Anyone familiar with this Sump?

[tah532]

I recently installed a Berlin BS-1 sump that I purchased thru Marine Depot for my 75gallon FOWLR tank. I have the filter sock installed on it along with a AquaC Urchin skimmer, and two bags of Chemipure in the compartment before the pump. My question is, do I need to use this filter sock? The manufacturer recommends washing it in hot water in washing machine every four days, which i do. What exactly are the pro and cons of this filter sock? It does seem to become saturated with lots of junk over the course of three to four days. And if i were to not use it would my tank become more cloudy and dirty? And would i need to siphon more out of the sump or tank during water changes? as you can tell I am a first time sumper

 

[Anonymous]

I would be afraid to wash it in the washing machine as there could be bleach or soap residue in the washer.

That would be bad....

I know my daughter spills the color safe bleach all over the top and I end up washing it up all the time.

If you don't use the filter sock you will probably notice more junk in the bottom of your sump.

If you can get a siphon going from your sump you can clean that stuff out every once in a while.

I could never get a siphon going from my sump because it sits on the floor.

 

[fungia]

i use that sump without the filter sock sometimes. the filter sock helps to reduce bubbles, i try to use it when i remember to buy new ones. i dont wash mine, it is too much trouble.

 

[ParkAveTony]

Im A new guy with 72g bow and a BS3 wich holds 49g and has 2 socks wich I change about every 3 weeks. I expect the changes to become less frequent as the tank matures. What ever you do dont wash in washing machine, maybe hand wash in clean water preferably R.O. water. I Have A very large sump for my tank wich has proven to help maintain stability for now.

 

[Rikko]

I have a filter sock (custom sump) and before washing it I put about a gallon of fresh water into the washer and set it on the wash/spin cycle (for about a minute total) to get any detergent residue mostly flushed out.
I also had it suggested to wash it with washing soda.

I did... And I found that the washing soda had a bit of a "fresh" smell coming off it.. I remember another poster saying they smelled that same fake freshness (you know, the same smell that the chemical companies think a man should smell like) but he thought it was just in his head. I thought the box might have taken on some of the other detergent scents from sitting by them on the shelf so gave it a whirl in the machine..

Out it came... I still smelled something.. Gave it a good rinse under the tap for good measure.. Still smelled.

Thought maybe it's a brain tumor (washing soda box said nothing about added stinky agents) and tossed it in my sump...

Walked out, came back ten minutes later.. The entire room smelled like a bar of soap. I kind of panicked, looked at the tank.. No reaction.
Did something unwise.. I left it in there... Still no reaction. Corals didn't close, fish didn't act differently... That was about 4 days ago now. The fresh delightful smell is gone and no reaction from the denizens. I didn't even add carbon.

 

[Len]

Tony :welcome:

I'm still using filter socks on my overflow drain. I was planning to phase it out over time, but I might just continue to use it and replace it on a semi-monthly basis.