An alternative to beach for cleaning filter socks

[grassi]

I posted this thread on my local forum and people liked it, so I'm gonna publish it here too. I'm sure a lot of people are already using this method.
Enjoy


I'm reading pretty much everywhere about the common practice to add household bleach for cleaning filter socks.
I never used it for many reason, some due to the facts, some to some suspects.

Some facts:

-Even in small amount, the Sodium hypochloride contained in the household bleach will be released in your water column.
-Sodium hypochloride (NaOCl) reacts with metals, it can release chlorine gas and many other fun stuff that you don't want to happen in your tank.
-It also causes the precipitation of minerals such as calcium carbonate which is present in good amount in our tanks mostly producing trihalomethanes which are carcinogenic
-When mixed with some sort of ammonia (that we have in our tanks) it produces chloramines which are toxic.
-NaOCl will damage the fibers and the lifespan of the sock will be shortened. We all know that this is true for natural fibers, but it is also proven that some polymer can be damaged by acid and bleach
-There are some more effects of bleach on a water solution, you can find a lot of readings online.

Again, it will be present in a low level on a dry filter sock, but it will be present.

The suspect:

When beaching a filter sock you are just getting rid of stains, but you are not really cleaning the sock better, that being done with the mechanical action of cleaning (extra rinse in your washing machine).

So if you are just getting rid of stains for the pleasure of your eyes while introducing potential hazard for your tank, why you should use it?
I had to prove my suspect so I decided to perform a couple of tests.
I cut a used filter sock (felt) in 2 parts and washed one with and another one without bleach. Then I prepared a section and mounted it on a few slides.
At first sight under the microscope looks like the bleached one is much more clean than the other one.
But after I stained the sample I was able to see pretty much the same amount of particles (mostly algae) in the two samples.

The bleach just "bleached" the algae (what a genius!!!) but it DID NOT REMOVE THEM FROM THE SOCK.
The purpose of cleaning a filter sock is to get rid, as much as we can, of the particles that are clogging it. The test I performed showed me that bleach is not helping that way. I thought that bleach was able to somehow "destroy" the particles present in the sock, helping the mechanical cleaning, but it is not, probably due to the nature of the fiber used for filter socks.

I went ahead and I did another couple of tests.
First of all I put 3 samples of algae (which is most of the stuff trapped in your filter socks) in 3 liquids: household bleach, hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_F6npdb4r8qI/TPq-rhTyfcI/AAAAAAAAElM/4Kv8lDXMqTc/s720/IMG_6180.JPG

I let them sit for 30 minutes. The bleach turned the algae white, while the other 2 liquids left the color.

Then I did an empiric test, pulling apart the algae. As I imagined the bleach was the one who performed worst, followed by the vinegar and then, the winner: hydrogen peroxide

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_F6npdb4r8qI/TPq-sV-Pz2I/AAAAAAAAElU/nfqPy6erbI4/s720/IMG_6183.JPG

I then prepared my slides
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_F6npdb4r8qI/TPq-r4AtgZI/AAAAAAAAElQ/yKD5NzccJh0/s720/IMG_6182.JPG

And I put them under the scope
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_F6npdb4r8qI/TPq-s-Nhi2I/AAAAAAAAElY/EhkRWzO08AY/s720/IMG_6184.JPG

What I've seen under magnification confirmed my theory: bleach just remove the color from pigments (you can see at the end the solution is kinda green), while the other 2 solutions act more deeper on the algae structure. You can see how they started to break down

I then tried to wash a filter sock after soaking it with hydrogen peroxide.
It worked!!!
Soaked with about 1/4 of a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide for a couple of hours, then washed (cotton, hot, extra rinse).
Hydrogen peroxide does not leave any chemical, it dissolves into water to water and oxygen. You can now safely have a white filter sock with no risk and without a lot of rinsing. I still suggest to let them dry to let the chlorine evaporate

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_F6npdb4r8qI/TPs1CO3_YzI/AAAAAAAAEmE/4HKlQYMGzUk/s720/IMG_6190.JPG
Some algae already decomposing and living a brown juice
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_F6npdb4r8qI/TPs1CdGYMgI/AAAAAAAAEmI/Z6IQ0jT6sv0/s512/IMG_6191.jpg
Clean as with bleach
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_F6npdb4r8qI/TPs1CzPsqVI/AAAAAAAAEmM/kg6C5t3PGzI/s720/IMG_6195.JPG
But without the risk and the bad smell :)
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_F6npdb4r8qI/TPs1DU1EbWI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/MI7EvrF0h44/s720/IMG_6197.JPG
Just a little bit of bubble noise lol
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_F6npdb4r8qI/TPs1ET2IH1I/AAAAAAAAEmU/c2b1sxFdQ6E/s512/IMG_6198.jpg

[Hemlock71]

WOW that's good to know and thanks for posting. So you used a 1/4 cup for the test obviously we could fill a bucket to desired level to soak socks?

[grassi]

Yes, but you can probably use less. I'm testing with less so to lower the cost

[Hemlock71]

I think my socks are too big with just a 1/4 cup..lol It can get costly though and you really can't mix it with water. What size filter socks do you use?

[grassi]

I think my socks are too big with just a 1/4 cup..lol It can get costly though and you really can't mix it with water. What size filter socks do you use?

You don't have to soak them, just pour some so that the mesh will absorb it.
The dirty sock should be almost dry, don't add water or it will react with the hydrogen peroxide and you don't want that at this point.
Just try and see if it gets clean, if not add some more.
My point is that bleach is just making it look clean (color) while the algae are still there.
I used 4x14 200 micron felt socks for the test.

[Hemlock71]

Thanks I'll give a try and let you know.

[bertoni]

That's a nice idea for a bleaching product for cleaning tank items. :)

[grassi]

That's a nice idea for a bleaching product for cleaning tank items. :)

Yes, it works on pretty much everything, frags included :)

[falconut]

Just so I understand you correctly, you say to take a dry filter sock and pour about 1/4 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide directly on the sock. I assume that I should rotate the sock around to get the whole sock. Let sit for a few hours, rinse under the tap and let sit and dry. Now it's ready to use.

[RegalAngel]

More and more pulp mills that produce white "bleached" pulp from brown stock are no longer using hypochlorite in the "bleach" plant. Many are moving to the use of hydrogen peroxide and oxygen delignification.

This removes the chlorine in the end product which gains the name "green, chlorine free pulp".

[Clemente]

I was also worried about cleaning the socks with bleach so thank you Grassi for taking the time to experiment and post the results. That is a great alternative. :thumbsup:

[HighlandReefer]

You may find this article interesting:

Cleaner's Chempanion
From Volume 20, Issue 8 - August 2005
http://www.cleanfax.com/article.asp?IndexID=6635521

The versatility of hydrogen peroxide

Everywhere you turn, you see peroxide touted as a cleaning tool of choice — it's a versatile solution to many challenges.
by: Aziz Ullah, Ph.D., MBA

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most versatile, safe, dependable and environmentally desirable chemicals available.

Its many uses include bleaching of textiles and paper pulp, oxidizing, and an odor control agent for biological, industrial and municipal waste, including urine and fecal matter.

It is also used to detoxify organic and inorganic waste.

