Cleaning filter socks

I just installed my new refugium and started using the filter socks that came with it. I read to use bleach water to clean them, but what ratio should it be? How often should I do it? After using the bleach mix, can I use tap water to rinse them out and then do a final dunk in ro/di water?

 

I have never cleaned mine...I tend to just replace them over time. It seems like once every 3-4 weeks works for me....in an established tank. I always worry about not getting all of the bleach out, or picking up other contaminates along the way...not worth the risk. There are definately others on this site that will say I am wasting my money doing that..but for me...I sleep better doing it this way . Also, you will likely open up the whole filter sock need debate as well...many are for them and an equal number are against them. I am a fan...keeps my sump cleaner...which I think helps me in the long run.

 

That ro crap is over rated. I use 50/50 bleach water for 24 hrs, then tap water for 24 hrs. Then i throw em on the tank. But i never use socks unless i maintenance the tank and stir stuff up, then i throw em on until the tank is clear and pull them back off. Normally i dont run mechanical filtration.

 

I'm too cheap to just pitch them! If it just takes soaking them in a 50/50 mix and then soaking them in tap water to clean them every 3-4 weeks I can handle that, so I think I'll be using them.
For me I noticed it reduces the noise of the water coming into my fuge, so that alone is worth it to me.

 

50/50 soak is good but I'd follow it up with tap with prime in it. That will ensure the bleach is gone.

 

So that leads to the question of how much prime for a gallon of tap water?

 

While I don't actually use filter socks, my media bags get washed and dried with a load of laundry. Period. I've seen many others answer this question by claiming to do the same with their socks.

 

The directions on bottle will tell you.

 

I rinse mine every few days inside out under the sink until they are clean. I use mesh instead of felt

 

50/50 bleach water! Ohhh my word Batman!

1/4 cup to 1/2 cup per gallon is PLENTY strong enough!

I wash my socks in a guesstimate of that ratio.

Why would you toss socks when they are dirty? That's sort of insaine... just saying! Do you only wear your clothes once?