Micron Filter Socks --- Yes or No?

[fluidimagery]

I have a 7" (diamter) 100 micron filter sock setup on the drain from my overflow to help with microbubbles... I just hate seeing them.

It does a nice job with the bubbles but I'm cleaning it out a few times a week to prevent overflow. I've gotten 3 lyretail anthias 2 days ago and since I'm feeding more frequenly now the waste food is clogging the sock up even faster. I just put it in the washing machine with some bleach for the first time since getting it and it's working well for now but I'm just wondering if I should take the sock out and deal with the bubbles some other way or if it's better that the extra food is getting trapped instead of staying in the system and rotting.

Are there more ill effects to using the socks than benefits?

 

[crox99]

I use them and I know they are a pain to clean but they do a great job in getting rid of all the detritus. IMO I would keep them in.

 

[masterswimmer]

I have a three year old system running without a filter sock.
I just set up a new system running with a filter sock.

I will never run a system without a filter sock again. I also have to clean mine about 2 or 3 times a week. The inconvenience is definitely something to deal with. But absolutely worth the effort.

swimmer

 

[fluidimagery]

That's the answer I was hoping for. I've heard mixed opinions from LFS that too many good things get trapped in there.

Is washing with bleach the right thing to do? I can't always trust LFS advice although they are a good one. No detergent, bleach only... came out nice a clean, I just don't want to wake up to a bunch of dead fish tomorrow, lol.

 

[masterswimmer]

I would put the bleached sock through a double rinse cycle.

swimmer

 

[fluidimagery]

ok, well I'll do that next time. I washed the sock out again with hot water in the sink with the sprayer. Fingers Crossed...

 

[scumonkey]

Get a few and rotate them out.
Bleach is good....make sure to rinse well, some people do it twice.
I feel that once is enough because bleach evaporates over time and,
I've never had a problem. I use 3 100micron socks at a time!

 

[crox99]

A lot of people use bleach on their socks with no consequences.

 

[fluidimagery]

Thanks Guys!

 

[TUGBOATBRUCE]

The LFS by me told me to bring mine to him, he blows mine with high pressure water and than air!! Works great

 

[Tonyscoots84]

i wash mine in the washing machine but only with cold water and bleach... i also do a double rinse which is much safer in my opinion... i never ever use hot water due to the metals and crap that i dont want in my filter sock that is going back into my tank to filter the water...

 

[fluidimagery]

good point with the metals... I think our house is plumbled with copper on both hot and cold though. I'm not sure if there's more concern outside of copper with hot water. There may be some residue in the hot water heater too...