Filter Sock Usage

Sounds like mystery solved, hopefully!

I had an issues with slime on my filter sock when my tank got accidentally overdosed with vodka. That's why I initially thought of slime coat and carbon dosing clogging it. Keep us informed of the out come.
 
I just ran new plumbing for herbie. I left the socks out of the return. Been reading different thoughts on this. I do notice a little more particulate in the water column. I'll see how it goes.
 
Camellia;929264 wrote: Sounds like mystery solved, hopefully!

I had an issues with slime on my filter sock when my tank got accidentally overdosed with vodka. That's why I initially thought of slime coat and carbon dosing clogging it. Keep us informed of the out come.
Click to expand...

I will definitely let you know if this resolves the issue.

Mikesmith34;929282 wrote: I just ran new plumbing for herbie. I left the socks out of the return. Been reading different thoughts on this. I do notice a little more particulate in the water column. I'll see how it goes.
Click to expand...

Personally I don't notice much in the way of the water column but the bottom of the sump definitely gets nasty without the socks.
 
Well the sock was overflowing again this morning. I'll give it the benefit of the doubt because the crap that was left in the tank from before the output of the bio pellets being relocated.

I've changed the sock so we'll see.
 
Definitely give a new sock a chance with the new plumbing. By the way, I think you had some type of DIY waste collector last I saw, but how often do you think you'd have to empty the collection cup if you didn't? I'm wondering how much your skimmer is pulling relative to mine.

For instance, I emptied my collection cup a couple of nights ago and this morning noticed that it was maybe 20% full. That's low for two nights, about half, relative to what I've seen it pull. Therefore, I knew I wasn't getting the most efficient skimming possible due to water level or needing to dial up the skimmer a bit. Sure enough, the sock I put in the same night was almost spilling over, when I know I could probably get 4-5 days out of it when skimming efficiently.
 
Newbie20;929374 wrote: Definitely give a new sock a chance with the new plumbing. By the way, I think you had some type of DIY waste collector last I saw, but how often do you think you'd have to empty the collection cup if you didn't? I'm wondering how much your skimmer is pulling relative to mine.

For instance, I emptied my collection cup a couple of nights ago and this morning noticed that it was maybe 20% full. That's low for two nights, about half, relative to what I've seen it pull. Therefore, I knew I wasn't getting the most efficient skimming possible due to water level or needing to dial up the skimmer a bit. Sure enough, the sock I put in the same night was almost spilling over, when I know I could probably get 4-5 days out of it when skimming efficiently.
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That's was the old skimmer. I have a new external skimmer now. The new one had about 20% filled overnight with the bio pellet plumbed into it.
 
Well 12 hours and the sock is over flowing once again. I guess the bio pellet outlet wasn't the only issue...
 
I'm still convinced it's all related to the bio-pellets. I had a scare a couple months back when I stopped skimming while increasing the bio-pellets. Like Camilla, I essentially overdosed the tank for a couple of days. Those days were when my filter socks filled as fast as yours are.

Also, though full, your socks are relatively clear, right? So, it really seems that you're skimmer isn't pulling out enough of the bio-pellet byproduct. So, I'd double check the amount of bio-pellets you're running relative to water volume. If that's in check, I'd see if you can increase your skimmer's production somehow.
 
Newbie20;929602 wrote: I'm still convinced it's all related to the bio-pellets. I had a scare a couple months back when I stopped skimming while increasing the bio-pellets. Like Camilla, I essentially overdosed the tank for a couple of days. Those days were when my filter socks filled as fast as yours are.

Also, though full, your socks are relatively clear, right? So, it really seems that you're skimmer isn't pulling out enough of the bio-pellet byproduct. So, I'd double check the amount of bio-pellets you're running relative to water volume. If that's in check, I'd see if you can increase your skimmer's production somehow.
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Yeah I'm sure it has something to do with the bio-pellets. I am currently using exactly half of whats recommended per the product instructions. I'm pulling about half a collection cup of skimmate a day at this point... I can definitely turn the skimmer production up, but having to empty the collection cup more then once a day just doesn't sound like the plan I want to follow.

I will play with the skimmer a bit and see what I can come up with.
 
Just did a quick google search on "carbon dosing and filter socks" and came across multiple threads confirming the conclusion that the two don't always go well together ie quick clogging of the sock. I'm still ramping mine up, so this is something I'll have to keep an eye on.
 
Newbie20;929612 wrote: Just did a quick google search on "carbon dosing and filter socks" and came across multiple threads confirming the conclusion that the two don't always go well together ie quick clogging of the sock. I'm still ramping mine up, so this is something I'll have to keep an eye on.
Click to expand...

Well like I said, I'm using about half what I "should" be... maybe I should ramp down a bit and see what happens.
 
Or, eliminate the filter socks altogether. I think you stated earlier in the thread that you weren't really having clarity issues in the water column. Personally, if I had to chose, I'd lean towards having the correct amount of bio pellets to keep my params in check, rather than sacrifice those benefits to remove particulates from the water. If you're sock is filling that fast, it isn't removing much anyway.

Keep the thread updated either way. In some ways, I'm following your lead.
 
FWIW, I changed from felt to mesh socks and I have been much happier over all. Still catches the large particulate out of the water but they don't overflow as much imo and are MUCH easier to clean. Maybe this will help.
 
Super;929615 wrote: Well like I said, I'm using about half what I "should" be... maybe I should ramp down a bit and see what happens.
Click to expand...

+1

We know its not normal to have the slime and my thoughts are the slime is coming from the coral which can't be healthy. What kind of corals do you keep? Do they look happy, healthy and growing?

Let us know how it goes for a few days after cutting the pellets back.
 
At around 1:00 today I changed the overflowing sock and removed a good bit of the bio pellets. I have about 200ml of pellets in use now.

We'll see how this changes things...
 
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