Do you use filter sock on your drain in the sump?

[mchartier]

At that same time I check my return and skimmer pumps to see if they need to be cleaned also, I also take my skimmer apart and clean it out. Note when shop-vacing the sump make sure you dont do too much at once, I need to carry it down the porch stairs so I do it in two trips so I dont destroy my back

 

[Flame Angel]

I do not use them at this point in time as they are not needed. When I change over in the future I do plan to use them.

 

[jason401]

i use the plastic mesh brs socks. much easier to clean. do not have to wash them in the washing machine

 

[FinsUp!]

I vote muffins. Because I like muffins. I don't have a filter sock, but if I did, I would probably just use it as a muffin storage bag.

 

[dcforester1]

I don't, I don't have time to be changing and washing them, I do however every 4-5 months shop-vac my sump to get any detritus that is accumulating there. Which I should be doing on my next water change

Same here. I never use one except when I stir up my sump. If I had better access to my sump I may??? My tank it pretty clean and it is a hassle vacuuming out the sump, but that's the trade off for not using the socks and washing them.

 

[stingythingy45]

I don't use them all the time.
Only when I'm running carbon or poly pads in them.

 

[gweston]

If you use any, get socks that are larger... Or at least have a wide opening. The small ones are a pain to flip inside out to clean.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Moe_K]

Any more advice, or votes?

 

[s_kelley]

People really use a shop vac for water changes?
Ive always just done the siphon thing.
Hmm anyone else?

 

[Pat02026]

I think the shop vac is just for cleaning out the bottom of the sump. I have an Eheim Ecco canister here loaded with floss that I'll use to clean out my sump with. For water changing I have a maxi-jet in my sump with a hose on it, as I start filling the sump with new water I kick on the pump and let drain into my yard. There's a pair of 15 gallon barrels in the other room next to the tank; Not too much to do when changing water on my setup> open a valve, flip a switch, and keep an eye on it till its done> It's minimal effort, just the way I like it!

 

[jselzler1]

Aren't you just draining new water into your yard if your both filling and emptying the sump at same time?

 

[Pat02026]

Not really; Without getting into too much detail I am emptying from a chamber thats getting water from dirty water from the display at a very slow flow rate, and refilling to the return chamber. Am I removing 100% dirty water? Definitely not, there's some overlap. There's not really any way of having an "automated" water change without being too complicated. You would need to run a *remove* period, then a *refill* period like a typical water change and that outweighs the benefit of my systems simplicity. I would guess that no more than 5-10% of my weekly 15 gallon change goes "down the drain" and I'll gladly take that for not having to physically move any water!

 

[s_kelley]

Wow its 8 that do, and 8 that dont, so nerve racking! LOL
I voted for Muffins! Wish I had one right now actually!

 

[mchartier]

People really use a shop vac for water changes?
Ive always just done the siphon thing.
Hmm anyone else?

I only shop vac the sump, I can't get a siphon started, on normal water changes I ju st start a siphon and go.

 

[JohnK]

I don't use one because I'm too lazy to change it out for cleaning as frequently as I think they should be cleaned.

IMO they are potentially great, but for lazy reefers like me they are a lot of work regardless of the potential benifits