do I really need any foam filters? bad for pods?

you should use filter floss over the bioballs to keep excesive debrise off them so they can work

 

should i use a sock instead of blue foam pad? same thing basically?

 

If I was going to use any mech filter it would be socks just because they are reusable/washable. That was not an option in my W/D because it was a megaflow and came out of a chamber to flow over the tray. If you can use a sock that would be good.

 

I agree I have six filtersocks I keep in rotation,when I'm at the 4th dirty one I wash them.If you ever have to wash the bioballs because they are really bad use your dirty water from a water change

 

I did put back like 1-2" layer of balls/lr rumble under tray just to cut down on noise. the rest I didnt need I took out. I have enough mature rock in my tank now. I'll have to goto the LFS tomorrow for something. I might not be able to use a sock, but there was some white cleanable cloth Ive used in the past.. its not foam but cloth.. microfiber or something.