Hydrogen peroxide has many new applications, a number that is expanding each day. It is virtually the only bleaching agent for protein fibers, and is also very extensively used for cellulosic fibers like cotton.

Because oxygen bleaches do not damage dyestuffs, fabrics and fabric finishes, they are preferred to chlorine-based bleaches.

Hydrogen peroxide fights germs and bacteria — without staining.

Hydrogen peroxide is particularly attractive in that it:
Adds only water and oxygen to a system, and does not create additional environmental problems
Requires simple, minimal equipment to use
Is safe for textile finishes
Has excellent stain removal properties
Eliminates odors
Improves water quality in sewer systems
Helps reduce biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) — key parameters in determining water quality
Can detoxify cyanide, nitrogen compounds, chlorine, bisulfite, phenol and a host of other toxic based waste
It is both an oxidizer and reducer
Oxidation and reduction must occur at the same time in a chemical reaction.

For a substance to act as an oxidizing agent, it must gain electrons from another substance and have its own reduced (lose electrons), and vice versa.

A bleaching agent, which causes whitening to occur, does not itself become whiter because an oxidizing agent is not oxidized, but reduced.

Although hydrogen peroxide is a fairly strong oxidizer (gains electrons and gives up oxygen), it can act as a mild reducing agent (loses electrons, takes up oxygen); for example, towards permanganates, and reduces silver oxide to metallic silver.

Hydrogen peroxide, when an oxidizing agent, is reduced to water. It is also a reducing agent being oxidized to oxygen.

The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is both an oxidation and a reduction reaction.

Marketed as a solution in water in a concentration of 3 to 90 percent by weight, solutions of hydrogen peroxide gradually deteriorate.

Hydrogen peroxide, especially when its concentration is over 50 percent by weight, requires great care in handling and storage. When dropped on paper or wood, it can ignite.

Understand weight, volume, percentage
The customary method expressing the strength of hydrogen peroxide solutions is by percentage weight (abbreviated w/w).

Formerly, it was common to use the expression "volume strength". Thus, 10 volume strength means that one volume unit of hydrogen peroxide will liberate 10 similar units of gaseous oxygen.

A 35 percent (w/w) solution of peroxide is equivalent to 130 volume strength, and a 50 percent (w/w) solution to 197 volume strength.

A 30 percent (w/w) solution of peroxide is equivalent to 100 volume strength.

The commercial strength supplied for textile uses are 35 and 50 percent.

Solutions containing more than 8 percent (w/w) hydrogen peroxide are corrosive to skin and cause intense irritation.

Contact with skin causes blotches that can be painful (should be washed away immediately), but will disappear after a few hours, without leaving traces.

Traces of certain metals or their salts act as catalysts, causing rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.

Particularly active in this respect are copper and iron. If they are present in cotton before bleaching, the promoted oxidizing action will cause degradation or disintegration of the textile.

Solid forms of hydrogen peroxide
A number of solid peroxygen compounds are available in solid form, which release hydrogen peroxide when dissolved in water. These are more stable than the liquid form and easier to handle.

Since the 1960s, U.S. manufacturers have used sodium perborate tetrahydrate in heavy-duty powders and dry bleaches. In addition to its stability, the product exhibits excellent bleaching characteristics and is relatively safe and easy to handle. The low solubility in water of this product limits its use.

Drying sodium perborate tetrahydrate produces sodium perborate monohydrate. This product dissolves much more readily than the tetrahydrate and shows good stability. Because the perborates are either activated (release hydrogen peroxide) at high temperatures or by the use of activator catalysts, they have not gained much in popularity.

Sodium percarbonate or sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate gives good alkalinity and a good rate of dissolution. It has good performance characteristics, but is less easy to formulate into other products. Sodium percarbonate is available from suppliers of carpet cleaning chemicals. Sodium percarbonate can be added to a ready to use cleaning solution, but because of the limited stability after the solution is made, only enough should be made that can be used for each job. Sodium percarbonate is kinder to fibers and safer to use on water cleanable fabrics and colorfast dyes. It can brighten and improve cleaning and remove oxidizable stains that normally resist cleaning chemicals. It reduces graying of colors and yellowing of whites, and improves brightness on repeat cleanings.

Magnesium monoperoxyphthalate hexahydrate, unlike other solid forms, liberates the peracid directly and is soluble at low temperatures. This product has the ability to rapidly bleach stains and has a high biocidal activity. This product has not achieved commercial importance.

Peroxide and stain removal
Much stain removal is carried out by oxidation, with oxidized bleaches such as hydrogen peroxide.

The oxidation removes most stains, while generally not affecting fast colors; unlike chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide has virtually no adverse effect on textile fibers or on most dyes.

Hydrogen peroxide in cold water removes blood stains from cotton and linen fabrics. Potassium permanganate, another oxidizing agent, removes most stains from white fabrics (except rayon). The resulting permanganate stain can then be removed by treatment with oxalic acid.

It was at one time thought that that the oxidizing action of hydrogen peroxide depended on the fact that it readily underwent decomposition with the liberation of oxygen:

H2O2 —> H2O + O
This explanation, however, is no longer valid. There is no absolute certainty about the nature of the bleaching action, but it is believed that the perhydroxyl ion is the active species.

These ions are formed when hydrogen peroxide dissociates in the following manner:

H2O2 <—> HO+ + HO-2
It is a well-known fact that bleaching is more rapid in alkaline than in acid solutions.

This may well be because the hydroxyl ions present in the alkaline solution neutralize the hydrogen ions, thereby promoting the liberation of perhydroxyl ions.

In most ceiling tile cleaners, the active component is hydrogen peroxide ranging in strength from 10 to 35 percent (w/w), and the inert component is a dilute alkaline detergent solution, sometimes ammoniated.

The two components are then mixed and sprayed on the tiles, resulting in oxidizing the stains and bleaching any other associated coloring matter.

Hydrogen peroxide has been effective in the removal of urine stains, and can be effectively employed to remove acid dye stains by the heat transfer method.

Hydrogen peroxide at about 10 percent (w/w), when mixed with ammoniated detergent solution, makes an effective coffee stain remover.

Odor control with peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide not only has a high biocidal activity but, unlike other biocides, actually breaks the bonds of odor-causing molecules, rendering them harmless, and in most cases, reducing them into the most elemental forms.

Hydrogen peroxide appears to be one of the most effective and reliable methods of odor control in sanitary sewers.

Hydrogen peroxide is being commercially employed in tannery effluent clean-up, waste odor problems in dairies, for treatment of shipboard waste, and waste cleanup at breweries.


Hydrogen peroxide adds dissolved oxygen to water, which helps prevent anaerobic (absence of oxygen) conditions, which causes malodorous conditions.

Hydrogen peroxide has been successfully used in control of fecal and urine odors.

Skunk odor removal
Alkaline hydrogen peroxide has been used to scrub hydrogen sulfide gas from waste gas streams.

This reagent works well with thiols that are smelly compounds of sulfur.

Because skunk spray is composed mainly of low molecular weight thiols, like n-butyl mercaptan and dicrotyl sulfide, a dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda and a little wetting agent such as liquid hand soap is very effective in removing skunk-type odors.

