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I don't even change my socks but once a week so you can imagine what the ones in the sump look like
to sock or not to sock
- Thread starter ruscar
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Sock it!!!
Filter socks are available in two types of material, polypropylene felt and mesh. The felt type feel like cloth and come in micron ratings, typically 50, 100, 150, 200 and up micron ratings. The larger the micron number, the larger the hole, the more water passes thru them. So a 100 micron sock would catch particles larger than 100 microns and let anything smaller (<100 microns) thru.
Mesh filter socks are the same as felt in pore size, but are available in different materials, usually polypropylene, polyester, or nylon. Each material has different chemical properties (resistance to high pH values, resistance to low pH values) for certain uses like filtering biofuels, acid washes, etc. They are used in many processes outside of prefiltering reef tanks water. The construction of the mesh is basically a grid weave pattern like ripstop nylon (vertical and horizontal rows). The openness of the weave determines the pore size. With mesh socks, I can see the openings on a 200 micron sock, but not a 100 micron sock.
Because mesh socks are not a material, they don't need to be cleaned in a washing machine like felt socks do. Turn them inside out and spray with a garden hose. Turn them right side in and repeat. That is it.
I use mesh socks because I believe that the easier it is to do a certain reef maintenance chore, the more likely I am to do it when I should. Cleaning felt socks is a PIA, and costs more in the long run, and mesh socks keep their pore size, unlike felt socks, at least according to my Sales source at filterbag.com.
Seems most reefers that use filter socks use the 200 micron size for normal use, and maybe smaller 100 or 50 sizes for water polishing. Generally, the smaller the pore size the faster they clog up. 200 microns seems a decent tradeoff between filtering ability and length of time between cleanings.
I don't have a sock holder, but my tank does have a ball valve on the drain pipe above the sump (I know, I know but it works right with it, and "flushes" if I take it out). I use a long zip tie through the sock's plastic rib and "hang" it from the ball valve handle (vertical, since it is open all the time).
skriz
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OR, you find the guy in the sock..alive! I've seen it a couple of times. I haven't found a dead one yet; let's hope that streak keeps going!
I prefer the felt bags over the mesh. I've found them to work better and last longer than the mesh. Prove it, you say..I can't, but I don't have to
This is just what I see. Dave might see the performance differently. There's also the different quality materials. I've seen cheap felt bags that are VERY thin and fragile looking. These hardly last and are not worth using. The better quality bags are very thick material and last much longer.
Dave, I'd love to see one of the filterbag.com socks. $3 is stupid cheap
Skriz;524026 wrote: There's also the different quality materials. I've seen cheap felt bags that are VERY thin and fragile looking. These hardly last and are not worth using. The better quality bags are very thick material and last much longer.
Dave, I'd love to see one of the filterbag.com socks. $3 is stupid cheap
Definitely +1 on the differing felt materials. I have some felt ones that are THICK, and some that are thin that I don't use.
My 7" mesh filter bags are about $7 each from filterbag.com. The ones that at $3-$4 each are the 4" diameter. I use 4" mesh socks on my 60 gallon, and 7" socks on the 300/150 system. I'll bring one to the next ARC or BoD meeting for you to see.
Filterbag.com also sells the felt variety. They are really a wholesaler, but they are nice enough to sell to individuals.
I did an unofficial group buy on these 4" mesh socks with other ARC Members back in 2008. I think we paid about $3.50 each for them.
Joe,
The 200 micron is best for overall use, IMO, but I'd get a couple 100 micron socks just so you can try them out. I go between the two sizes, really. I have 4 of both. I wouldn't buy more than 4 socks of any type, because the mesh ones last so long. If I were ordering, I would buy 4 200 micron (general use), 2 100 micron (to try), and two 50 micron (water polishing). The 50 is for water polishing or if you need to clear the water quickly.
Dave
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I think there was an official power buy on them last year, I think for the 2009 Frag meet.
I still need to order some the correct size, ones I use are too long. I need the short socks.
I still need to order some the correct size, ones I use are too long. I need the short socks.
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