prefilter for vortex diatom

[chefkeith]

This is for an unplanted 90 gal tank (72lx24wx12h) I'll be setting up. I'll be using 2 Filstar Xp3 canister filter's for the main filteration.
I'm thinking of getting a vortex xl diatom filter also. I've read about every thread on diatom's on the internet, but I still have a a lot of questions.

1) Is it possible to attach a sponge or other media to the intake to prefilter the diatom, so it won't get clogged as easily? Will the diatom filter get clogged even if there's no large debris, like if it where connected to a sump?

2)I'd really like to use the diatom fulltime. If I can't use the fine diatom media for fulltime operation, there is something called the "STR-4 star filter" used for the For Removal of Large Debris and Fits Existing XL Canister Filters. Does this filter go inside the canister (jar)?
If so, can this "str-4 star filter" be used for fulltime operation?

3) One reason I'd possibley like a diatom filter is so that I won't have to clean the hoses for my Filstar Xp3 canister filter's as often as I do, about once every 4-6 weeks. If I can keep the diatom filter running fulltime will it help in this regard?

4)Which is harder--> to remove and clean hoses from a canister or to maintain and recharge the diatom filter?

5) Also I read that this filter can remove ICH. Which sounds great because I mainly keep clown loaches and I'd like to build up a nice shoal of them. I expect to have new arrivals in a quarantine tank and would like to use the diatom filter for this "event". Does it really remove and kill the swarming ICH parasites? or is it more like catch and release?

6)Does the Vortex web site really suck? Not nearly enough technical info whatsoever. I got the feeling I'll have to answer most of these questions myself.


Thankyou ahead of time to anyone who can answer any of the questions above.

[chefkeith]

I guess I'll be able to answer all these questions myself soon.

I just ordered the Vortex Diamtom XL Filter, the recharge valve, and 5# of powder from Petsmart.com. It was cheaper than BigAlsonline and they had free shipping. Nice deal.

[avoxo]

Hello chefkeith,
1. The filter is designed to polish the water to an extremely pure state, if you use the diatom powder. The purpose I use the filter is to give a the my tanks a good cleaning.

[chefkeith]

What I'd really like to know is what the str-4 star filter is for. Its a biological spong filter for the Diatom xl filter. What good is this str-4 star filter if the diatom filter is only good for occasional use? It just doesn't make any sense to me.

I sent Vortex an e-mail asking the same questions about the "str-4 star filter" . Haven't heard from them yet, maybe they'll have an answer for me soon. I'll let everyone know what they have to say.

[avoxo]

Hi chefkeith, sorry about the previous post, I was called into work on an emergency, my wife posted it before I finished it.

1. A diatom filter is to be used for short periods of time not prolonged use because it filters everything down to one micron. Use of a pre filter is not needed if you are polishing the water; these filters are designed to give the tank a good cleaning with out taking the whole tank apart.

2 Using the STR-4 star filter needs to be in the jar for biological filtration would mean using the filter full time like your Filstar. If you were looking for more bio-filtration then getting an air-powered sponge would do the same thing.

3. Use of the Vortex filter full time will have the same affect on its hoses as your other filter.

4. I have a Vortex XL filter now for almost 15 years and they are a pain to take apart and recharge, but it is better than taking you whole tank apart and cleaning it. It will be easier to clean your hoses.

5. The filter will catch any parasites down to 1 micron that is floating in the water but not on your fish.

6. The site is not that great it reminds me of an order form. If you are looking for more info just hit a search engine