Bleaching
Calcium or sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach) should never be used on wool because they discolor and damage the fiber.

It is important when using hydrogen peroxide to achieve the right level of stability.

If the pH is too low, no perhydroxyl ions are set free, and bleaching will not take place. But when the pH is too high, the hydrogen peroxide becomes too unstable and the whole of perhydroxyl ions are decomposed with the liberation of oxygen before it has had time to act on the textile.

It is virtually impossible to adjust to the optimum pH with alkali alone, and it is necessary to add a stabilizer which will keep the pH within the limits of 8 to 9, when both wool and cotton goods can be effectively bleached.

Catalysts that speed up the decomposition of peroxide can be extremely dangerous in the peroxide bleaching of protein fibers.

Bleaching of protein fibers with hydrogen peroxide can cause degradation of the protein fiber, unless the alkalinity and temperature are properly controlled.

There are occasions when bleaching with hydrogen peroxide at a pH lower than 7 is desirable, especially when the goods contain colored fibers that do not show good color fastness to alkalis.

Shipping
Hydrogen peroxide of 8 to 20 percent by weight strength falls under hazard class 5.1 and must carry an "oxidizer" hazard label; maximum unit quantity that can be shipped is 2.5 liters (0.66 gallons) by UPS ground, and packaged according to packing group II.

Hydrogen peroxide of greater than 20 percent (w/w) strength has even greater restriction, and the unit quantities that may be shipped are smaller.

Violations of shipping regulations may subject the shipper to fines and/or prosecution by appropriate federal authorities. For details see DOT 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 173.

A word of caution
Before you rush out to buy and use hydrogen peroxide, make sure you understand the product.

As mentioned earlier, hydrogen peroxide works very effectively, but you may have to experiment with the type of material or purpose you want to use it for, as well as the conditions, such as concentration, working temperature, stability of pH, and the use of a catalyst.

This may require patience.

Aziz Ullah, Ph.D., MBA, is president of Fabpro Manufacturing, a leading formulator of top-quality carpet and upholstery cleaning products. He is a member of the American Chemical Society, senior member of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, and a member of The Textile Institute (UK). He can be reached at www.fabpro.com.

[grassi]

Just so I understand you correctly, you say to take a dry filter sock and pour about 1/4 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide directly on the sock. I assume that I should rotate the sock around to get the whole sock. Let sit for a few hours, rinse under the tap and let sit and dry. Now it's ready to use.

After a few hours of soaking I put mine into the washing machine (with no detergent) and I went for the faster cycle. I will try to just rinse it in the sink, but I don't think it is enough

[grassi]

Cliff, thanks for the article!

[chuckreef]

Grassi,

Have you considered that your "observations" actually support an opposite conclusion; that not enough bleach was used? This conclusion may actually be more beneficial to those who are using/cleaning filter socks.

I.e., You observed that there was still organic matter trapped in the filter socks. This means (to me) you did not raise the FC level high enough and for sufficiently long enough to burn off the trapped organic matter - which is why you add the bleach. Basically, this process is not so dissimilar from superchlorinating (shocking) a swimming pool; one needs to get the oxidizer level high and for long enough to destory the target orgainic matter, whether its in the pool water/filer or in the reef filter socks.

I suggest that the next step would be to repeat the used filter sock cleaning process at various increased levels of chloirne for various increased time intervals (in a bucket). When you elucidate the levlels that yield very little (or no observable) orgainc debris left in the socks, then you will know how much bleach (and how long) is necessary to actually "clean" the algae from the filter socks. This would help others who could use this info (and, perhaps an OTO test kit) to better effect thier filter sock cleaning

Of course, this complete cleaning process can be (perhpas should be) followed with a wash with just water, and/or with one's choice of reducing agent (e.g., hydrogen peroxide or sodium thiosulfate), to eliminate any residual free chlorine present after the oxidation step.

The goal should be to oxidize, as completley as possible, the reduced carbon componds trapped in the socks, not to simply whighten them.

Just food for thought. (Sorry for the pun - but the food trapped in the filter socks, is why I quite using them entirely long ago.)

Chuck

[grassi]

Chuck I will redo the cleaning experiment.
But the second test (algae soaked into the 3 solutions) demonstrate that hydrogen peroxide is more effective than the other two.
Also, the main point, is that is less dangerous, more gentle on the fabric and require less energy to be cleaned (you don't have to worry about a lot of rinsing to get rid of the bleach)

[chuckreef]

>>>> Chuck I will redo the cleaning experiment.
But the second test (algae soaked into the 3 solutions) demonstrate that hydrogen peroxide is more effective than the other two.

It appears (to me) in the photo that the chlorine bleach destroyed more chromophores (than the other two); in fact nearly all of the chromophores in the cells have been destroyed.

>>>> Also, the main point, is that is less dangerous, more gentle on the fabric and require less energy to be cleaned (you don't have to worry about a lot of rinsing to get rid of the bleach)

The hydrogen peroxide is a lower impact alternative due to less VOCs produced, that is certain. Presumably the (energy used in the) rinsing step will be the same in either case; throw them in the washer and run it for cycle X. So, I agree, for the above process (of making white filter socks), the hydrogen peroxide has less impact on the environment.

I don't think there will be any difference on the filter sock, neither oxidizer, (nor the sodium hydoxide in the chlorine bleach) will have much impact on the polyester fibers.

However, if the goal is to actually free the socks of the trapped polluting organic matter to the extent possible using common household agents, the test is unfinished and no winner can be chosen because you did not reach or explore/observe that endpoint.

[jefathome]

My ususal "process" is to take the filter sock, do a quick rinse in the sink, then straight into the washer with some bleach... then a 2nd rinse.

I take it from the materials above that I couldn't jsut replace the bleach with HP in the wash cycle?

[grassi]

Chuck, in my first test I washed a filter sock with bleach and I observed it under the microscope. Most of the organic matter was still there, just not visible at naked eye because it lost the color.
When I did the same with HP most of the organic matter was gone, not only invisible, so the sock resulted more clean to me.
As for the energy used in the washing, you need less, because you don't need extra rinsing cycles (necessary to be sure to get rid of most of the dangerous residual).

Jefathome, you don't put the HP in the washer, but you soak it in a bucket overnight.
You then put into the washer. No 2nd rinse is needed

[rsuplido]

So, I guess we can just use hydrogen peroxide off the shelf that we can get from say Sam's Club (cheap -- just about $1.75 for two liters)? Should it be used full strength or diluted?

Also, will this work on cleaning pumps (e.g. Vortech) as well?

Thanks for sharing!

[grassi]

So, I guess we can just use hydrogen peroxide off the shelf that we can get from say Sam's Club (cheap -- just about $1.75 for two liters)? Should it be used full strength or diluted?

Also, will this work on cleaning pumps (e.g. Vortech) as well?

Thanks for sharing!

I used the 3% you can find everywhere. Use it as it is, not diluted.
I didn't try on pumps yet, but I guess it will work the same way.
I used it for getting rid of hair algae on some frags and it worked well. Algae were gone, zoas still alive and opened up in a few minutes. Well, I didn't put the frags into the washing machine :)

[rsuplido]

Frags -- really? How long did you dip them? How can you explain algae dying and not the zoas?

