Filter Floss vs Filter Socks: Which Is Better For Your Aquarium ?

Every reef tank, no matter the size or type, needs some sort of mechanical filtration.  This filtration method helps to remove particles such as uneaten fish food, fish waste and other debris from the water column before it has a chance to break down and degrade the water quality.  For most hobbyists, effective mechanical filtration is the first line of defense against water quality issues.  While there are numerous variations, mechanical filtration can generally be broken down into two categories, filter socks and filter floss.  Both filter socks and filter floss will effectively remove debris from the water column but, for numerous reasons, filter floss is a far better choice for all of the Reef Casa lineup of tanks.

The first advantage that filter floss has over socks is how easy they are to change.  Removing a filter sock requires removing it from a holder and transporting it to a sink to be rinsed.  This almost inevitably ends with water dripping on the floor and a mess in the sink that was used to rinse it.  On the other hand, changing filter floss is as simple as taking the old piece out of the filtration chamber and throwing it in the garbage and replacing it with a new one.  At Reef Casa we want to make reefing as simple as possible so we offer high quality, precut Filter Floss designed to fit perfectly in the first filtration chamber of all Reef Casa tank models.

Because filter floss is so much easier to change than rinsing filter socks, reefers are far more likely to stick to a regular routine, which can prevent the buildup of detritus in the socks or floss as well as avoid the dreaded overflow from clogged filtration.  When fish waste and food is captured by the mechanical filtration it is removed from the water column, but can still degrade water quality if it is allowed to break down in the floss or sock.  When the filter sock is rinsed or the floss is changed, this waste is permanently removed from the tank.  Since hobbyists are more likely to change floss regularly, water quality will be improved.  While all Reef Casa tanks are designed with an emergency overflow, a clogged filter sock can sometimes lead to overflow in less well designed tanks.  If a filter sock is not changed regularly enough it can lead to reduced water flow and, in extreme situations, overflow.  Because filter floss is likely to be changed far more regularly this problem is far less common when floss is used.

Both filter socks and filter floss will effectively remove debris from the water column but at Reef Casa we highly recommend using filter floss to help keep your aquarium water clear and also to improve water quality.