Filter sock or filter pad?

I am in the process of designing the sump that I will be building for my aquarium upgrade, the question is should I design it to use a filter sock (which I have used in the past) or to use a filter pad that the water falls through? Is one better than the other and potential downsides/upsides for each? Thank you in advance for the knowledge and experience!

 

IME both are capable of performing same function with regard removing particulates from the water

both need regular maintenance in terms of cleaning to prevent decaying material build up

my preference is the filter sock , simply because , water can flow over and around the pad if you leave it a bit long between cleaning as surface gets coated and water finds the fastest route but with the filter sock, water has to run through it as when the bottom of the sock gets clogged, water just comes out through the cleaner area above the clogged parts




Steve

 

+1 for filter sock for same reasons.

 

i agree filter sock is better. i have used both and think the sock does a better job because of the facts steve mentioned .
the sock is more of a pain because you have to clean them, since you just toss the filter pads. but worth the extra work to run the sock

 

Thank you for the advice! Looks like I'll be going with a sock

 

FWIW I use BRS filter socks and really enjoy them!

I use:
BRS Nano Mesh Filter Sock 4" x 8" 200 Micron (w/ Plastic Ring)

I love the material they use, I clean mine out every two weeks compared to others that last 4-5 days.

 

In my pico I was using aquatic life 200 micron synthetic and those while hard to find worked great as well, I'm putting in a BRS order in the next week or so here so I'll definitely take a look at them. Thank you.

 

Glad to help, here are detailed pics of the filter sock I posted above. The material they used is outstanding.






You can find them here(Shown in picture 4” x 8” BRS Mesh Filter Sock with Plastic Ring):
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/speci...micron-w-plastic-ring.html?dir=DESC&orderby=2

 

so you enjoy them? lol sorry but that just sounds funny to me.

oh your using the mesh! much easier to turn inside out to clean. now i get why you enjoy them

 

I had the old cloth style and HATED them with a deep passion, the mesh is a million times better.