Running sock-less?

So I am cleaning my sump and thinking about the mix of sumps I have seen with some utilizing socks and some not. Are they necessary?


Nitty

 

Anyone?

 

i run my sock every now and then, the skimmer pulls alot out. I use it when I do a water change and blast off the rocks stir up detritus etc.. I also use it to siphon the sand, put the tube into the sock and point the tank end at a powerhead.

 

Hmmm, so no running it all the time huh.... I heard it can build up NO3 if left past a couple days...

 

I have a three sock system and rotate them every week (total of six). Three are always clean, declorinated and ready to go.

I agree with "Ducksmasher" they collect heavy detrtius. It's just a part of mechanical filtering and an important one.

Try a rotating schedule.

 

If they are not cleaned often they could do
but as a method of keeping particulates out of the tank
which helps to maintain tank clarity, they are a great addition IMO

depending on the set up they can also help to protect equipment IME
Creatures that find their way over the overflow end up in the sock
and not stuck in pumps/ skimmers etc

Steve

 

good point.