Filter sock material, which is best

[weaglereefer]

I've located some filter bags at a good price, and in the size I like (only 8" long vs. the 14" that came from the group buy a while back). They offer them in 2 materials, Polyester Multifilament Mesh and Polypropylene Monofilament Mesh. The Monofilament Mesh socks cost approximately 42% more than the Multifilament. Are they worth the extra? Are they stronger or easier to clean than the Multifilament Mesh socks? And finally is 100microns too small?

 

[elfloyd]

What are they rated? 200 microns? 100 microns? I like the felt bags (100 microns), but they get clogged very easily (2-3 days) and cause a bubble over outside of my sump. But I positively see a difference in water clarity.

 

[grouper therapy]

Check with acroholic I think he runs the monofilament. The 100 micron is kinda the norm if there is such a thing.

 

[hackman72]

...and please let us know where you'rew getting such a great deal from. We might like to enjoy such bargains :up:

 

[mojo]

Bulk Reef Supply sells both mesh and felt socks in both sizes, all 200 micron. See http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/advanced_search_result.php?osCsid=7c4211ad531dd5bfa23aaa46eededc38&keywords=filter+sock&x=0&y=0">this page</a>.

I bought both types, and have settled on the felt type- it pulls out much more. I have to swap my three out every week, so I have a total of 15 socks. I run through them through the washing machine with organic soap, once inside out and the other normal, with an extra rinse. They work great for me.

 

[grouper therapy]

http://filterbag.com/PONG100P4P-p845.html">http://filterbag.com/PONG100P4P-p845.html</a>
Good price here as well

 

[jonathan]

I use the ones that Grouper mentioned and swap them once a week. I went ahead and purchased a box of 50 (1 year supply for me) for $138. Not too expensive once you consider all the other tank necessities.

Jonathan

 

[weaglereefer]

grouper therapy;400639 wrote: http://filterbag.com/PONG100P4P-p845.html">http://filterbag.com/PONG100P4P-p845.html</a>
Good price here as well[/QUOTE]


Haha, that's where I was looking. There's a 25 minimum so it's an extra $25 basically.

The ones I'm looking at are 100 micron, but come in many sizes (100, 150, 200, 250, etc.). I have no problem changing them daily, and the 5 I have now isn't sufficient. The problem I have is that with the 14" bags they're too tall for my sump, and they bend at the bottom. This allows them to trap air and the end of the sock floats up and my socks overflow within a day (though when I lift them out the water comes out the bottom no problem, it's actually the area near the top of the sock that gets dirty). I keep a bucket near my washing machine and wash the socks once a week with a cap full of bleach, then 2 rinse cycles (one inside out, one the normal way). As long as they don't smell like bleach, I let them air dry for a day and then put them back into service.

I didn't want to post a link because I'm still not sure if that is allowed (don't know which sponsors carry those socks) but at that price.....

 

[acroholic]

I like the mesh socks the best, personally. I have three 200 micron monofilament mesh socks that I have been running for months and they are the only ones I use. When they need cleaning, I pull them off, take them outside, turn them inside-out and blast with a garden hose, turn right-side in and blast once more, and place back in service. Takes all of 3-5 minutes, and my sump stays clean.

Everyone finds what works best for them, but I wouldn't go back to felt socks if you paid me.

As for pore size, I prefer the 200 micron size becasue I think at this width, some useful food is still passsed thru for the filter feeders.
Dave

 

[acroholic]

Also, if you call filterbag.com and ask the sales person you talk with to make an exception, I believe they will sell you a smaller quantity than 25. I recently bought six 50 micron mesh socks (during my anti algae war) from them and they had no issue selling them to me.
Dave

 

[weaglereefer]

Well I did some more looking and they have nylon mesh as well. Any thoughts on that?

Cheapest seems to be the Polyester Multifilament Mesh, coming in at $1.50 for the 200micron bags (going from your tanks, taking your advice).

I remembered what I liked about the felt sock I used to have; they have a rigid edge sewn in and it kept the sock straight down in the water, they didn't float up like the 14" mesh socks.

I guess I'll give them a call soon and see if I could get a few styles, maybe 10 200micron socks and 5 100micron socks. Figure I'll run the 200s during the week and the 100s during the weekend if company is coming over so the tank looks extra clear, lol.

 

[lilrobb]

I can't see the links on my phone - but are these the ones with the plastic ring on top?
I definitely need to order some of those...

 

[skriz]

I hate 100 micron; too fine. I currently use 200 micron & they work well. I'd prefer a higher number though.

 

[weaglereefer]

LilRobb;400736 wrote: I can't see the links on my phone - but are these the ones with the plastic ring on top?
I definitely need to order some of those...

Yes, they have a plastic ring.

 

[lilrobb]

Do I hear someone say GROUPBUY?

 

[basscyn]

LilRobb;400756 wrote: Do I hear someone say GROUPBUY?

Marking thread.
I'm <u>in</u> ...if this turns into a group buy!

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

I'm definately looking to use socks. One thing nobody has mentioned thought.....opening size? 4", 6", 7" or 8"? I can only use a 4" due to the size and location of my sump.

 

[weaglereefer]

I said up top that they were 4" socks. I also use 4" due to size restrictions. That site lists many other sizes available, though, just take a look and I'm sure you can find what suits you.

 

[mockery]

I'd be up for some non-felt 200 micron one. The felt one are just so hard to clean!

 

[mojo]

Mockery;400840 wrote: I'd be up for some non-felt 200 micron one. The felt one are just so hard to clean!

I throw mine in the washing machine. I turn them inside out, wash, then turn them back correctly, then wash again with extra rinse cycle. I use Seventh Generation soap, as it's non-detergent. They come out looking almost new.