Diatom Filter

[TheCat]

I searched the forums but didn't find anything so am asking:

Has anyone ever used a diatom filter?

The only filters that I've used are the Tetra Whisper and the AquaClear. I don't know anything about canister filters.

Would a diatom filter be good to use on a regular basis? How does the water go from the tank into the filter and then back into the tank? What would you use on the part of the filter that goes from the tank? Sponge? Is there anywhere that I can find a diagram on how canister filters work?

I know they may seem like dumb questions but I really have never seen a canister filter system and don't have anyone else to ask.

[scootrnerd]

diatom filters are not a good all time filter simply because they clog easily and remove even the good stuff from your water. i use one to polish my water every few months but wouldn't recommend full time use

[TheCat]

You know, I was reading about them and it said that it would take out parasites and anything larger than 1 micron, leaving the good "stuff". I wasn't sure how it could determine the difference between good bacteria and bad bacteria. It makes sense that it would clog faster as there seems to be a bag that holds the diatomaceous earth; but, again, they say that it isn't the bag that filters but rather the diatomaceous earth.

See why I need information from those that have personal experience?

[scootrnerd]

yeah like i said it clogs fast! good filter for water polishing though. you could just go with the magnum canister they make a diatom filter for those also and it can be used with other filter options

[Rbishop]

Well, yes they clog fast, but once they clean the water they can be run continuously, though you will clean them more often that ither canister style filters. Back in the 70s it wasn't unusual to see them on most 55 gal tanks and up as the only source of filtration.

Still the best one out there on the market, IMO...

http://www.diatomfilters.com/

[TheCat]

It was my 50G that I was thinking of putting it on. It makes sense that it would clog quickly until you got the tank clean and run better afterward since once it was clean there would be less to clog it up.

Thank you for the link.

[Rbishop]

No problem. I still use them to polish tanks that are set up for display or before taking pictures. Don't let the statement of it removing ich take a firm hold. If ich is in the free swimming stage, yes it may be removed, but it doesn't do anything for cysts in the substrate or attached to a fish.

Some LFS will rent them for algae removal.

[TheCat]

It really does sound like a good way to go, but with my tendency to overfeed (I know I shouldn't but there are all those little bodies in there and they all like different things to eat even though they aren't supposed to. I can't stand the thought of any of them going hungry. Been there, it's not fun. So I can't help myself. I have gotten better.) anyway, I would be clogging up the filter more than normal.

Looks like I'll have to wait with that until I get much better about feeding. Meanwhile, I'm going to look into the Magnum that has the gravel washer attachment. That should make it a little easier to clean the gunk out between water changes wihtout messing with the water.

I honestly don't have an algae problem even though the sunlight hits the tank. My little rubber nose pleco keeps whatever is there off the glass and the weekly water changes keep the nitrates at minimum levels so the algae has nothing to feed on. Hmmm, I guess I don't mind the algae starving. lol

Thank you both for the info. Made me see that it would be a mistake for me right now. Better than spending money I don't really have to find out. Very much appreciated.

[scootrnerd]

i got my diatom from this guy http://cgi.ebay.com/Vortex-Diatom-D-1-Regular-Size-Filter-NEW_W0QQitemZ250217459920QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item2 50217459920&_trksid=p3285.c58.l1288

[Octavarium]

Diatoms are EXCELLENT for quick algae cleanups and or parasites in water. I had pea green soup once, and in 20 minutes my vortex D1 made it crystal clear. It isnt for continuous use however, just store it in case you need it in future. Ive used mine many times, worth the price you can get one for on ebay.

[loaches r cool]

BTW, if you didnt realize, a canister filter and a DE filter are two different things. A DE can be considered a canister style but it is unique. if you just want a canister filter than thats a whole different things.

[TheCat]

BTW, if you didnt realize, a canister filter and a DE filter are two different things. A DE can be considered a canister style but it is unique. if you just want a canister filter than thats a whole different things.

Oh no. That I do understand. As you said, it's a type of canister filter insofar as it is a canister but, imho, the media is what sets it apart. Where the typical canister may use stages of filter media, the DE uses specifically diatomaceous earth, which are fossilized diatoms. So I do get that, I just liked the idea of having crystal clear water all the time - not that my water runs cloudy, even with my tendency to over feed. I do 40 - 50% water changes weekly. And I am happy with the way the Aquaclear works, just not how it looks - big thing hanging on the back of the tank, yuck. lol

[joestyx]

i have the vortex diatom xl and i use it continuously on all 3 of my tank, alternating from one to the other and rechargin the filter whenever it needs it and it works fine and i always have crystal clear water, i also bought the super-char for from the lfs and the de + the super-char i would drink the water it gets purified.....I also have the H.O.T. Magnum on my 20 gal and it work okay, but it's hard to get an air tight seal on it, the gravel attachment comes in handy though......hope this helps

[fishorama]

Guess I'm the only 1 to think they're a PITA or are they different than 20+ years ago?

[loaches r cool]

The only thing thats different that I am aware is they now have a 'recharge valve' that allows the unit to keep prime when its off which makes it much easier to stop and restart, etc.

joestyx - how long will your XL typically run until clogging? Just curious, I've thought about running my XL continuous but never tried.

[fishorama]

Well that would have made life a lot easier, Tristan. I think the parts are in the basement...

[joestyx]

The only thing thats different that I am aware is they now have a 'recharge valve' that allows the unit to keep prime when its off which makes it much easier to stop and restart, etc.

joestyx - how long will your XL typically run until clogging? Just curious, I've thought about running my XL continuous but never tried.

about 2 weeks dirty tank, and about a month in a clean one with a moderate bio-load

[jmhart]

It's hard to get a clear view of the differences between the D-1 and XL, www.diatomfilters.com (http://www.diatomfilters.com) doesn't detail the difference in specs, but rather defines them in different terms. Any thoughts on which one is better used as a temporary water polisher for tanks 45g and up?

[legendaryfrog]

Diatom filters are for the bunch of people who need absolutely pristine water clarity.

And my that I mean, not even a spec of dust floating around.


If you're not one of those people, than IMO dont bother.