Thanks.

[grassi]

Frags -- really? How long did you dip them? How can you explain algae dying and not the zoas?

Thanks.

For this topic is better if you find some infos from Justin Grabel. You can find also videos on youtube.
I'm still experimenting: I dip zoas/palys for about a minute. It worked well so far.
I think that 3% of concentration is not able to burn your skin or coral tissue if exposed for short time. It is enough to "burn" algae, or at least air algae.

[badpacket]

Here's a tip if you want to save some real money over buying liquid Hydrogen Peroxide. Buy Sodium Percarbonate.


"Sodium percarbonate is very neat stuff. It is a powder that releases hydrogen peroxide, and it is very concentrated.

To be complete, sodium percarbonate releases hydrogen peroxide and soda ash. As we know, hydrogen peroxide breaks down into oxygen and water. As you may expect, then, sodium percarbonate breaks down into oxygen, water, and soda ash."

http://www.using-hydrogen-peroxide.com/sodium-percarbonate.html

You can go to your local dollar store and pick-up some of their dry chlorine-free bleach. Mine sells it 1#/$1, comes with its own scoop inside.
http://www.lastotallyawesome.com/html/Products_Household_OxygenCleaner.html

Or, it sounds like you can buy this cheap and in bulk at pool supply shops, which might make me trust it a bit more than a dollar store product.

Buying it dry is much more economical than buying hydrogen peroxide liquid at Walmart or such, and you can increase the strength easily.

I use this at pretty decent strength, and its surprisingly strong. You'd have a hard time getting an equivelent strength like 35% Hydrogen Peroxide shipped to you as its considered a hazardous material. But you can make your own easily.

Anyone know pool store pricing? Wonder if HD or Lowes carries something.

[ToddG.]

Well ive been using oxi clean for awhile and havnt had any problems so far thiers no bleach it in and they are as white as can be got the idea from another person on here using it awhile ago. Anyone see any problems with this im no chemist From thier web site the main ingrediant is hydrogen peroxide thiers no fragrances or detergents in it

from thier site quote: More than 95% of the ingredients are minerals, or break down into minerals and components that are readily found in our natural environment. OxiClean® Versatile Stain Remover breaks down into oxygen and soda ash when mixed with ordinary water and uses the tremendous cleaning power of oxygen to remove stains. There are no toxic fumes. Like all cleaning products, it is not to be ingested

[grassi]

I thought of using sodium percarbonate. But then you have to mix it. I prefer how fast is to just drop some hydrogen peroxide from the bottle.
Plus it generates 35% hydrogen peroxide which is a little bit stronger than what you really need. But it works as well, yes

I use oxi clean for cleaning my homebrewing equipment. Works well, but I feel like I need a lot of rinsing to get rid of it. Even on your hands it feels "soapy" for minutes. I don't know if it is the soda ash or what. The main active ingredient is sodium percarbonate, but there are many other ingredients in it that we don't know
And it is not cheap

[jenghes]

Very interesting article. I plan to try it at home tonight.

Just a thought for those needing to use up money on their medical flexable spending accounts like me... Hydrogen Peroxide qualifies.

[keith sprague]

i just blast mine under high pressure with a hose till its white.i always worry bout chemicals like that in my tank.is there a down side of not killing any kind of whatever is traped in the sock? i havnt seen any kind of negative effects as of yet.

[Joe]

With winter on the horizon here in Pennsylvania, I'm looking for a way to wash my filter socks indoors. For those of us that live in the country, we have to be concerned about what goes into our septic systems. I have never dumped any chlorine bleach into my septic system, but I wonder what effect peroxide would have on my waste system? Anybody have any insight?

Joe

[grassi]

keith sprague, if you are able to get it clean enough for doing its job I don't see any problem. Unless you used some medicaments or things you want to get rid of from the tank.

Joe, hydrogen peroxide will separate into water and oxygen, so it is 100% "green", that's why I like this method so much :)

[badpacket]

I'm not following, you can get 35% HP locally, and its not much more expensive than Sodium Percarbonate? The extra $$$ are worth the few minutes wait using dry mix?

I think the 'soapy' feel is the high pH interaction with your skin/oils, which should not be present as much as on average plastics, etc, once they are clean. I would guess a quick vinegar spritz or dip would neutralize that nicely.

I will probably stop using oxi-clean knock-offs from the dollar store as there is that unknown ingredient factor. Though, all things considered, as good as Sod. Perc. works, and the cheap nature of the base components, I'd expect it'd actually cost more to add anything else too it. But you just never know.
I'm gonna hit big box and pool stores this weekend to price it out.

I thought of using sodium percarbonate. But then you have to mix it. I prefer how fast is to just drop some hydrogen peroxide from the bottle.
Plus it generates 35% hydrogen peroxide which is a little bit stronger than what you really need. But it works as well, yes

I use oxi clean for cleaning my homebrewing equipment. Works well, but I feel like I need a lot of rinsing to get rid of it. Even on your hands it feels "soapy" for minutes. I don't know if it is the soda ash or what. The main active ingredient is sodium percarbonate, but there are many other ingredients in it that we don't know
And it is not cheap

[bertoni]

Hydrogen peroxide should decay very rapidly into oxygen bubbles and water, so I wouldn't think it'd have much affect on a septic system in small quantities.

If you're worried about any sort of bleach, I think using the high-pressure wash is fine for normal situations. If you were running a tank that had some sort of disease, I might sterilize the sock for various reasons.

[MaLi]

... got something for Kroger from $3.5. It contains sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate and it is enough for probably a full year. Testing right now on 4 dirty socks.
Sorry for the foggy picture. Hard to focus on a curved surface.

hope it helps,
MaLi

[JTR0510]

i have always used bleach to clean our socks now that i read this ill will be doing it with peroxide thanks for posting

[MaLi]

... got something for Kroger from $3.5. It contains sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate and it is enough for probably a full year. Testing right now on 4 dirty socks.
Sorry for the foggy picture. Hard to focus on a curved surface.

hope it helps,
MaLi

Did work very well, I will say, after 5 hours in a bucket followed by rinsing two times in a washer. Socks are clean and I am curious to see the way my tank will respond.

cheers,
MaLi

[jenghes]

Did work very well, I will say, after 5 hours in a bucket followed by rinsing two times in a washer. Socks are clean and I am curious to see the way my tank will respond.

cheers,
MaLi

Same result here. The sock is almost as white as the bleached ones.

Thanks for the advice, I posted your thread onto Michigan Reefers to key them into this as well.

Thanks!

[grassi]

I'm happy is working well for all of you :)
Alex

[noobtothereef]

i never kne you could use the beach to wash filter socks lol j/k i just use white vinegar and water soak overnight

[2 TAZ]

Great thread, haveing trouble finding Hydrogen peroxide in larger amounts and stronger strengths then 3%. I've been looking at hardware store and Walmart. The closest thing I could find is OxyClean and Borax. I guese Oxy Clean is not good but dose anyone know about Borax. The label says all natural and contains SODIUM TETRABORATE DECAHYDRATE, never taking chemistry I have no idea if it is safe or not.
Thanks

[bertoni]

Borax is a detergent booster. It might help clean a filter sock. Using it should be safe enough.

