Great Video. I enjoy all your vids. Hey, I just ordered a Trigger 39 sump and it ships with 4 X 12" filter socks. At 2:03 in the video, you mention you use 7" length socks (I think you have the Ruby) and I'm wondering if that 7" is correct, and whether you feel that's the optimum length sock, without dragging on the bottom. My sump arrives soon and I want to order the best length sock to have several on hand. Also, where to you order your socks ? BRS ?
Oh great vid btw. I do water-changes bi-weekly during and after water changes is when I put a filter sock to catch most of the debris that floating around I blow water on the rocks with a turkey baster to get all of the detritus moving. Then my overflow/Mp10 does the rest. And of course my filter sock catches it all. I then remove the sock after 3 days of using it.
Aaron Mele We don't really have seasons where I live. Normal winter temps is around mid 50s to low 60s. If you're in subzero temp area you can use the washing machine with Sentless bleach and NO soap then dry in drier.
So true, and I was one when I started my tank who didn't understand that concept. Why wash something from our tank in a machine that washes such nasty items... and have it not transfer some of that nasty stuff back to our reef? But it works when done right! I've never had a problem using my washer to clean my filter socks.
I soak them for 24 hours in bleach water as well , but my bleach to water ratio is much higher at 1cup of bleach to 4 gallons of water. After the 24 hours , I rinse them with the hose , then I wash them in the washing machine with just hot water. When they are done , they look like new socks , and there is no bleach smell.
Great video. I clean mine every two weeks or even up to a month. The variables to consider would be 1. size of tank 2. feeding schedule/ bio load 3. size and quantity of filter socks.. I have two 7" long filter socks in my 300 gallon system. Another thing to look for inside the filter socks is serpent stars....I usually find one every few filter changes. Thanks for sharing
I used to use filter socks but not anymore they trap a lotta of debris which is a good thing but they can also keep alotta phosphates i got rid of my filter socks and my bio balls both leech phosphates back in the tank
Hey reefergil...great explanation I've just started a 93 gal cube with a 125 gal sump...I was reading some comments below and someone was saying that they rinse there socks to make sure and get the pods out...if you rinse your socks and then dump that water with the pods in it back into your sump...wouldn't you be throwing all that junk back I to your system that you just filtered out? Thanks and again great video
dyligansisland You can get the pods out by simply turning the sock up side down and shake it up and down. Whatever pods don't come out this way, then you can gently pick them out with your fingers. It's really not that big of an issue. Most of the time I won't get any pods trapped in the sock.
I've used the same set of 100 micron socks that I got with my Trigger Systems sump for about a year now. YES, same set! I rinse them first, get the pods, snails and such out. Then I toss them in an empty washer on the smallest load setting on HOT. I use two cap full of bleach, NOTHING ELSE. Socks come out looking as new as the day I got them. Tried 200 micron, didn't like them, 200s didn't polish the water as well as the 100s did. I clean mine about every 5-7 days when I do my weekly maint.
+Zachary Hanson I really liked it. I really liked how everything was laid out. It made changing the socks so easy and hassle free. It's just that sump I bought has a really small skimmer chamber and things got cluttered pretty quickly. So I ended up going bigger with the Trigger Systems sump.
I don't think muffemod is speaking of filter socks, maybe the ones on his feet, lol :) I was previously just pressure washing my filter socks with the hose which has become very annoying. I like your method Gil rather than washing machine. I will give it a try
I used bleach concentrated without water. I did rinse socks using my garden hose after 48 hr and left to dry for 4 days outside. After this I put they in my sump. I am worried about my fish tank because I see that you, guys, use small amount bleach with water? Anyway my socks do not smell bleach. My aquarium looks okay. There is too late after few hours move out the sock to extra rinse.
I don't think it's the amount of bleach you use that would affect the tank, it's about thoroughly rinsing them and allowing to dry. I wouldn't use any type of bleach with perfumes.
Thank you. I like this idea plus did not want to get fussed at for using the washer. Question do you need to add dechlorinator to the water that you're soaking the socks in after you clean them??
Absolutely! I have some socks that are a year old. They look brand new after a diluted bleach bath for 24 hrs. Rinse REAL GOOD and let dry. Shouldnt smell bleach when processes is over.
You should be changing your filter socks every 2-3 days as it's proven that they are a cause of higher nitrates if left any longer. The ones that you are using are only £2 a a piece from ebay. I have stopped using them but I had about 30 I used in rotation so I'd wash about 2 dozen at a time using hosepipe to remove the general muck then the washing machine with a couple of teaspoons of bleach in with the socks. Then let them dry overnight and then fold.them up for re-use.
ReeferGil in your video. You let it soak over night. Then you take them outside, to power wash them on your driveway. You poured the water from the bucket back onto and into the filter socks. 🤔
I used them at first, but I find theres no need for them, just makes for more work cleaning them out all the time, it's been over a year with out them and the tank is just fine, clean clear water.
