Filter sock vs. filter media

What's better and why? I'm trying to figure out what's best to integrate into my 20g sump for my 75 DT. A sock on the drain line or maybe some type of sponge between baffles? I hate all the small particles I can see floating around in the system I am running now with no filter media, just a fuge and skimmer.
Any opinions appreciated.

 

Filter sock would be the most effective. Just clean it often to keep from getting a nitrate problem.

 

filter socks are great - so is microfiber padding. Depending on what your setup is - these are the best way to "polish" the water - get 100 micron or 50 micron if you can. One advantage of using the microfiber pads is that you can use two together - I use a 100 micron with a 50 micron pad that we change once a week and you can wash them in the washer-machine with NO DETERGENT - some white distilled vinegar can help control odor when washing.

Sponges in the baffles will also help - but socks/microfiber is better IMHO.

 

I run 2 socks in my system and I have about 2 cups of bagged carbon in each one.

 

sock for sure. easy to clean. you can also put media bags in there.

 

+1 on using carbon too - you can hardly ever go wrong by using carbon!!!

 

I use filter socks. Make sure you have some kind of splash gaurd around it to prevent water from seeping over the edge of you sump. Filter socks can start to overflow as they become clogged with stuff. Just change them once a week.

 

Great, thanks everybody. Filter sock it is. Good idea with keeping carbon in the sock too. Do you guys ever have to replace the socks or just rinse them weekly?

 

A yessssssirrrrrrrrr. But I change mine like 2 -3 times a week. Don't want nitrate to ever ever ever become a factor.

 

These can be washed REPEATEDLY!!! It does them well to be soaked in Distilled White Vinegar (buy quality vinegar - not cheap stuff) then rinsed with RODI water before being put back in your system.

A good option is to have a few week's worth of socks - maybe have three sets that you rotate through so you are not always cleaning them.

You can run without the sock for a day or so when you clean them if you want to clean all three at the same time.