Washing Filter Socks?

NanaReefer · Oct 13, 2015

I've been washing them in the machine, large load with 1/2 cup bleach. Then I'll run them through another rinse cycle. They get several weeks of air dry time before use.
Should I be rinsing them again in RO/DI water? I'm noticing my SB breaks out in what I believe to be diatoms, 2-3 days after replacing the socks. Which is strange because it's only the DT SB where this is happening.
I am running carbon/purigen in a reactor.

mfinn · Oct 14, 2015

When I used filter socks and needed to clean them, I tossed them in the washer with a load of white clothes with bleach.
After, a soak in tap water with a strong dechlorinator solution.
That was about it.

NanaReefer · Oct 14, 2015

Maybe that the issue. Not using a dechlorinator? What do you use Marty?

mfinn · Oct 14, 2015

Just API Tap Water Conditioner.

I use bleach a lot for different things, so I get the largest dechlorinator size I can find.
There use to be one called Start Right, that I liked. Was sold in a one gallon ( 9 lb.) container.

Gryphon · Oct 14, 2015

One would think with a few weeks of dry time any remaining chlorine would have dissipated. >_>

NanaReefer · Oct 15, 2015

I would have thought so too. Hence the double rinse and dry time. But I'm trying a process of elimination. Wth is causing what I believe to be a diatom bloom?