Socks, Skimmers, and Sumps-OH MY

I started this hobby about 8 months ago but never dealt with "filter socks" before. My eshoppes sump uses them, and I already had to change one after i changed over to my new tank, I assume because of the sand from the changeover etc. How often do filter socks need to be changed. I installed the new one and have the old one soaking in bleach as was suggested by my local fish emporium. The cost could add up quickly if I have to buy new ones each time. Also, did I read that a new filter sock should be pre washed? I am trying to avoid my protein skimmer going crazy. My Bubble magus went nuts constantly and I bought a reef octopus for the new tank, which I imagine will be just as big of a pain to keep operating properly.

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

 

Filter socks last long enough. Some people keep around 5 filter socks, and rotate between them daily. You can wash them with bleach and reuse them. Someone that actually uses them will have more info than I do (I don't have any yet).

 

I swap and rinse mine every 2-3 days. I prefer the mesh socks to felt.

 

I have 5 that I rotate in and out after I do a big cleaning. I also use vinagar not bleach to clean them. If you leave a little extra vinagar no big deal but make sure your getting 100% of the bleach out of the sock. I also will go a few weeks without using a sock at all. Then ill use them about a week to polish the water. It's my own opinion not to go more than a day without rinsing or changing it out. A lot of debris in the sock can lead to other issues

 

I prefer the mesh ones as well - I feel it lets more the beneficial stuff through while catching some of the other things you may not want in your sump or tank.

I'll use a sock when my pistol shrimp gets a little over zealous and decides to remodel, or after a big cleaning. I keep three on hand and rotate them out every few days if I'm using them

I then wash them in the washing machine without detergent or bleach along with all the towels and things that build up over about a week. My washer has one of those "sanitize" features which raises the water over 155deg. I then make sure they are completely dry before re-using them in the tank.

 

Talk about more ways to 'skin a cat' ! Peoples sock maintenance routines.

I guy once bought new one instead of cleaning every few days!

 

About twice a week, I like the felt versions though, buti use the plasticy ones n my 480 set up, I'm not a huge fan of them sorry.

 

I have an eshopps r300 w dual overflows draining into a square sock on my 180. I have 4 socks total. I change it weekly. I throw them in the washer with some bleach when I am down to 1 sock. Just be sure to set the washer to extra rinse cycle if it has one. I let them dry completely and rinse in a 5 gallon bucket with prime or other dechlorinator befor install. It works great and it keep unwanted items out of the sump.

 

Does changing the "sock" have an effect on the protein skimmer? It seems if I look at the skimmer wrong it goes int hyperactive mode.

 

Depends what chemicals are on it lol.