A Filter Sock Thread

DIDYSIS said:
Alright here is my findings- Wish I was home and had my camera so I could show you the different socks and how broken and crappy the others are-

First time I ordered these, 6 of them incase one went bad (I need 5 for 2 sumps), and still only using 5 and they are amazing, catch crud like no other and fill up really well, and fast because they are built well, the plastic rings are really well built and the handles are also really well built, seems like the matterial is coated or just tough, not super soft to the touch, When these get filled and need cleaning as you remove them the water stays in them, it takes a long time for them to finally drain out so you can tell they are built solid and hold well/Catch everything, when washing them you dont get fuzz balls all over the place, they stay together.

[h=3]Heat-Welded Felt Filter Bags with Pressure Seal Retaining Ring[/h]

Standard Polypropylene Felt Bags—Max. temp. is 194°F[TABLE="class: ItmTbl SideBySideTbl"]
[TR]
[TH="colspan: 7"]100 Micron
[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: ItmTblCellIndentPivotMin ItmTblCellSpec ItmTblColSpaceRelSpec ItmTblContentCell NoWrapCell HighlightAct ItmTblRow_Hover, colspan: 1"]7"[/TD]
[TD="class: ItmTblCellSpec ItmTblColSpaceRelSpecEnd ItmTblContentCell NoWrapCell HighlightAct ItmTblRow_Hover, colspan: 1"]17"[/TD]
[TD="class: ItmTblCellSpec ItmTblColSpaceSpec ItmTblContentCell NoWrapCell HighlightAct ItmTblRow_Hover, colspan: 1"][/TD]
[TD="class: ItmTblCellSpec ItmTblColSpaceSpecBefrPartNbr ItmTblContentCell NoWrapCell HighlightAct ItmTblRow_Hover, colspan: 1"][/TD]
[TD="class: ItmTblCellPartNbr ItmTblColSpacePartNbr ItmTblContentCell NoWrapCell HighlightAct ItmTblRow_Hover"]9299T16[/TD]
[TD="class: ItmTblCellPrce ItmTblColSpacePrce ItmTblColSpacePrceAftrPartNbr ItmTblContentCell NoWrapCell HighlightAct ItmTblRow_Hover, colspan: 1"]6.12[/TD]
[TD="class: ItmTblCellPrce ItmTblColSpacePrceTblEnd ItmTblContentCell NoWrapCell HighlightAct ItmTblRow_Hover, colspan: 1"]4.94[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]


http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/118/399/=kkq17g




So thinking all filter socks were equal and not checking my history and thinking I knew what I ordered I ordered 10 more of these (BAD CHOICE)

[h=3]Heat-Welded Polyester Felt Filter Bags[/h]
[TABLE="class: ItmTbl SideBySideTbl"]
[TR]
[TD="class: ItmTblCellIndentPivotMin ItmTblCellSpec ItmTblColSpaceRelSpec ItmTblContentCell NoWrapCell HighlightAct ItmTblRow_Hover, colspan: 1"]100 Micron
7"[/TD]
[TD="class: ItmTblCellSpec ItmTblColSpaceRelSpecEnd ItmTblContentCell NoWrapCell HighlightAct ItmTblRow_Hover, colspan: 1"]
16 1/2"[/TD]
[TD="class: ItmTblCellSpec ItmTblColSpaceSpec ItmTblContentCell NoWrapCell HighlightAct ItmTblRow_Hover, colspan: 1"][/TD]
[TD="class: ItmTblCellSpec ItmTblColSpaceSpecBefrPartNbr ItmTblContentCell NoWrapCell HighlightAct ItmTblRow_Hover, colspan: 1"][/TD]
[TD="class: ItmTblCellPartNbr InLnOrdWebPartLayout_ItmTblPartNbrCell ItmTblContentCell NoWrapCell AddToOrdBxCreated HighlightAct ItmTblRow_Hover"]9316T56[/TD]
[TD="class: ItmTblCellPrce ItmTblColSpacePrce ItmTblColSpacePrceAftrPartNbr ItmTblContentCell NoWrapCell HighlightAct ItmTblRow_Hover, colspan: 1"]6.84[/TD]
[TD="class: ItmTblCellPrce ItmTblColSpacePrceTblEnd ItmTblContentCell NoWrapCell HighlightAct ItmTblRow_Hover, colspan: 1"]4.69[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/118/399/=kkq8z3

(first thought when arrived) The plastic rings are really thin, the handles are thin, and the filter bag its self just does not seem to be the same quality. They were super fuzzy but maybe that will help them catch more stuff and clean easy. (lesson leaned)

First use the bag filled and seemed same as others, washed and then had to pull all sorts of large fuzz balls out of the socks, 2nd use the bag did not even fill on my small tank and the large tank I could tell the same was happening, the water was just running out of the bag and they never filled up or clogged, When I remove them from the holders the water just runs out of them right away. Replaced them and went back to the other which filled up in about 3 days ( The old bags were about 3months old at this point and had been washed in the washing machine weekly) After 4 months of use the socks are still having fuzz come off during the washing to this day (I would love to throw them away but I purchased them so I will use them till they break, if people are going to come over I make sure the other socks are clean and throw them on the tank the day before so they can clear it all up really well as they just catch better) With these socks I had a handle break on two of them after only 2 months of use and at this point I have 5 with broken handles and I have 5 with the rings cracked and comming apart. (3.5 months of use) Split from the top lip all the way to the filter bag material. I did throw 2 of these socks away last week as they were all broken up, soon to follow will be another couple.


