Why do people put socks to catch water as it falls into the fuge/sump?

[King_Neptune]

Why do people put socks to catch water as it falls into the fuge/sump?

Why not just have the water drain directly into the bottom of the sump...ive seen a lot of pictures with socks hanging above the water. Or am I mistaken?

and are these special socks? Or would any cloth bag/sock do?

 

[mjslaugh]

Why do people put socks to catch water as it falls into the fuge/sump?

Why not just have the water drain directly into the bottom of the sump...ive seen a lot of pictures with socks hanging above the water. Or am I mistaken?

and are these special socks? Or would any cloth bag/sock do?

Filtration, they are called filter socks and you can ge them in different sizes, and/or filtration capabilities. I use one mostly just to catch particulates that would otherwise be floating around in my water, i.e. digested seaweed from my foxface.

 

[returnofsid]

Filter socks are a form of mechanical filtration, catching "solids" before they make it further through the system. The use of filter socks will require regular maintenance and cleaning. Otherwise, filter socks will quickly produce nitrates.

 

[King_Neptune]

how do you clean these socks? rinse with water? is it ok to put in dishwasher? w/out soap?

 

[Myteemouse]

I put mine on the slab out side and blast them with my garden hose..
Works good.
I use mine for only one day each, then they are cloged with goo.

 

[IPisces]

I have my tank empty into a separate container and filtering with Blue Bonded Filter Pads which then empties into my sump. The filter pads are alot easier to replace. Those socks can be a hassle to keep clean and replace IMO.

 

[mjslaugh]

I take mine into the sink turn it inside out and run lots and lots of water through it, I have heard that dishwasher/ washing machine are good, but I'm not sold that you wouldn't end up with some soap residue, so I use just water.

 

[blondenaso75]

I have been washing mine in the washer without soap for about 2 years and no issues what so ever

 

[CRASHFIREJOE]

I change mine a few times a week. I have around a dozzen of them and wash them all in the washing machine without soap twice. I invert them on the second wash. Works great with no problems for years.