View Full Version : Diatom Filter? System 1 vs Vortex?
deehar1
12-07-2002, 9:16 PM
I'd like the best diatom filter and I'm looking at the System 1 from Aquarium Products as I can hang it off the front of my tank and run it for a few hours a week. Does anyone have any experience with this one? I've also heard the System 1 is much easier to clean vs the Vortex line?
TY, DEE
Tightdog1
12-11-2002, 9:58 PM
i was wondering this also about getting a diatom filter but have no experience with them.
125gJoe
12-12-2002, 5:39 AM
I have the Vortex XL - thanks to this website! It's the best diatom filter out, but it can be slightly cumbersome to set-up. Once you set it up a few times it's no problem at all. The Vortex D-1 is for smaller aquariums.
I highly recommend this product! I use it after each water change (once a week). The water is crystal clear.. :)
Skippy
12-12-2002, 6:25 AM
Ok...
even more beginner question here.
How does a diatom filter work with the powder and all as opposed to water polishing with say a HOT Magnum and its' 1 micron filter?
Anton Wernher
12-12-2002, 9:59 AM
In the vortex diatom filters the powder coats the filter bag. Water is then forced through powder making for very fine filtration.
DIYMatt
12-13-2002, 1:12 PM
Can't you also do the same thing with a Magnum? Mine came with diatom powder years ago when I got it. Just wondering because a HOT Magnum is like $50 and the Vortex is almost $100. The magnum would also be more versatile. But, probably just as cumbersome as the vortex to set up.
Just my two cents.
p.s. why do want a diatom? My water is as crystal clear as I've seen and I have foam and biomedia in my filters. If make a big mess I hook up the Mag with the micron and it clears up in a couple hours.
125gJoe
12-13-2002, 5:03 PM
Originally posted by DIYMatt
Can't you also do the same thing with a Magnum? Some like their Magnums, others have said they don't filter as good as the Vortex. The Vortex is designed strictly as a Diatom Filter. The Vortex XL is rather large, and I suppose this helps with its effectiveness. It takes 3 cups of diatom powder for each use.
For smaller aquariums, there's the Vortex D-1.
Will a diatom filter clear out the haze in the water that is the result of moving plants in a clay substrate?
125gJoe
12-14-2002, 10:52 AM
Originally posted by Matak
Will a diatom filter clear out the haze in the water that is the result of moving plants in a clay substrate?
Absolutely! It's great for that!
:)
Tightdog1
12-14-2002, 9:00 PM
thata what havin a diatom filter is basically used for, taking out all the tiny particles!
anybody use the system 1 filter?
dominator151
10-31-2005, 7:52 PM
well I dont even know how to explain it but I love it allot , This thing cranks a crystal clean water, I use it once or twice a week for less than an hour on my 75 gallon tank. Mine creates tons of bubbles at high water level, and Sounds like a beast but i inherit this filter from a freshwater friend that had no use for it. I did and Love it
I need to find media for it , so if anyone knows please post.
Questions In these products I can help answer
Setup 1 of 3
75 gall marine fish tank
Tonga and fuji mix live rock,
excalibur skimmer
eheim wet dry canister fllter
diatom system 1, water cleanser
Dom
beviking
11-01-2005, 12:04 PM
I agree with Joe. I have the XL and it's cumbersome at first but pretty simple once you've used it a few times. Which is pretty much all I've used mine. Once it cleared up my green water, I used it a few times after water changes. I don't think I've used it in 6+ months. Hmmm, anyone interested in renting??? :)
For media (diatomaceous earth), try the local Swimming Pool outlet.
RUSH2112
11-03-2005, 6:17 AM
I have a vortex xl and love it. You have to learn how to set them up to avoid a "white out". It takes a powerful moter to pull the water thru the diatom media. I have a Magnum 350 with carbon running full time and I just don't think it has the flow to pull thru diatoms. The vortex xl is a beast and it produces water so clear that you can't see it if you can't see the water line. Is it needed?....No but, I am a clean water freak and I love mine.
Pretender
11-03-2005, 8:06 AM
For media (diatomaceous earth), try the local Swimming Pool outlet.
The manual for the Vortices warns that some pool diatoms contain chlorine.
Nathane959
11-03-2005, 9:19 AM
Yes, I have a System 1 Diatom filter I use on all my tanks. I just jump it from tank to tank. No hoses etc........ When I recieved the filter and unpacked it I thought, what a piece of junk. I wasnt impressed with its construction, and thought it was missing the plate that fills the gap between the filter and the back of your tank allowing the filter to level off. Unfortunatly they just stopped selling the plate with the unit, and not having it is no big deal seeing as how i dont keep it on the tank anyway. After using it a couple of times I came to the conclusion that its construction is fine, and after alot of use i have never had a problem. If you buy one make sure to vaseline the o-ring jar seal. This helps ease wear and tear on the o-ring, and makes the jar easier to screw on/off. The system 1 very easy to use ,and yes it filters particles as small as 1 micron. I love its size, and ease of use ( no hoses etc... ) and how well it filters. When im done I just shut it off, take it off the tank, rinse a couple of things off, and put it away in no time at all. After using it for a couple of weeks, I will never switch back to vortex, in fact i sold mine on ebay.
beviking
11-04-2005, 11:30 AM
The manual for the Vortices warns that some pool diatoms contain chlorine.
Yeah, must be some do...? It should be listed on the bag if chlorine is in there. I went through more than 1/2 a bag of the stuff with no ill affect/effect... :rant2: darn english language! Now I have to go look up the correct usage! So many words have several different meanings and some scholarly windbag had to come up with affect/effect just to make the rest of us look :duh: :huh:
TEES_91
11-04-2005, 11:43 AM
Has anyone used the Vortex XL with a gravel cleaning attachemnt? I was looking on ebay today at one and it mentions included with a gravel cleaning attachment.
RUSH2112
11-05-2005, 6:18 AM
I have a vortex xl and love it. I have not used it as a gravel vac. This is simply a hose that you screw into a coke bottle cut the bottom off and vacuum. I know you say sounds like a piece of crap but, this filter makes the water look awsome. I always use vortex (innerspace) diatoms.
The outflow is so strong on the Vortex that you won't need a vac. Just direct the flow over your substrate and send all the detrius into the water column. It will quickly be picked up by the intake filter. Pretty efficient machine, IMO.
I use the pool powder. You can't beat a buck a pound. A lifetime supply for $10 :clap:
Raithan Ellis
11-08-2005, 10:49 AM
Previously I owned a Vortex, liked the unit greatly at the time (don't get me wrong, it's a nice unit), however found it a bit cumbersome and annonying to prime with the hoses and all.
Ended up getting a System 1 a few months back, and I will never go back now. No hoses to mess with, no priming as it does it all for you, and it certainly has one BIG industrial motor on it... bit loud, but you only need to run it for an hour or so anyways.
Cheers!
Raithan O. Ellis