DIY filtersocks?

I will just put this out as a general question to the mass.


Wanting to put a filter sock in my sump.


Though not really expensive they also arent cheap either.


So my question is has anyone out there found a alternate "sock" either a real sock "clean of course" or maybe pantyhose or something of that nature?


Im leaning towards trying pantyhose as it is cheap and could make multiple throw away socks out of 1 set of hose.


Just my thoughts and looking to see whats said.

 

Several years ago I made a few filter socks for my tank - used a heavy felt. I don't remember how heavy - but I found it on a DIY thread. Course you need a sewing machine though....... They worked quite well while I was using them.

 

A polyester felt should work. Probably $5 a yard. I would definitely stay away from natural fibers. Cotton, wool, etc.

 

Tons if you tube videos on sewing your own. /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/wink.gif

 

but is it worth making your own?

 

I use the BRS Mesh filter socks. Super easy to clean and fairly cheap. When I swap one out I rinse it out with tapwater and then soak it in vinegar/RODI for a couple hours and then rinse it off again and let it sit out and dry. Then after a week I swap again.

 

that was my next question how often does everybody change their filter socks

 

I have to change all three of mine once a week. I've got a 100 gallon system. I've got 6 socks. I have three going in the sump, when I do a sock change I swap the 3 dirty out for my three clean.


People may frown on this next part: I take my three dirty socks, flip them inside out, rinse them in the sink, then I spray them with vinegar and throw them in the washing machine, I put vinegar in as detergent, use hot water, and set the washer to extra rinse.


Socks come out looking like new everytime! I let them air dry for the next changeout.

 

hmm ok. I'm New to the hobby have a 75 gallon with one 1 1/4 inch line running into sump

 

People that use washing machine don't you get nervous that soap residue is still in the system? I am just not ready to leave my cleaning of my socks to the machine. Scares the hell out of me just thinking about it.

 

I agree with kpotter. I'd want to hand wash mine I think

 

For ten plus years I have washed mine in are washing machine never had any issues they go from there to the dryer on air fluff right back to my aquarium

 

Vinegar + extra rinses = I haven't had problems either. If your super paranoid I suppose you could run an empty load with vinegar only prior to putting the socks in.

 

I use the washing machine with a couple capful ls of bleach and an extra rinse then let them air dry for a day or so they definitely get clean have never had any issues yet, sure get a whole lot cleaner than rinsing them out .....

 

I may add, I paid less than 3.00 for a sock I think that price would be hard to beat if I had to make them myself not to mention the time going into the project..

 

I most definitly wash them in the washing machine. I wait until I have about 10 dirty ones, then I just throw them in the washer, cold water with some bleach. Air dry. Good as new.

If I didn't do it this way I would never use filter socks. Way too much trouble and hassle and gross.

 

Mike, your curiosity caused me to put on my diy hat. I went to Joann's fabrics and picked up a yard (36" x 60") of polyester felt for $5. Cut it at 14" x 18" (8 total prices) and stitched it in half plus a roll over top to run a draw string. Will follow up on performance.

 

abower, did you try running water through that to see what the flow is like? I am looking for something similar for my crush coral to use as media for my QT.

 

I actually have done a similar thing buy rather then stich I used a vacuum sealer to make melted stitches seems to be holding up so far

 

Borky, the flow is restricted but not retaining. Disperses well. Attached photo shows flow at wide open flow (sink).

Good idea on the thermal bonding.