[7thheaven]

Many Korean are using sodium hypochlorite(NACLO) for cleaning filter sock.
That means it is useless to "CLEAN" filtersock... correct?
so you recommand to use oxygenated water or borax?

Thanks in advance

[droberts]

i have been using the bleach method since i started reefing one part bleach to three parts water and let sit for 2 days then rinse in sink then rinse in a bucket of water with prime to neutralize the bleach my mesh socks come out looking new. i think I'm going to try the Hydrogen peroxide method. thanks for the info!

[gldnegle76]

Todd,

Do you soak or put in washing machine and how much?

[solitude127]

I'm interested in trying this as well. When you pour 1/4 cup of HP on the sock, does the sock need to be completely dry?

[grassi]

3% Hydrogen peroxide is more than enough especially if you pour it when the sock is dry (more effective because it does not dissolve into h2o and oxygen).
It works with wet socks too, I just found out being more effective when they are dry.

[ejcatmul]

Good info thanks just what I was looking for

[7thheaven]

Dear grassi
I tried to use 3% Hydrogen peroxide (filter sock was dry after remove dirt with water,soak it during 24h and washed (hot,twice,no soap)
Your after photo is almost white color as new filtersock but mine is not, Maybe I missed something.
I then tried to wash a filter sock after soaking it with hydrogen peroxide.
It worked!!!
Soaked with about 1/4 of a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide for a couple of hours, then washed (cotton, hot, extra rinse).
Hydrogen peroxide does not leave any chemical, it dissolves into water to water and oxygen. You can now safely have a white filter sock with no risk and without a lot of rinsing. I still suggest to let them dry to let the chlorine evaporate

Did you use no soap?

[grassi]

Try with the sock wet. After a few more tests I noticed that it is working better.
Try with more hydrogen peroxide, say 1/2 of a cup. It depends how big is the sock.
Leave it in a bucket, so it is well soaked.
Hope this helps

[7thheaven]

Try with the sock wet. After a few more tests I noticed that it is working better.
Try with more hydrogen peroxide, say 1/2 of a cup. It depends how big is the sock.
Leave it in a bucket, so it is well soaked.
Hope this helps

Thanks grassi.
I am not sure but 1/2 of a cup is too small to be well soaked.
The sock in a bucket is just wet sock or I should put some water in bucket?
socked means the sock should be submerged?

[grassi]

No water, just wet form the tank or freshwater if you rinse it before.
Not submerged. It should work with just some

[bagz727]

Try with the sock wet. After a few more tests I noticed that it is working better.
Try with more hydrogen peroxide, say 1/2 of a cup. It depends how big is the sock.
Leave it in a bucket, so it is well soaked.
Hope this helps

hi, so after soaking, wash with water then air dry? by the way will 10% be ok, coz cant find 3%. thanks

[cham]

I have some Oxi Clean laying around, but I love how easy it is to toss some bleach into the wash cycle.

Can I just toss some Oxi clean in the washer, put the socks in and let it rip or should I allow it to soak for a few hours?

How many scoops of Oxi are you guys using?

Do I have to let the socks "dry" or can I use them right away?

[grassi]

bagz727, 10% should be ok
cham, no oxi clean but hydrogen peroxide. I use oxi clean for cleaning my homebrewing equipment but I don't trust it for the tank

[7thheaven]

Dear grassi
hydrogen peroxide has bleach effect like Sodium hypochloride?

I tried to use hydrogen peroxide in my wet filter sock (1 cup and leave it for 12hours)
and twice in washing machine but Mine is not whitish like your picture.

I do not know what I missed.

[cham]

bagz727, 10% should be ok
cham, no oxi clean but hydrogen peroxide. I use oxi clean for cleaning my homebrewing equipment but I don't trust it for the tank

Oxi Clean is sodium percarbonate. I can't use that?

[bertoni]

The sodium percarbonate part is safe. If there are no dangerous contaminants in the product, it'll be fine if neutralized properly after the cleaning. If the product has a lot of heavy metals, that might be an issue. I suspect that OxyClean likely is safe for this purpose, but I can't guarantee it.

[TampaSnooker]

If you are making your own hydrogen peroxide solution from sodium percarbonate, how much do you use to make 3% solution like you'd get at the store? How long is the solution stable for?

I found a calculator from a chemical supply company that says 4 oz makes a gallon at 3.03%. Sound about right? http://www.fabpro.com/calculators/dilutionratio.html

[rogergolf66]

Ok so I have been reading through this but help me out on the methode I would like to try. After reading this I'm thinking to do it this way?

5 gallon bucket with a lid take dirty filter sock. Spray with high pressure hose then put in bucket with splash of hydrogen peroxcide. Store in bucket the next day do the same thing with the next dirty sock. So then I will have 2 socks in the bucket and add another splash or peroxide and repeat till I need more socks I have about 10 socks. then I would rinse again with hose then hang and let dry.
Then reuse on tank.

Is this a good way or is it flawed way? If so how would u change it?

Roger

[bertoni]

I'm not sure how much hydrogen peroxide you'd need, but the idea basically is fine, IMO. I'd probably remove each sock at the end of some soaking period, maybe an hour or overnight, just to limit the exposure to hydrogen peroxide.

[AcroporAddict]

I use 100 micron nylon mesh socks and avoid the need to chemically clean or machine wash them entirely. Turn them inside out, blast with a garden hose, turn right side in and replace. Takes 2 minute and about 2 gallons of water to clean two 7 inch diameter socks. Been using the same two for over two years now. Beats polypropylene felt socks in every way you can think.

[rogergolf66]

I'm not sure how much hydrogen peroxide you'd need, but the idea basically is fine, IMO. I'd probably remove each sock at the end of some soaking period, maybe an hour or overnight, just to limit the exposure to hydrogen peroxide.

I'm slightly confused still. Do I put a. Gallon or so of water in the bucket then the perodix or no water at all?

[bertoni]

I'd put in one sock, just enough water to cover it, and a bit of hydrogen peroxide. I don't know how much a "bit" is. After a good soak, maybe an hour, I'd remove the sock, rinse it, and let it dry. Letting it soak longer is fine, but I wouldn't want to let it sit long enough to grow bacteria.

[rogergolf66]

K thanks for info will give it a shot!!!

[bertoni]

You're welcome!

[TampaSnooker]

I"m doing my first batch of socks now. I purchased a pound of sodium percarbonate from an ebay site that I believe was linked previously. With some half arsed calculations, I found that a teaspoon of sodium percarbonate is about 6 grams. 1 ounce (28 grams) makes a quart, based on the calculator I linked previously so roughly 4.5 teaspoons makes a quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide. I also made a quart to clean some old frag plugs. They started fizzing right away. Let's see how the socks look tonight/tomorrow or whenever I remember to look in the container... Cost per quart of solution is roughly $.30 with shipping

[shaggss]

Is this the right stuff?

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab240/shaggss/4b8cee9f.jpg

I have had them socking 24 hours now and still dirty? I used it straight, no dilution?

Thanks for any help!

[Silkyslim]

Tagging along.

I've always used bleach. Gonna try hp on one sock.

Question for those who used oxiclean. Were there any problems?