Lol. Your basement looks just like mine : ) do you find that it is necessary to soak them in RO/DI or do you think if they are rinsed well enough after soaking in bleach they can be rinsed briefly with RO/DI and then added back to the sump right away?
i just bought the mesh socks from BRS and are gonna give them a try. Im sure they wont catch as much but have to be easier to clean. Anybody else try them?
+DWB Videos Nope, If your hose nozzle has a strong enough stream, you will see all that crud get pushed right out of the sock (spray from bottom of sock upwards). Then flip the sock and repeat. The most important part of this process is to ensure all the bleach out then let the sock dry. No issues following these steps for past three years, so I'm confident it works :)
Lots of work. I'm sure you do more than two at a time. All I do is the washing machine with another rinse. I use the same time to wash all my tank towels. After I let them air dry, I have enough socks for a month so when I do my water change I soak all of them in the tank water then let them air dry after saoking for a day in tank water.
Hey reefergil. I have been watching your videos for awhile now. And based some of what I did to my system off of what you did. I recently added a filter sock to my system but still have a lot of particulates in my water. Any tips of how I can get rid of them? Thanks for the great videos look forward to seeing more.
AJ Shrek Hey AJ, as long as the particles are suspended, they will eventually flow down your overflow. I get particles too that seem to linger for days. I wouldn't worry about it. Thanks for the feedback!
3 days change is best
I use a washing mashine but it doesnt get it anywherre near as clean as your method does. I will be using this method from now on. Great video
Good idea with the carbon in the sock. Might use that in mine.
It sure is, with my tight sump space is valuable and you're welcome keep them vids coming pal.
Great Video. I enjoy all your vids. Hey, I just ordered a Trigger 39 sump and it ships with 4 X 12" filter socks. At 2:03 in the video, you mention you use 7" length socks (I think you have the Ruby) and I'm wondering if that 7" is correct, and whether you feel that's the optimum length sock, without dragging on the bottom. My sump arrives soon and I want to order the best length sock to have several on hand. Also, where to you order your socks ? BRS ?
Luke's Reef I never noticed that. I misspoke. The socks are 14" long. I get mine from local fish store.
Luke's Reef Oh, and thanks for watching and commenting.
Great video Danny.
Under The Tide Thanks! When I first started I thought these were a one time use.
Oh great vid btw. I do water-changes bi-weekly during and after water changes is when I put a filter sock to catch most of the debris that floating around I blow water on the rocks with a turkey baster to get all of the detritus moving. Then my overflow/Mp10 does the rest. And of course my filter sock catches it all. I then remove the sock after 3 days of using it.
Great method. What do you do in the winter?
Aaron Mele We don't really have seasons where I live. Normal winter temps is around mid 50s to low 60s. If you're in subzero temp area you can use the washing machine with Sentless bleach and NO soap then dry in drier.
So true, and I was one when I started my tank who didn't understand that concept. Why wash something from our tank in a machine that washes such nasty items... and have it not transfer some of that nasty stuff back to our reef? But it works when done right! I've never had a problem using my washer to clean my filter socks.
I soak them for 24 hours in bleach water as well , but my bleach to water ratio is much higher at 1cup of bleach to 4 gallons of water. After the 24 hours , I rinse them with the hose , then I wash them in the washing machine with just hot water. When they are done , they look like new socks , and there is no bleach smell.
canogaJE Thanks for sharing! Definitely more than one way to skin this cat.
Why not just use vinegar instead of bleach? I know everyone uses bleach but I am just too nervous to do it.
yes me too vinegar is good to go
Great video. I clean mine every two weeks or even up to a month. The variables to consider would be 1. size of tank 2. feeding schedule/ bio load 3. size and quantity of filter socks.. I have two 7" long filter socks in my 300 gallon system. Another thing to look for inside the filter socks is serpent stars....I usually find one every few filter changes. Thanks for sharing
I used to use filter socks but not anymore they trap a lotta of debris which is a good thing but they can also keep alotta phosphates i got rid of my filter socks and my bio balls both leech phosphates back in the tank
Hey reefergil...great explanation I've just started a 93 gal cube with a 125 gal sump...I was reading some comments below and someone was saying that they rinse there socks to make sure and get the pods out...if you rinse your socks and then dump that water with the pods in it back into your sump...wouldn't you be throwing all that junk back I to your system that you just filtered out? Thanks and again great video
dyligansisland You can get the pods out by simply turning the sock up side down and shake it up and down. Whatever pods don't come out this way, then you can gently pick them out with your fingers. It's really not that big of an issue. Most of the time I won't get any pods trapped in the sock.
I've used the same set of 100 micron socks that I got with my Trigger Systems sump for about a year now. YES, same set! I rinse them first, get the pods, snails and such out. Then I toss them in an empty washer on the smallest load setting on HOT. I use two cap full of bleach, NOTHING ELSE. Socks come out looking as new as the day I got them. Tried 200 micron, didn't like them, 200s didn't polish the water as well as the 100s did. I clean mine about every 5-7 days when I do my weekly maint.
