Questions for those running filter socks

[David R]

My 1400L tank has been running with filter socks in the sump for about 6 weeks now, they are working really well but they clog really fast!! The pump is running at about 5000LPH and the two drains from the overflow each drain into their own sock. Pics here.

I've tried running 100 micron socks as well as running 50 micron with a 200 micron inside them. Both seemed to only last 3-4 days before needing to be washed.

Is that normal? How often does everyone have to clean their socks?

Does anyone run any sort of pre-filter to increase the time it takes for the socks to clog?

I've been thinking about adding a big canister to help keep the water clear and reduce the load on the socks. Good idea, or should I just get used to cleaning the socks every 4 days? Its not ideal as I'd like to be able to leave the tank running unattended for at least a week for going on holiday...

Any handy tips or tricks for cleaning the socks????

 

[jcardona1]

It's common when first adding socks to an established tank. It will take a while to pull all that crud out of your system. When I first added 100 micron socks to my 400g, they would almost clog within a few hours. After a while I was able to last about a week.

On my 57g discus tank, 25 micron socks will also last about a week. It's not really a problem when setting up a new tank, but is when adding socks to an old tank, as there is so much debris floating around in your water. The only thing you can do is add coarser filter socks inside the finer ones, to act as a pre-filter.

When I've gone away on long trips, I usually remove the socks and run it w/o mechanical filtration, and just deal with it when I get back.

 

[David R]

When I've gone away on long trips, I usually remove the socks and run it w/o mechanical filtration, and just deal with it when I get back.

Thats what I'm thinking of doing, we're going away for four weeks in May/June so I might see how long a 200 micron sock lasts.

The tank was sort of new, it didn't have fish in it when I added the socks but had been running empty with no mechanical filtration for about a month. My concern is that its not yet fully stocked, I've still got 6 uaru, a black aro and a few more plecs to add! Shame I didn't design the sump with more room to add more socks...

 

[Recumbent]

I use 7" X 32" nylon mesh filter socks. I use 2 sets of 400 inside 200 on my 300G. They last only 3 days because of the heavy feeding of spirolina ~4oz/day for the ~40 plecos in the tank. My 270G one has 1 set that lasts the same 3 days because of less feeding. It is getting 2 new sumps this week that take 2 sets each. This may last a week between changes. My 580G will also be using 4 sets (setting up soon).

The single layer nylon mesh absolute filter clog faster than polyester, but are super easy to clean (just hit them with a hose and they look like new).

With lower stocking levels I may eventually be able to go 2 weeks (certainly without feeding when on vacation).