diatom or UV sterilzer to get rid of algae bloom

[toothbrush86]

since i cant seem to get rid of this ulgy algae (see preivous post, 60 gal tank), im finally going to break down and get either a diatom or ultraviolet sterilzer.

what i want to know is what would be more useful, and efficent, all under 90 bucks.

what i was considering for a UV was the Turbo Twist 3X - 9W UV Sterilizer or 9W Double Helix UV Sterilizer - (Custom Sea)

for the diatom i was thinking about the Vortex Freedom Filter or the Magnum 350 Canister Filter,.

what would be better to get rid of my algae bloom

[ianjoe]

Ive got the Double Helix. It worked awesome on my 20 gal. Its a quick "fix". But doesn't cure the reason your getting algae break-outs. Its awesome to have around though, just-in-case. After youve run the UV sterilizer a couple hours your filter will be totally green. and your water totally clear.

[ewok]

diatom

uv doesn't kill it.

not sure if the "freedom" is the way to go and the magnum ISN'T a diatom filter. the smaller version vortex (smaller than xl), the d-1 i think, would be the best bet. www.bigalsonline.com has decent prices, powder can be bought bulk at a pool supply place.

edit: vortex maintains a website...... www.diatomfilter.com i think, that explains all their filters.

[Fishskin]

Vortex filter is great...but it is a bit of a pain until you get the hang of it. Bigalsonline does have excellent prices on it.

[125gJoe]

We spoil our Discus and use both the Vortex XL and the Custom SeaLife Double Helix UV on the 80 gallon tank.

Here's the directions for the Vortex XL and D-1, that the company 'forgot' to include! Actually, they are directions with the filter, but not as good as this: Vortex XL (http://www.carolinagal.com/diatom.htm)


(just my opinion is that I wouldn't get the "Freedom Filter" or the "Magnum")

[toothbrush86]

cool, thnx. and is the diatom also a temporary fix as well?

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by toothbrush86
cool, thnx. and is the diatom also a temporary fix as well? For me, the Vortex XL is a 'must have' ocassional filter, like using it after water changes....

There are many here that see no use for the diatom filters, or the UV sterilizers.

I like having these extra devices to help clean the water. Seems like the Discus love it too.. :)

Algae blooms will continue to happen if tank is not set-up right. The diatom filter will get rid of it, but look for the many causes of algae blooms and find out how to control them. You should get the diatom filter (Vortex XL) and use it anyway, in my opinion..

[Fishskin]

It is still a temporary fix...but a really good one. I use mine whenever I want the water absolutley crystal clear ( my Fx2 with filter floss will not do this.)

[toothbrush86]

does anyone have a used one to sell? the XL is gonna cost almost 100 bucks, and i dont have that kind of cash. any second hand filters? i would rather tear down my whole tank, get new media and sand and just buy 20 bucks worth of bio spira