[brandon429]

Great thread I will link it to our pest algae challenge thread here:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2082359&page=10

[TampaSnooker]

Brandon, I just read through and subscribed to your thread (and most of the linked ones) earlier today. Great work. 2 quick comments:

First, I forgot to follow up on my experience using Sodium Percarbonate as a Peroxide source for cleaning filter socks - I mixed as posted previously and was pretty happy with the socks after a 24 hour soak

Second - for anyone wishing to use Sodium Percarbonate as a Peroxide source - it is fine for cleaning socks and recycling frag plugs/discs. I also suspect it could be used to sterilize coral cuttings for recycling in a reactor, although I have not yet tested this on my bucket of monti cap trimmings. BUT - it should not be used as a peroxide source for coral dips. The carbonates released run the KH and pH through the roof. I couldn't
dilute it enough to get a KH or pH anywhere close to acceptable levels for dipping zoas.

We have to wash about 60 socks a week and I am still looking at the cleanest and most economical way. I am really not pleased with the residues from bleach that affect skimmers when socks are replaced. I can't say that anything in the tanks are affected by it, but I sure don't like it.

[TampaSnooker]

Is this the right stuff?

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab240/shaggss/4b8cee9f.jpg

I have had them socking 24 hours now and still dirty? I used it straight, no dilution?

Thanks for any help!

You've got 6% solution. In the States, we typically have 3% off the shelf. Yours is simply twice as strong so you may not need as much. For cleaning purposes, I don't see why stronger would hurt anything. Use caution if you use it as an algaecide or for dipping corals.

[shaggss]

I thought that 6% would clean better but my socks are still just as dirty 36 hours latter?

[degibson84]

I thought that 6% would clean better but my socks are still just as dirty 36 hours latter?

I had the same issue soaking in peroxide. I only used 3% since that it the most common in stores. Soaked for 2 days and the sock is still just as neon green as when i started soaking

[Ron Reefman]

I had the same issue soaking in peroxide. I only used 3% since that it the most common in stores. Soaked for 2 days and the sock is still just as neon green as when i started soaking

Peroxide works very quickly, if it isn't clean in 5 minutes, you need to use more. Soaking doesn't help. Also, peroxide isn't bleach, it may help with the washing machine's ability to remove some of the dirt. I rinse/soak 20-30 socks in peroxide for 10 minutes and then run through a wash and rinse cycle with nothing but water and my socks come out looking very clean.

[degibson84]

my wife refusses to allow me to run through the washer after the last time. even after running an extra rinse cycle with bleach. There was still bleach left in the washer and faded out all of our newborn son's clothes

[grassi]

I thought that 6% would clean better but my socks are still just as dirty 36 hours latter?

You have to wash the sock after the soacking

[degibson84]

wash it with what? I just ran it through the washer on with no soaps and extra rinse and this thing is still neon green. nothing compared to when i used bleach

[grassi]

Washer cycle with no soap is enough. Try bleach and see if you can get rid of it, but I doubt

[degibson84]

Just went with a second soak in peroxide and my sock was still nasty. Decided to soak in bleach since this way actually cleans my socks.

[grassi]

If that works better for you and the byproduct of bleach breaking down don't harm your livestock then you should go for it

[degibson84]

I was lookin for a safe way. I have never had any issues but have always been nervous about using bleach. But I do soak for 2 days in RO water with dechlor

[bertoni]

A rinse in vinegar will remove any remaining bleach.

[Kona26]

Quick question...how often are u guys putting in new filters..? I have a new 120 g and the socks i have get brownish but not neon green like some have said. Putting in new socks about every other week...should i change more..? Tank not super stocked

[degibson84]

I usually do every Sunday but last week my wife gave birth to our first child so I wasn't home for that switch. That is what caused hair algae to grow inside the sock. I have heard of people changing up to everyday.

[Kona26]

I usually do every Sunday but last week my wife gave birth to our first child so I wasn't home for that switch. That is what caused hair algae to grow inside the sock. I have heard of people changing up to everyday.

Well congratz..! And good luck....we had are first son last year and havnt slept yet. Yeah i think i might go to every week

[Twistofer]

You may want to investigate Pure Eco Wash Laundry Systems. It is a soap free system that attaches to your washing machine, and washes your clothes with water enriched with ozone. It cleans without using bleach, soap or other chemicals. I use it to wash my filter socks. The basic unit costs around $400.

[rsuplido]

I use this: http://www.stainsolver.com/ - "Stain Solver is simply a dried form of hydrogen peroxide and soda ash. " (from FAQ (http://www.stainsolver.com/FAQ.shtml#2))

I've tried it on both nylon and felt filter sock and they come out clean and really white every time.

[hogfanreefer]

I put 10 socks in a 5 gal bucket with two 32 ounce bottles of peroxide (88 cents each at Wally World) then added enough water to cover them. Left them over night and washed them without any thing in the washing machine. They look better than they ever did using bleach.

[degibson84]

I put 10 socks in a 5 gal bucket with two 32 ounce bottles of peroxide (88 cents each at Wally World) then added enough water to cover them. Left them over night and washed them without any thing in the washing machine. They look better than they ever did using bleach.

I had to use a 32oz bottle for one of my socks. I have the Eshopps giant rectangle sock. i soaked it over night ran it through a rinse cycle on the washer and it was still as green as could be. Tried soaking it again for a few hours and it came a little cleaner but jsut didn't come clean

[disc1]

A rinse in vinegar will remove any remaining bleach.

Only after it is dry. Mixing bleach with acid makes chlorine gas. If the sock is dry it won't be enough to notice. If the sock is wet with bleach it might be a real bad idea.

I don't know why the aversion to bleach. You guys know that between bleach and peroxide, the peroxide is the more potent oxidizer. That's like saying diesel fuel is too flammable so we are going to use gasoline instead.

Seriously though, once it dries out the bleach will be gone. Sodium hypochlorite is only stable in solution. When it dries it disproportionates to chlorate and chlorine. Since the chlorine is a gas and goes away, the whole thing eventually end up going that way.

[kaskiles]

OxyClean instead of peroxide.

[SEA-SALTED]

I also use bleach. I have a 5 gallon bucket in the garage with about a 1/4cup of bleach and some water. I put my dirty filter socks in the bucket (usually end up with 4 pair over time)sitting in the bucket for a few weeks. When I use my last pair, I take the bucket outside and rinse with a hose (so as not to bring the waste into the washer) then put in washer with a 1/4 cup of bleach,on gentle,extra rinse. then re rinse. air dry for a couple of days, and start over. Been doing it this way since 2005. Just my 2cents.

[bertoni]

Are you sure there's enough bleach left in filter socks after going through a spin cycle to be a issue? I'll have to do some searching, but I thought we'd been through this discussion before. I guess I don't have a good idea of how big the filter socks are. :)

[reefgeezer]

I use a lot of (probably too much) bleach when washing 4" X 8" 200 micron filter socks. I turn them inside out for washing. A couple of extra rinse cycles generally yields filter socks with only a slight smell of bleach after they dry.

While I know it's unnecessary, I rinse them by hand before they go in the system just to be safe. I agree that the little extra chlorine is not harmful, but I just can't get past my phobia about putting anything that smells of bleach in the tank. :hmm3:

I used to soak them in water treated with a bunch of cheap dechlorinater but found that to be enough of a PIA to overcome my phobia.

