Filter socks or no filter socks

[Balz3352]

Answer the question. Yay or nay on filter socks.

 

[tony02133]

Yes

 

[SkyShark]

I would design the system to use one of those new filter rolls. Expensive initially, but in theory you would save money down the line not spending it on GFO and other stuff to combat issues. I just know that I would get lazy about cleaning filter socks and allow them to sit way too long. Nice for vacations too.

 

[Caspertheghost]

I don't use filter socks, I do have a filter separating my return section from my refuge area though. Clean it once a month. Never had any issues yet.

 

[tony02133]

I forgot to mention that I replaced them every week

 

[Balz3352]

I would design the system to use one of those new filter rolls. Expensive initially, but in theory you would save money down the line not spending it on GFO and other stuff to combat issues. I just know that I would get lazy about cleaning filter socks and allow them to sit way too long. Nice for vacations too.

I wish I could afford the $400 unfortunately everything else in this setup is ungodly expensive.

 

[Dr.DiSilicate]

I use filter socks every once in a while after a big maintence. IMHO they have the potential,when not maintained, to cause more problems than they save. I also don't use gfo almost ever. Since my system has matured the need has diminished. They definitely polish the water and keep the sump clean if you clean them regularly.

 

[Miah2bzy]

I don't use them on my 60 unless I'm moving things around or doing a water change.
On my smaller systems I use them along with filter floss, just have to keep up with changing it out. It really depends on bio load, I keep more fish in my small system than most and overcompensate with excessive filtering.

 

[projectx]

Yes and change them weekly

 

[SynDen]

I dont use them on my current tank due to space, I would if I had room though. That being said I am not planning on using them on my big tank because I want stuff to stay in the water column to feed the cryptic and fuge zones. Likely will build the rings in for them, so that I can use when needed though.

 

[Shaunv]

I did use them for a while but found they needed to be cleaned every 3 days in my tank. I had one time where it clogged up and spilled water out of the tank. I have since taken them out. I now siphon my sump area when doing a water change. My macro algae now grows really well too. I do run Carbon and a very small amount of GFO.

 

[Vance]

Absolutely. Clean once a week. Dirty ones go in washing machine.

 

[Walter White]

I have always run them but just recently stopped. Huge pita! In my oppinion they need to be changed every 2-3 days and that just got to be too much work. I'll run them in certain circumstances but for the most part am taking them offline.

 

[BryanF]

I'd say if your disciplined enough to clean and/ or replace them every few days they are great. If your not (like me) you are better off without them.

 

[FishTV]

I only run them when stirring, or doing water changes, which always seems to stir things up. I will then leave it in the system for a couple days, and then pull it until needed again.

 

[TheRealChrisBrown]

I go no socks out of laziness. You've got to change them frequently, and keep cleaning the dirty ones.