A Filter Sock Thread

[Jc1119]

I'm glad I could help!

I think four 7" socks would handle your flow without a problem. Fitting them in a 75 shouldn't be too much trouble, especially if it doesn't have a glass brace. You are 100% correct that more socks = longer interval between changes.

Cool. Thanks! Great info in this thread.

 

[Egon]

I love this thread!

 

[RianS]

Overall great thread and it would have really helped me last week in deciding mesh or felt. polyester vs polypropylene and other aspects of the socks but I'm not quite sure if this is right but you stated that a 7" bag has over triple the surface area of a 4" bag with the same length.
Earlier i did some math because i was deciding on having 4, 4" bags or 2, 7" bags of the same length.
If the solution for finding the surface area of a bag is 2(π)r x L + πr^2
If this is the right solution for finding the surface area then a 4"x16"long bag would have a surface area of ~251in and an 8"x16"long bag is ~603in
That means the bag double in Diameter would have ~2.4x the surface area

However if the bag is tapered at the bottom then the solution just would be 2πr x 16"
In this case 2 4"x16" long bags would have the same surface area as 1 8"x16"long bag

P.S. I've never seen a filter sock yet so I guess i shouldn't be talking. But these are the numbers I came up with to help me decide on 4" or 7" socks. Also this is not to an attempt to attack you and my math may be wrong.

Calling CHOMPERS or Jgray152 for some math help

 

[Dan F]

Overall great thread and it would have really helped me last week in deciding mesh or felt. polyester vs polypropylene and other aspects of the socks but I'm not quite sure if this is right but you stated that a 7" bag has over triple the surface area of a 4" bag with the same length.
Earlier i did some math because i was deciding on having 4, 4" bags or 2, 7" bags of the same length.
If the solution for finding the surface area of a bag is 2(π)r x L + πr^2
If this is the right solution for finding the surface area then a 4"x16"long bag would have a surface area of ~251in and an 8"x16"long bag is ~603in
That means the bag double in Diameter would have ~2.4x the surface area

However if the bag is tapered at the bottom then the solution just would be 2πr x 16"
In this case 2 4"x16" long bags would have the same surface area as 1 8"x16"long bag

P.S. I've never seen a filter sock yet so I guess i shouldn't be talking. But these are the numbers I came up with to help me decide on 4" or 7" socks. Also this is not to an attempt to attack you and my math may be wrong.

Calling CHOMPERS or Jgray152 for some math help

Thanks for noticing, you are absolutely correct. My math needed some help there. I was pretty tired when I did the math and used pi times radius squared to figure circumference...

So you are right that a 7" bag would have just under twice the surface area of a 4" bag.

A 7" diameter circle has just over triple the area of a 4" circle, but that doesn't have anything to do with filter socks!

 

[Pharaoh]

Good idea for a thread!

 

[Dan F]

For those that aren't into DIY or just want a little cleaner look, there are several manufacturers making sock holders.

Bulk Reef Supply carries their own brand and CPR:
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/miscellaneous/aquarium-filter-socks-and-bags

The Tunze Outlet Filter looks like a really nice design, but it does come with a Tunze price tag, unfortunately...
http://www.aquariumplants.com/Tunze_Outlet_Filter_p/tun1075.500.htm

I am sure there are plenty more possibilities out there. Has anyone used any of these products or other manufactured sock holders? I am curious how easy they are to switch out, whether they use standard sized socks, et cetera.

 

[Dan F]

I think this is one of the most helpful threads for DIY filter designers I've seen in a while.

Thanks! As a recent convert I feel like it is my duty to spread the word.

Cool. Thanks! Great info in this thread.

Glad I could help!

I love this thread!

I love filter socks!

Good idea for a thread!

Thanks, now we just need to get people posting photos of their filter sock arrangements!

 

[Jc1119]

I'm planning on using the BRS holders and one really nice thing about them is they come with both adapters so you can use either 4" or 7" socks. Pretty cool if you find that 4" socks won't work for your setup. Just pop the 7" adapter into the holder and change the socks and keep the same holder.

 

[Pharaoh]

Filter Socks;
-Qty (2) 7" x 16 1/2" 100 micron filter socks.
-Qty (2) 7" x 16 1/2" 50 micron filter socks.
-100 micron stuffed inside of 50 micron

Tank(s);
Qty 6 - 30 gallon tanks on a central system
75G custom sump
2400gph Mag Drive pump
Dual drains for each filter sock setup

Stocking;
Moderate to high level of stocking
Moderate to heavy feedings every other day

Maintenance;
Socks were cleaned once a month
Placed in washing machine with a small amount of bleach.
Air dried.

Purchased at McMaster-Carr.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#filter-bags/=bqillv

 

[brich999]

wow thats some intense math!