[tmz]

I use one large sock on a heavily fed seahorse tank . It's soaked it in bleach and water for a few hours then a double rinse on the washing machine, air diried overnight. Clean sock no bleach odor at all.

[Kona26]

So i am running 2 drains to 1 sock...i think it a 4x8. But i have been told if you are running a fuge and have a skimmer there is no need for a sock...is this true..?

[tmz]

Personally, I prefer not to use them. I like plankton in the water to move through the system. I have 7 tank drains running into the sump. The seahorse tank is the only drain with a sock; the others are open drains. The seahorsetank is heavily fed and has realtiely low flow .It got dirty quickly;detritus would settle there and some snotty bacteria would show up . This was solved with the sock on that drain only.

[brandon429]

Only after it is dry. Mixing bleach with acid makes chlorine gas. If the sock is dry it won't be enough to notice. If the sock is wet with bleach it might be a real bad idea.

I don't know why the aversion to bleach. You guys know that between bleach and peroxide, the peroxide is the more potent oxidizer. That's like saying diesel fuel is too flammable so we are going to use gasoline instead.

Seriously though, once it dries out the bleach will be gone. Sodium hypochlorite is only stable in solution. When it dries it disproportionates to chlorate and chlorine. Since the chlorine is a gas and goes away, the whole thing eventually end up going that way.

I think bleach is much harsher than 3% by orders over but not 35%

I'm surprised 3% breaks up filter sock organics better than bleach on the first post its not what I would have expected. Lots of people say it won't clean their filter socks as well comparatively so I guess results vary

[TampaSnooker]

Lots of people say it won't clean their filter socks as well comparatively so I guess results vary

What's in your sock? Algae filaments, spores and poop are quite different than the solids that I siphon into a sock when I want to clean the tank without a water change. The silt that collects in a sock after running through a tank with a turkey baster is also different matter. Every tank is a bit different.

[Psionicdragon]

so how long after using oxiclean can you use the socks? do you have to let it air dry like when you use bleach?

[bertoni]

Air-drying should be fine for releasing a bit more of the hydrogen peroxide. I suspect a good rinsing should be fine, if the OxiClean doesn't contain any detergents, just the oxidizer.

[Psionicdragon]

Air-drying should be fine for releasing a bit more of the hydrogen peroxide. I suspect a good rinsing should be fine, if the OxiClean doesn't contain any detergents, just the oxidizer.

I hope it doesn't contain any detergents!

This is what I used:

http://www2.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11865890&whse=BD_579&Ne=5000001%204000000&eCat=BD_579|11125|11301&N=4053571%204294889957&Mo=0&No=0&Nr=P_CatalogName:BD_579&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Browse=1&topnav=bdoff

[bertoni]

I suspect that it'll be okay, but I've never read the fine print for that product.

[chercm]

has anyone tried using this : http://www.vanish.co.uk/products/vanish-oxi-action/vanish-oxi-action-powder

the contents are : surfacants and hydrogen peroxide (h202)

is it safe to use it ?

[bertoni]

I would avoid anything with a surfactant. Surfactants are toxic to a lot of animals.

[chercm]

So is it better not to use filter socks then?

[bertoni]

Well, if you rinse it very well, it'd likely be fine, but I'd just soak them in vinegar a bit, personally. If you do that, then cleaning with a detergent likely is safe enough.

[chercm]

Well, if you rinse it very well, it'd likely be fine, but I'd just soak them in vinegar a bit, personally. If you do that, then cleaning with a detergent likely is safe enough.

Then I think I would turn to use vinegar then . Stopping to use bleach

[gregphoenix]

I wash them in hot water, extra rinse,then put them in the toilet tank for a week or so. no detergent, no bleech. I use three at a time and have maybe 12 in circulation.

[robert911]

Quick question... Is tap water ok to use to wash filter socks?

[rogergolf66]

Yes

[windyridge]

I put them in the washing machine with a small capful of bleach and the regular house water.

[supervdl]

I put them in the washing machine with a small capful of bleach and the regular house water.

I do the same.

[MrKaon]

I thought of using sodium percarbonate. But then you have to mix it. I prefer how fast is to just drop some hydrogen peroxide from the bottle.
Plus it generates 35% hydrogen peroxide which is a little bit stronger than what you really need. But it works as well, yes

I use oxi clean for cleaning my homebrewing equipment. Works well, but I feel like I need a lot of rinsing to get rid of it. Even on your hands it feels "soapy" for minutes. I don't know if it is the soda ash or what. The main active ingredient is sodium percarbonate, but there are many other ingredients in it that we don't know
And it is not cheap
First of all let me thank you for great thread , I wasn't comfortable to use bleach and Google brought me here :lmao:
Here in UK we do have a commercial product from Vanish:

http://www.vanish.co.uk/ImageGen.ashx?image=/media/1567120/vanish-gold-oxi-action-powder.png (http://www.vanish.co.uk/products/vanish-gold-oxi-action/vanish-gold-oxi-action-powder)


With main ingredient been Sodium Carbonate Peroxhydrate it feels soapy first but if left over for few hours it will disappear and result is magic.:)

[firemountain]

This is just an update to this thread. For those who have a hard time getting their socks clean with 3% hydrogen peroxide from a local store, I have been using the following product with amazing results...

http://buckstovepoolandspa.com/shop/baquacil-oxidizer-shock/

It's a 27% solution, which is pool strength. Even if you do a 50% dilution, you are still at 13.5% strength....a lot stronger than the over the counter.

The link is just for reference...buy it locally at a pool store. I do a 6 hour soak when the socks have been prerinsed in the slopsink and then air dried. I find better results when the sock are dried first.

After that, they go in the washer on a warm cycle, with an extra rinse....no smell, clean, and the ever so dirt ring at the water line is gone.

[Raul-7]

Don't every dry them in the dryer; did that and they got destroyed. The metal ring was bent/twisted well out of shape.

[slief]

Don't every dry them in the dryer; did that and they got destroyed. The metal ring was bent/twisted well out of shape.

Metal ring?? You shouldn't be using socks with metal rings even if they are stainless. There are metals in stainless steel that you don't want in your aquarium. You should only use socks with the plastic rings.I do agree with the drying though. Never dry in the dryer. Air dry is best and they dry very quickly any.

[Raul-7]

Metal ring?? You shouldn't be using socks with metal rings even if they are stainless. There are metals in stainless steel that you don't want in your aquarium. You should only use socks with the plastic rings.I do agree with the drying though. Never dry in the dryer. Air dry is best and they dry very quickly any.

I got them from here: http://www.filterprofilters.com/filterbags

Where do you buy the plastic ring variant?

http://www.fsifilters.com/filter-bags/

I like to filter down to 25 micron for the visual clarity. I put 100 then 50 then 25.

[Masoch]

Another source for sodium percarbonate is PBW from Five Star -- homebrew supply stores sell it, and many breweries use it for cleaning fermentation tanks.* It contains about 30% sodium metasilicate which tends to make it more effective than OxiClean. I've been using it for years to clean out really groddy skimmers. After a vinegar rinse, they look all clean and shiny.