Another great video!
Great vid Gil.
How do you like the Aqueon sump?
+Zachary Hanson I really liked it. I really liked how everything was laid out. It made changing the socks so easy and hassle free. It's just that sump I bought has a really small skimmer chamber and things got cluttered pretty quickly. So I ended up going bigger with the Trigger Systems sump.
+ReeferGil ok thanks
Very informative video! Keep them coming.
I don't think muffemod is speaking of filter socks, maybe the ones on his feet, lol :)
I was previously just pressure washing my filter socks with the hose which has become very annoying. I like your method Gil rather than washing machine. I will give it a try
I used bleach concentrated without water. I did rinse socks using my garden hose after 48 hr and left to dry for 4 days outside. After this I put they in my sump. I am worried about my fish tank because I see that you, guys, use small amount bleach with water? Anyway my socks do not smell bleach.
My aquarium looks okay. There is too late after few hours move out the sock to extra rinse.
I don't think it's the amount of bleach you use that would affect the tank, it's about thoroughly rinsing them and allowing to dry. I wouldn't use any type of bleach with perfumes.
ReeferGil thank you for your opinion.
Thank you. I like this idea plus did not want to get fussed at for using the washer.
Question do you need to add dechlorinator to the water that you're soaking the socks in after you clean them??
So basically with this method I can reuse the my filter socks by cleaning them instead of buying new ones?
Absolutely! I have some socks that are a year old. They look brand new after a diluted bleach bath for 24 hrs. Rinse REAL GOOD and let dry. Shouldnt smell bleach when processes is over.
Another great video Gil! This reminds me to order a few extras next time I place and order with brs. I plan to use the same method as you.
love the video man i do the same thing but i just pray my sock in my sink its to cold outside right now
You should be changing your filter socks every 2-3 days as it's proven that they are a cause of higher nitrates if left any longer. The ones that you are using are only £2 a a piece from ebay. I have stopped using them but I had about 30 I used in rotation so I'd wash about 2 dozen at a time using hosepipe to remove the general muck then the washing machine with a couple of teaspoons of bleach in with the socks. Then let them dry overnight and then fold.them up for re-use.
Nice!
see all this gunk that came off? now you pour it all over the socks so they possibly get back into the socks.
Not sure what this means.
ReeferGil in your video. You let it soak over night. Then you take them outside, to power wash them on your driveway. You poured the water from the bucket back onto and into the filter socks. 🤔
I used them at first, but I find theres no need for them, just makes for more work cleaning them out all the time, it's been over a year with out them and the tank is just fine, clean clear water.
thx man. Nice ink btw
Christopher Pullen Thank you Christopher!!
Nice video! I do it the exact same way you do! Works well for me:)
great video!! I use the same exact method!!
Lol. Your basement looks just like mine : ) do you find that it is necessary to soak them in RO/DI or do you think if they are rinsed well enough after soaking in bleach they can be rinsed briefly with RO/DI and then added back to the sump right away?
i just bought the mesh socks from BRS and are gonna give them a try. Im sure they wont catch as much but have to be easier to clean. Anybody else try them?
I FLIP THEY AS SOON I GET THEM OUT AND DIP IN SALT WATER FOR A COUPLE HOUR AND IF ANY PODS IN THEM USULLY FELT ON THE BUCKET HAS HAPPEN TO ME.
Nope. just straight tap. let dry after hosing off sock. Golden.
Didn't spraying water on the outside of the sock defeat the purpose? It's the inside that's dirty.
+DWB Videos Nope, If your hose nozzle has a strong enough stream, you will see all that crud get pushed right out of the sock (spray from bottom of sock upwards). Then flip the sock and repeat. The most important part of this process is to ensure all the bleach out then let the sock dry. No issues following these steps for past three years, so I'm confident it works :)
if you flip the inside out they clean beter thas how i do my in side out thank you
Lots of work. I'm sure you do more than two at a time. All I do is the washing machine with another rinse. I use the same time to wash all my tank towels. After I let them air dry, I have enough socks for a month so when I do my water change I soak all of them in the tank water then let them air dry after saoking for a day in tank water.
Oh I use 200 micron Nylon socks.
Hey reefergil. I have been watching your videos for awhile now. And based some of what I did to my system off of what you did. I recently added a filter sock to my system but still have a lot of particulates in my water. Any tips of how I can get rid of them? Thanks for the great videos look forward to seeing more.
AJ Shrek Hey AJ, as long as the particles are suspended, they will eventually flow down your overflow. I get particles too that seem to linger for days. I wouldn't worry about it. Thanks for the feedback!
I swear your not meant to even get any stuff on your fusb tank stuff except water
+Binkyingbunnies 🐇🐰 Hmmm, not sure I was able to translate this one, LOL. Sorry I don't have an answer.
***** that's ok no worries :)
Mate check out my first vid!! They can only get better!!! I hope!!!! Lol