TDS and washing filter socks

I change my sock out every couple days also, nothing to do with overfeeding i just like to get the large particles out of the water. I used to use aqua clear hob filters in addition with my skimmer b4 i had a skimmer, seems like a sponge or polyfilter would remove as much as a filter sock would. I doubt my sock is stripping my tank of all food debris for filter feeders. I just run my filter socks thru the washer inside out with warm water....no bleach or soap and let them dry out...no problems so far. My lfs uses same method on their personal tanks.

 

I will once again have to give Tangster a nod of agreement. I ask these questions because I want to be in this hobby years from now, and not have quit in frustration. I will go "sockless"for a while, and see how things work out.

 

Agree...I bow to Tangster on just about any given topic...

On some topics some of us have different goals we are trying to accomplish or different ways of doing them.

For "best" way, I would always defer to him. ;D

 

If I am currently using a blue and white filter pad in the drip tray of my wet/dry system... would I have a need for a filter sock?
Where does a filter sock go in a system like mine with bioballs underneath the pad going to the sump?

 

I just hose mine down, shake them out good and set them to dry so I am interested in the answer as well.

Take a bucket of RO and measure the TDS. Then put in your (after the cleaning process) Sock. Wait ten minutes, maybe swirl the sock around in there a little and Re-Measure the TDS.

Your answer awaits.

I will do this and give you my results as well.

 

Since I only have a combo fuge/sump and I split my output hose into 2 to slow down the flow through the Fuge part I only use a sock on the sump side of it the other side which flows directly into the return pump I use a 200 micron 4" sock more to stop any bubbles that go into that side but cleaning the water is a plus.

I have 4 socks that I replace the one in use every 7 days. When they are dirty I put then into the washer with a load of white clothes, wash them and then run them through a 2nd rinse cycle.

I then take them out and put into a bucket of RODI and add some Kent marine dechlorinater to the water. once they sit for a few hours I take out and let sun dry. I have never ran into any problems doing it this way.

I will how ever note that I only use a sock on my 33 long frag tank and fuge. My 20 long and 56 seahorse tank I do not use one.

 

I took a 44 oz cup, rinsed it in RO and then tested the RO for TDS. It was 11.

I then submerged a "Clean" sock in the same cup for about 10 minutes. The TDS was 50. So there was a clear difference.

Keep in mind. I ONLY hose wash my socks. No dishwashers, no washing machines, no soap or bleach - Just regular city tap water that normally has a TDS of about 170.

Also keep in mind that I did not run any controls. The increase in TDS may have nothing to do with the tap water - It could be from the Not so Clean, "Clean" Sock. ;D

Either way, I have had pretty good success so far. Based on Tangsters comment on the coral food thing, I am going to use the sock a little less. Maybe more as a supplement to cleaning vs. a 24/7 thing.

 

I use a fitler sock for ~ a day only when I baste my rock and stuff!

 

Great topic, I waqs wondering this as well, because I waqsh my "socks" in the washing machine on cold/cold and was thinkin once I let them air dry maybe the "bad" stuff would evaporate with the water........