It also passivates stainless steel (makes it look all shiny and new) :)

* Fermentation tanks get NASTY. The combination of yeast, proteins and hop chunks create a tar-like collar above the fermenting beer.

[slief]

I got them from here: http://www.filterprofilters.com/filterbags

Where do you buy the plastic ring variant?

http://www.fsifilters.com/filter-bags/

I like to filter down to 25 micron for the visual clarity. I put 100 then 50 then 25.

Filterpro's offers the ones with plastic rings. They have nylon ring, nylon flange, polypropylene ring and pp flange. I use nylon or polypropylene flange socks. It's all in the part number you order and your bag holder design. See bag style on the lower right of the image below.
http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo347/shleif/Tanks/imagejpg1_zpsd249a78e.jpg

That said, I think I got my case from BRS. I use 200 micron though. I have 10 micron socks but only use those for LaCl treatment. 25 micron is pretty fine for general filtering. How long do they last? Fortunately for me, my system in conjunction with four 200 micron 7" felt socks do a great job and I couldn't imagine the need for anything finer for daily use.

[inetmug]

Where can you get 35% HP? What stores carry it?

[firemountain]

Where can you get 35% HP? What stores carry it?

35% is considered food strength. You can find it online, but I believe you have to pay an additional "hazmat" shipping charge, due to D.O.T. regulations. It gets expensive after its all said and done.

I use the 27% strength, which is considered pool strength. It doesn't have the extra shipping charge attached, and your local pool/ hot tub store should carry it. I pay $16 bucks a gallon

Here is the product I use and get locally...works great for cleaning/soaking the socks. The link is for reference only.

http://buckstovepoolandspa.com/shop/baquacil-oxidizer-shock/

Here is a quick link for the 35% HP....

http://www.pureh2o2forhealth.com

http://www.purehealthdiscounts.com/h2o2.htm

[inetmug]

I found the baqucel shock for $18/G which is 27% locally.

What is the process for this stronger stuff? Dry sock? just cover it, dilution...? etc.

[Ted_C]

would it be safe to say any non-chlorine oxidizer would work the same as hydrogen peroxide?

http://store.pinchapenny.com/product/pool-shock-non-chlorine-oxidizing#q=Pool%20Shock%2C%20Non-Chlorine%20Oxidizing - AJAX

I'm pretty sure it's 100% Potassium Monopersulfate

[firemountain]

I found the baqucel shock for $18/G which is 27% locally.

What is the process for this stronger stuff? Dry sock? just cover it, dilution...? etc.

They say that after 6 hours...all of the oxygen becomes depleted in the solution. I was originally using dry socks in a 5 gallon bucket with straight solution not diluted. Worked great....threw them in the wash with warm water.....that's it.

But the problem for me was that I do 5 socks at a time...which needed 2 gallons of Baquacil to cover the socks. Now my goal is to cut costs of the Baquacil with getting grood results.

Next I tried just soaking the socks in water and squeeze out the excess water and using straight solution....still worked great. I have not tried diluting the solution yet.....I will keep you posted.

Also....the stuff is light reactive.....if you use a bucket....loosely cover and allow a gap. DONT COVER it tightly....it will build up pressure and blow the lid.

[abinder]

Any new updates/processes on using hydrogen peroxide for cleaning filter socks?

Thanks for any info/help on the process.


Allen

[ser_renely]

Any new updates/processes on using hydrogen peroxide for cleaning filter socks?

Thanks for any info/help on the process.


Allen

curious as well

[CIRCLE10]

Agree

[lewismo489]

i have always used a pressure washer to clean my socks - they come out like brand new every time! you do have to be careful as they will eventually rip through the filter sock if you try too hard!

no detergents or bleach what so ever

just soak in some RO water after before putting them back into your sump to wash anything harmful from the tap water you clean them with

I hope this helps!
:beer:

[CBlair]

You can find some pretty high strength peroxide (29%) in hydroponic or indoor gardening stores. Works very well

[chiroken]

very interesting thread! I am new to socks and will be using 2 x 4x14" and 2 x 7x14" 100 & 200 micron socks in 2 separate systems and have 3 sets of socks for each tank. I would like to clean 2 sets at once when I can. I don't follow what you are doing to store the dirty socks once they are taken out.

Do you just let them dry, then soak in the peroxide, then rinse in the washing machine? Or if using bleach...let them dry then put in washing machine with bleach added?

Do you rinse them in the sink first, then let dry?

Are you storing in a closed bucket? I assume they will have a nasty odour to them?

And are you all using top loading washers or do front loaders work also (what I have)?

I'm trying to figure out the most efficient way to clean the socks.

Thanks.

[bertoni]

You can wash them in the washing machine if you wish, although I'd use fairly strong bleach since my clothes would be going into the washer next. Either way, letting them dry thoroughly probably is enough to remove any remaining bleach or hydrogen peroxide. You could rinse them in a bit of vinegar if you're worried about chlorine. I'd store them in an open container to reduce any further microbial action.

[Ron Reefman]

I have a lot of filter socks (close to 50) and use 4 to 6 a week. I store the used ones in a closed rubbermaid tub in the garage and that holds the smell in quite well.

After 4 to 6 weeks (sometimes longer) I fill the rubbermaid tub full of used socks with water (outside) the day before I wash to get them well soaked. Then wash them in the washing machine with chlorine bleach and then do the rinse cycle with hydrogen-peroxide. Then I do a second wash and rinse cycle with just water. Allow them to spin dry and then set them out to air dry.

[kelser01]

Another source for sodium percarbonate is PBW from Five Star -- homebrew supply stores sell it, and many breweries use it for cleaning fermentation tanks.* It contains about 30% sodium metasilicate which tends to make it more effective than OxiClean. I've been using it for years to clean out really groddy skimmers. After a vinegar rinse, they look all clean and shiny.

It also passivates stainless steel (makes it look all shiny and new) :)

* Fermentation tanks get NASTY. The combination of yeast, proteins and hop chunks create a tar-like collar above the fermenting beer.

I cant seem to find anything that lists what chemicals are in this. Just wanted to double check before I tried it on our socks as this post is several years old. Incase they have changed the formula.

Thanks!

[bertoni]

It seems to be okay, but I would rinse carefully after using it, maybe with some vinegar, because it does contain detergent.

[madphill]

I wonder if this would work well on regenerating purigen? I had an episode after doing the 50/50 water and bleach recharge on purigen that killed coral and this could be safer....

Thoughts?

[rogergolf66]

How long does the purigen last in your salt water tanks? I have been thinking of trying it out

[bertoni]

Replacing monthly probably is a good idea, or at least a good starting point. In many tanks, Purigen probably is exhausted more rapidly than that, but it'd take some experimentation to determine what to do.

[miroch]

Jonathan,

I found some sodium percarbonate in this stain remover, is sodium silicate reef safe?

Simply Clean powder bleach is a non-chlorine bleach that is based on hydrogen peroxide and uses washing soda as a carrier. It is safe for fabrics, colours and the environment. Oxygen, water and washing soda are the non-toxic and biodegradable by-products.

Ingredients: Sodium Percarbonate, Sodium carbonate (washing soda), Sodium Silicate.