Filter sock placement

[Jonathan's Reef]

So, my sump came with a compartment for filter media like sponges or filter blocks, but I'd like to use a filter sock. Ideally, the sock should be below the level of the sump to allow for overflow, but if I do that, most socks would be sitting on the bottom and surely in the water. Is that a problem, or should I mount a filter sock higher up and put together some sort of walls to protect the stand from splash damage?

[WheresTheReef]

You want most of the filter sock under water. Socks come in different lengths (e.g. 4", 7") so you could always go with a shorter sock if your sump is pretty shallow. Also make sure the drain line from the DT is at least a couple inches under water to avoid loud splashing sounds. 

[Jonathan's Reef]

Huh! I always thought you wanted most of the filter sock out of the water so that the water had to drop through. 

 

Thanks for the info!

[WheresTheReef]

Water has to go through the sock regardless of placement above/below the sump's water line. However, if placed above the water line then it can splash everywhere which will be loud and possibly introduce air bubbles. I keep the top of the sock above the water to make sure it traps floating particles.