear gloves when doing this and would likely need a second set of hands to add the glue, it is amazing how hot that acrylic noddle gets in a 300 degree oven in five minutes..

[GrandeGixxer]

Another good idea, thanks NRW. Those rods are only like $2 each and I bet you could make at least 3 rings with 1 rod. I got some shopping/research to do tomorrow it looks like.

[RandyStacyE]

Where are you guys finding acrylic rods for $2.00?

I could never find them accept online.

[kingsland]

You can sometimes find them at Target, Penny's, fabric stores and I think Lowe's may carry them. Look in the drapery and/or vertical blind section. They are replacement rods for vertical blinds normally used for opening and closing the blinds. Try a google search on vertical blind parts. Here is one link that came up.

http://www.blindsparts.com/servlet/C...ilt*Gear*Wands