how clear do you want your water, socks catch floating particles rock not so much. pushing a lot of water past live rock might enhance nitrification and if there are filter feeders on the rock they have a chance to grab those particles that the socks would have caught. i am a noob and allow my tank to go wild so i do not use socks. my critters are able to ride the wave between the sump and display tank and do. as you say if you don't like your results you can go back.