DIY Filter Socks

Skydvr · Dec 22, 2014

The fabric is on sale at Jo-Ann's right now for $2.99 a yard. There is a coupon that takes an additional 15% off you entire purchase, sale items included, that puts it at $2.54.
Jo-Ann Fabric Coupons ? Find a Jo-Ann Coupon

I'll be getting on this tonight.

marvelousone · Dec 26, 2014

What type of thread do you use.

Skydvr · Dec 29, 2014

Thanks again for this. I typically don't run filter socks, but I was using a mesh bag and filter floss when doing maintenance. These are way better. Less hassle (after they are made) and dirt cheap, less than 18Â¢ each for the size I am making.

Just finished up building some version 2 socks.

For thread, I just used the stuff that was on sale next to the counter, which happened to be polyester.

For anybody wanting to try this out that has never sewed before, it is pretty simple. This is the first time I have actually used a sewing machine. Everything else I have done in the past was by hand. Just read through the manual quick and have at it. It's pretty simple and fun once you get to it.

Skydvr · Dec 29, 2014

Oh man, I have no idea why it rotated the picture like that. I'm at home right now, so I don't have Internet access. I'm posting this from my phone. I'll see if I can fix it tomorrow.

Purpule Tang · Dec 30, 2014

Hi,I want ask that for making filter sock is important micron it?
thanks

Skydvr · Dec 31, 2014

I don't think the micron size is too critical. This stuff (I'm using the same material the original poster used) has taken out the fine dust from the sand and rocks, so it does a pretty good job. You can, obviously, go too corse to the point where it doesn't filter out the finer particles and you could potentially go too thick where you wouldn't get sufficient flow through the material and you would just overflow the sock, but that would take some really dense, really thick material.

I would think that pretty much any untreated polyester felt material would work. Untreated is key. If the material has a fire retardant in it (a lot of fabrics do), you will more than likely cause a severe issue in the tank.

Purpule Tang · Jan 1, 2015

Thanks for your good explain

Where is find it this polyester felt?
I heared that more this kind fabric using for example

ainting car,making drugs and etc.

Skydvr · Jan 1, 2015

I just picked it up at a crafts store. Somewhere that sells fabrics.
You can find it online somewhere as well if you don't have anything local.

If you check post number 10 on the first page, there is a picture of what is used. I don't know if there are similar regulations in Tehran, but in the US there are a lot of fabrics and products that have fire retardants applied to them. So we need to specifically find the stuff without it. You notice the label has a flamable warning on it. I think most of the eco products should be okay. Double check though, wouldn't want to introduce a chemically coated poly fabric to the tank.

Purpule Tang · Jan 3, 2015

Hi,Skydvr.
I find this site which kind of the felt is ok?
http://csfilmedia.com/
Thanks,

Skydvr · Jan 3, 2015

They look like they have several options that would work as they make materials specifically for filtering fluids. Your best bet would be to contact them directly to ask about aquarium use. Hopefully you can get smaller quantities of their stuff. Let us know how it works out.

JunkMan · Jan 9, 2015

Thank you so much!! Made some of these yesterday. I will never buy another one

hejjo · Feb 15, 2015

I get my filters here. http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=321667110584

They work great and you get 4 for $7.95 or 12 for $18.95

Fast shipping 2!! Definitely recommend!

They don't have a plastic ring but I cut the ring off an old one and reuse it on the new ones. Works great!!

Purpule Tang · Feb 17, 2015

Hi,every one.
I want ask you that which is easiest and best way for cleaning filter sock?:bigsmile:
I hear that some of the pepole using from vinegar and bleach for cleaning them?
Thanks

s2nhle · Feb 17, 2015

hejjo said:
I get my filters here. http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=321667110584

They work great and you get 4 for $7.95 or 12 for $18.95

Fast shipping 2!! Definitely recommend!

They don't have a plastic ring but I cut the ring off an old one and reuse it on the new ones. Works great!!

Great. Good to know. Thank for sharing.

heathd.hd · Feb 17, 2015

Purpule Tang said:
Hi,every one.
I want ask you that which is easiest and best way for cleaning filter sock?:bigsmile:
I hear that some of the pepole using from vinegar and bleach for cleaning them?
Thanks

Make them and throw them away! Ha. I do wash the 3 yards of fabric when I buy it in the machine with a half cup of bleach though. That makes 24 socks for 12 bucks.

Hassaan · Feb 17, 2015

Please I need the the felt link at JoAnn website

heathd.hd · Feb 17, 2015

http://www.joann.com/kunin-plush-felt-45in-/prd10217.html#q=eco-fi+felt&start=1

I've been using this without issues. I just wash it in hot water with bleach or vinegar fast and let it dry before I make them up. It's 100% polyester.

Electrobes · Feb 17, 2015

Hassaan, look at the pic in the beginning of the thread. Not sure on a link.

I want to say a BIG thank you to the OP. I found this thread after deciding on trying out filter socks. The cost is very high, and I go through three pairs (Just now started only needing two pairs) a week.

I will be reusing these socks, but loved them a lot. The savings is enormous, and my thanks even more so!!

heathd.hd · Feb 17, 2015

I took what this person had done and made my own a bit differnt but similar if videos will help you I made a couple of my girl doing the cutting and sowing also me putting them into my tank.

Here's the thread. https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176983
Simple filter socks