Filter socks. Worth it or not?

[tah532]

I recently set up a new 75gallon FOWLR, and have a BS-1 Berlin sump from Marine Depot hooked up to it. My question is, I have the filter sock that comes with it hooked up, and I wash and change the filter out every 3-4 days. Do I need this sock and can it actually hurt my water quality? I like how clean and sparkling the water is because of it, but does it raise nitrates or other poisons? It just seems that since this tank started I have had problems with ich and now my flagfin has popeye. Maybe its just from stress of switching tanks in the last couple months. I dont know, anyway, what are your thoughts on the filter socks?

 

[tah532]

I also have hooked up a UV sterilizer for the last couple weeks now and does anyone know how soon you can see the results of these pieces of equipment. Its a Turbotwist 9watt by Coralife. I know the parasites have to go thru their cycles and all. Does anyone use a UV sterilizer?

 

[Anonymous]

I use a UV, and it's helped really well with cryptocarian (sp). I totally recommend them for a FOWLR. Also, the sock...just make sure you stay on top of it... not a bad idea for your setup...IMHO.

~wings~

 

[Anonymous]

... oh wanted to add... got a 25w on a 55g. Works great.

~wings~

 

[Len]

I've been using my fiilter sock for the last 3 months but I think I'll stop now. You don't need the filter sock. If you can keep up maintaining it, it's not a bad idea. But I've operated enough tanks without using socks to know it isn't necessary.

 

[ChrisRD]

They come in handy for periodic use like for catching detritus when you're "storming" your rockwork. Sortof a pain to run continuously though...

 

[tah532]

How do you get the excess debris outta the sump then if you dont use the sock? Because of the sump being at floor level and all.

 

[ChrisRD]

You can usually get a weak syphon going since the sump water level will be slightly higher than say an empty bucket. Either that or use a powerhead with some tubing to suck it out.

If you don't mind changing the sock out frequently there's nothing wrong with leaving it in - just stay on top of it. Just be sure not to neglect it or it will start doing more harm than good.

 

[Len]

For some odd reason, I never had much detritus acculumation in my sump, even in my 10 year old 120 gallon. Whatever detritus that did collect was probably removed with a wet/dry vac that I used for water very infrequent water changes.