filter sock vs sponges

[Jez1992]

Hi all,

Picking up my mini monster tank (48l x 30w x 24tall) tomoz and nice big sump. 36×24×15

Now in planning Stage for sump, Gon a be mainly k1 media but will transfer all bio rings and bio media from canisters into it also to kick start bacteria.

Question is mechanical,

Keeping stingrays and cichlids, and in future maybe a mbu puffer, so all big messy fish.

Are socks best of sponges/floss for catching detritus and having clear water?

If so which micron socks, how is best to clean and how often do they need to be cleaned?

Thanks all!

 

[duanes]

Micron size depends on how many times you want to clean the socks.
I found even with 100 micron socks, I needed to rinse (change them out) every few days, depending on stocking level.
I kept 3 socks for each line out of the sump.
While one was hanging in the tank, I'd have one sitting in bleach, and another sitting in a sodium thiosulfate solution (neutralizing the bleach).
And as far as sponges go, I would sometimes place a sponge inside a filter sock. so it could easily be pulled out, squeezed and rinsed in tank water, then placed back inside the filter sock. That method might save an extra few days before needing to rinse the sock.

 

[Jez1992]

Micron size depends on how many times you want to clean the socks.
I found even with 100 micron socks, I needed to rinse (change them out) every few days, depending on stocking level.
I kept 3 socks for each line out of the sump.
While one was hanging in the tank, I'd have one sitting in bleach, and another sitting in a sodium thiosulfate solution (neutralizing the bleach).
And as far as sponges go, I would sometimes place a sponge inside a filter sock. so it could easily be pulled out, squeezed and rinsed in tank water, then placed back inside the filter sock. That method might save an extra few days before needing to rinse the sock.

Thanks.

So 100 micron socks with filterfloss in and could then just throw floss out every few days? And maybe clean socks weekly?

 

[duanes]

Sure, depending on your stock load.
Or one of the reasons I put sponges in socks, was the sponge, besides catching small particulate (and then squeezed out every couple days) would harbor plenty of beneficial bacteria.
Socks can also simply be hosed out, although I found this shortened their useful life span.

 

[DN328]

My tank bio load is relatively low compared to tank volume. I use two 2 200micron sox. In addition if you have the option I would use felt and/or filter floss. I use that even after bio filtration before the return pump.