So over all I would highly recomend the first set of filter socks I ordered as they are great for our filtration type. The bags last a long time and are really well made. For my next order I just need to decide 2 things, do I attempt to try something different and see if they work, and do I order the 32inch sock vs the 17inch?? I really want to try an NMO bag but will the risk be worth it?? I have already found what works really really well and also another item that really sucks and has been a total loss of money.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info! good to hear from someone that has tried them both. So it sounds like the polypropylene ones with the pressure seal retaining ring are the way to go vs. the polyester ones i bought with the polypropylene handles. will definitely give those a try next. Can you post a picture of the polypropylene socks with the pressure seal retaining ring? Curious to see what they look like and how they work vs the regular poly handles.
 
I used to hose filter socks, no longer. I now soak them over night in bleach, they get totally clean. The bleach oxidizes any organic matter. After a short rinse,
I then soak another night in water with a little sodium, or calcium thiosulfate, and let them hang in the sun until needed.
 
duanes said:
I used to hose filter socks, no longer. I now soak them over night in bleach, they get totally clean. The bleach oxidizes any organic matter. After a short rinse,
I then soak another night in water with a little sodium, or calcium thiosulfate, and let them hang in the sun until needed.
Click to expand...

I've heard about this before, what ratio do you use for the bleach, and stupid question but what is the commercial sodium or calcium thiosulfate product you use? Can you use aquarium salt?

I never tried this because I'm not so comfortable using bleach on something going into the tank, but it does sound easier than hosing...
 
Ya ill get pics when I get home of the differnt socks that I have.


tdkee1 said:
Thanks for the info! good to hear from someone that has tried them both. So it sounds like the polypropylene ones with the pressure seal retaining ring are the way to go vs. the polyester ones i bought with the polypropylene handles. will definitely give those a try next. Can you post a picture of the polypropylene socks with the pressure seal retaining ring? Curious to see what they look like and how they work vs the regular poly handles.
Click to expand...



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Not a bad idea. Why not look up the 5 gallon filter socks? They make.them. But having 4 filter socks like i have will provide even more area for your filtration. Just depends what you can fit in an area. How often do you throw away that material? Cost? Do you clean it when needed or just trash?




MonsterPeacock said:
Killer thread gentlemen!


I got tiered of having to change out socks everyday, I have been using these for some time now and have no complaints and others have also copied them from MFK after reading my thread and seem to love them too - Just thought I'd share ;)
Click to expand...



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That's my thought with a nmo filter sock. I have been told they clean really easy and still hold a true micron rating. I have a place where I can order them for about 5.00 each but right now not sure if I want to try them and have them not work.


dxdx said:
Does anybody have any creative ways to clean filter socks that don't involve the hose (disconnected during winter here soon) or the washing machine (wife would literally murder me).

I have the ability to switch to a flat micron filter material in place of socks, the only problem is the area for this flat material is less than one sock so it clogs up pretty quickly. The good thing is it's very cheap so I just throw them away when they get dirty.
Click to expand...



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dxdx said:
I've heard about this before, what ratio do you use for the bleach, and stupid question but what is the commercial sodium or calcium thiosulfate product you use? Can you use aquarium salt?

I never tried this because I'm not so comfortable using bleach on something going into the tank, but it does sound easier than hosing...
Click to expand...
I use bleach on mine but I run them i the washing machine on small load setting. Once finished I run them again through a rinse cycle sand let them dry outside over night. I usually wash 6-8 at a time. Makes life a whole lot easier.

I bought 6 100 micron and 6 50 when I built my tank so I always have clean ones ready to go. I have a few 25's but they clog up i about a day with all my loriciariids
 
DIDYSIS said:
Not a bad idea. Why not look up the 5 gallon filter socks? They make.them. But having 4 filter socks like i have will provide even more area for your filtration. Just depends what you can fit in an area. How often do you throw away that material? Cost? Do you clean it when needed or just trash?

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Click to expand...


Yeah, I wash the filter material out and reuse. I have made four of these monster socks so I can just do a quick swop out then have time to wash out and have ready to reuse again. I do really like those 10 gallon bucket filer bags though, didn't even know they existed until this thread. I will defiantly be looking into getting a few of those to see how well it works. ;)
 
Jc1119 said:
I use bleach on mine but I run them i the washing machine on small load setting. Once finished I run them again through a rinse cycle sand let them dry outside over night. I usually wash 6-8 at a time. Makes life a whole lot easier.
Click to expand...

perhaps you missed my post where I stated my life was in danger if I used the washing machine....

I'm fine using a bucket, just would like to hear what somebody has already used as far as ratios/products so I don't make a costly mistake.
 
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