Wet dry filter mechanical cleaning

I am looking into a wet dry filter or sump for a large freshwater tank. I like the idea of the freshwater sump with filter socks because I can wash and reuse them for months like I do on a saltwater tank. But all the wet dry filters I see come with a drip tray that just has a cotton pad for a mechanical filter. How good of a job does that do? How quickly does it get dirty? Can the wet dry cotton pad be cleaned and reused? If they just get replaced once a week does that get costly? Anybody use wet dry filter help with these questions would be helpful thanks.

 

The floss on top can be bought in pretty big rolls. I replace mine at least once...most of the time I replace twice. I do have African Cichlids however...and there is more waste than normal community fish. You could get away with once a week with normal community fish. When you buy it in rolls and cut to size, it isn't that expensive!

 

Can the pad be washed. I see some people use the almost felt type from eshopps. Do you use foam or like quilt batting?





I have seen these options

 

Can the pad be washed. I see some people use the almost felt type from eshopps. Do you use foam or like quilt batting?





I have seen these options

I try to rinse the felt type ones but it's easier said than done. I usually just give up and buy more. I want some like the ones you posted with the layer of blue.

 

They sell them

 

I use the white floss filters like you show on the bottom left side. I just cut to size and insert. It's like 10 feet for less than $10. It's cheap enough..and on my tank...I'd rather replace than constantly wash.

the blue ones like you listed would not be cost effective...for me!! . I could get two out of the largest one...and there are 6 in a pack...so 12 total filters. I can get a few DOZEN out of the 10' section as it is also 3 feet wide! 30 square feet!

 

I use the white floss filters like you show on the bottom left side. I just cut to size and insert. It's like 10 feet for less than $10. It's cheap enough..and on my tank...I'd rather replace than constantly wash.

the blue ones like you listed would not be cost effective...for me!! . I could get two out of the largest one...and there are 6 in a pack...so 12 total filters. I can get a few DOZEN out of the 10' section as it is also 3 feet wide! 30 square feet!

Where do you buy yours?

 

Where do you buy yours?

There is a small shop in St Petersburg that sells the stuff in bulk. He sells ALL his dry goods really cheap! I get heaters, thermometers, media..food from him. They even sell really nice Peacock Africans...3 - 3 1/2" for only $11. His shop was open for a year before I even THOUGHT of going in, I'm glad I did!

 

Would a filter sock work?

 

If your sump is set up for it. To me..its easier to just dispose of the nasty filter media and replace with fresh. The socks..you have to constantly clean and re-use. I replace twice a week...so to me..it would be impractical.