Running without a filter sock

I've just stopped using filter socks and the tanks looking better than ever. All zoos fully opened and happy. Detritus doesn't really collect too much in the sump since I have a power head in that chamber that goes on once every few hours
 
Fwiw...I filled the chamber where the filter sock goes halfway with live rock pieces and rubble. The live rock catches most of the debris/particles and the skimmer grabs whatever gets past there.
 
I believe you still want to use a filter screen on a wet dry. If you dont all the stuff will cover the bio balls and you will enhance the problem.
 
I use them right now in my 60 cube, just because my sump is rather small... and yes, cleaning them sucks monkeyballs.. the cleaning, swapping constantly, etc..

In my 150 I'm building now, I had two custom bubble towers made, and pondering on putting some pieces of rubble in there to help cut down on bubbles.... I do not plan on running socks this time around, because they are a pain in the rear. The worst part is, when the color starts to change from white to dark, it's time to change the darn things. If you don't do it quick enough, I believe they are a nitrate trap!

No sock for me on this new tank.
 
I've been using a filter sock in my sump since day one. My nitrates are always 0.0 when I test. My sump is quiet, there's no bubbles, and detritus in the sump is minimal. I just always make sure to change the filter sock every two to three days. I have four filter socks that I rotate through. A quick toss into the washing machine, bleach only, heavy soil setting with extra rinse. I've never had an issue and the filter socks come out nice and white. Personally, I like having to change the filter sock every few days. It keeps me in touch with sump and everything going on down there. A lot of people refer to the filter sock as a nitrate factory. I can see this maybe if its left to sit unchanged for an extended period of time. But even then, if you think about it, regardless where the detritus settles in your aquarium it's going to produce nitrates. You have a better chance at removing them with proper use of filter socks.
 
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