Filter Socks

[warforged]

Ok I have a new tank I moved everything into and setup... I am using a huge filter sock(only one at time at store available) on my Overflow Return PVC...

I put another one on the return of my skimmer to stop the noise of splashes mainly.

How often do I clean it? Do I wash it in Cold with regular detergents?

Woolite what?

 

[mfinn]

I usually throw my filter socks in with towels and use a double rinse.
It helps if you turn them inside out.
I just use whatever soap my wife happens to buy.
I do it every two weeks.

 

[warforged]

Thanks! I will do that next weekend...

 

[delemi]

I've always washed mine separately w/out soap - I'm not 100% convinced all phosphates and soap leftovers would be rinsed out in a normal wash even with a double rinse.

Turning 'em inside out is also helpful - but wash them when they are dirty, if you wait too long they just become nutrient factories just like sponge pre-filters..... On my 90 I had to wash mine every 3-4 days.

 

[kermit99]

usually about every 2-3 days the sock will get clock up and start to overflow then you know its time to change them....I usually wash mine just like a regualr wash but without any soap and all I put in the washing machine are the socks only cold water is fine....

I've always washed mine separately w/out soap - I'm not 100% convinced all phosphates and soap leftovers would be rinsed out in a normal wash even with a double rinse.

Turning 'em inside out is also helpful - but wash them when they are dirty, if you wait too long they just become nutrient factories just like sponge pre-filters..... On my 90 I had to wash mine every 3-4 days.

 

[sgwill122]

I threw mine in with the laundry a couple times but stopped as my skimmer went crazy each time I put a new sock in, I assume some detergent did not get wash off. I bought twelve 6 inch socks and just run a load of socks in the washing machine turned inside out when they all get dirty and throw in a half cup of bleach no detergent. I change em every 4-5 days, usually pretty brown by then.

 

[Myteemouse]

On that note!
Where can you find fliter sock WITHOUT a big 4 inch input hole on the top!!
I was thinking of putting good small 6 inch socks on my overflow but all LFS have these BIG ones!

 

[loohunter]

i wash mine in bleach only every 2 days and double rinse

 

[sgwill122]

I found mine on ebay, also quite a few online vendors have them fairly cheap.

 

[burning2nd]

twice a week... cold Ro water...

 

[Krish]

Every 2-3 days so the trapped waste doesn't rott and cause water quality issues. JMHO

 

[Skimmy]

a good washing from the garden hose on jet setting seems to do the trick as well. make sure you remember to turn socks inside out and do both sides though. i figure slightly clorinated cold tap water is going to kill most tropical nitrifying bac's on a sock, with the power of the hose removing most all detritus

 

[fishoutofwater]

i use bleach and wash them weekly by themselves inside out. no soap. double rince