I'm really confused as to what a Diatom Filter is, and what are it's benefits when only using it once in a while as a "polisher". If you could please let me know what polishing does. I have a 90 gal with a fluval 404 with a protein skimmer attachment on its way (not needed, but for $12, why not) I don't have much fish, in this tank) just 3 baby gars, 2 small barracuda, and 2 rope fish until I'm sure the tank is fully cycled. My neighbors tank is having a huge "green water" problem, and while searching for possible solutions I found the Diatom Filters come up a few times. Thanks for you help
Filter Help
- Thread starter richm20
- Start date
A diatom filter uses a very fine calciumcarbonate (right?) substrate as the filter media. It's basically, if not entirely, made up of the exoskeletons of an aquatic microorganism called a diatom. It's a kind of algae with two box-like shells, one acting as a "lid" for the other. Anyway, the filter media is so fine that it basically removes all but the most microscopic debriis from the water. I guess that's why they consider it a polisher? I don't know, I'm no expert on them. I do know that there have been some rumors of connections being made between the media of a diatom filter and some types of cancer...........sounds like fun.
Wow, cancer in my tank, sounds like fun. Thanks for your quick response. Do you feel that it would be a worth while addition to my tank?
Actually, it wasn't linked to cancer in the tank. I think it's more like cancer in YOU. Diatom shells come in a variety of shapes, most of which involve projecting spikes which keep the organism afloat in the water column (has something to do with friction between the water and the spikes acting to slow its descent). They also act as a kind of defense mechanism. Things like copepods may find that they can't eat the spikier ones. You can see the spikes of a particular species here:
This image actually shows the stages of division of a diatom (left to right)
Anyway, these spikes are bad. I'd imagine that, if there was a link between cancer and the diatom filter powder, it would have to do with the spikes damaging lung and/or skin tissue (kind of like asbestos).
Back to whether or not you would benefit from a diatom filter...........I don't know. I've only seen one used once. My old bio teacher in junior high had a 100+ gallon tank with this HUGE pacu in it. I was in charge of cleaning the tank. I noticed a worm-like thing in the water and it was swimming in a spriraling fashion. The teacher got a little worried and broke out his diatom filter to remove the organism and any of its buddies that might be lurking around. For you (and I'm no expert. Maybe someone with more know-how can chime in) I would think that it would be overkill. Just get yourself a nice canister filter and maybe a hang on back as a supplementary filter and call it a day. Plus, from what I remember, diatom filters are quite a big ticket item.
That's my two cents worth, anyway.
This image actually shows the stages of division of a diatom (left to right)
Anyway, these spikes are bad. I'd imagine that, if there was a link between cancer and the diatom filter powder, it would have to do with the spikes damaging lung and/or skin tissue (kind of like asbestos).
Back to whether or not you would benefit from a diatom filter...........I don't know. I've only seen one used once. My old bio teacher in junior high had a 100+ gallon tank with this HUGE pacu in it. I was in charge of cleaning the tank. I noticed a worm-like thing in the water and it was swimming in a spriraling fashion. The teacher got a little worried and broke out his diatom filter to remove the organism and any of its buddies that might be lurking around. For you (and I'm no expert. Maybe someone with more know-how can chime in) I would think that it would be overkill. Just get yourself a nice canister filter and maybe a hang on back as a supplementary filter and call it a day. Plus, from what I remember, diatom filters are quite a big ticket item.
That's my two cents worth, anyway.
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Oh, and about avoiding water quality issues.......look around this site. You'll find lots of info about how to deal with and prevent these problems. With a small amount of effort, you won't even get close to needing a diatom filter. From what I've been seeing so far, you can avoid most problems by not over-stocking, not over-feeding and by doing regular water tests and water changes.
I have a Vortex XL which is a diatom filter. But, I am a clean water freak. This thing will make the water so clean, if you can't see the water line it looks like air instead of water in the tank. The filter has the benefit of filtering out free floating parasites as well (ick). I have heard polishing compared to washing your car. When you wash it it is clean and shiny but, when you polish it break out the sunglasses. I must agree it is overkill but wow does it make crystal clear water.
Well clear is what Im looking for, I know its over kill, but for $80 I think its worth it.
How long do you think I should run a Vortex D1 to properly clean a 90 gal tank, and more importantly how often to you need to replace the media/filter bag if you are only using it for polishing? Thanks again for all your help!
How long do you think I should run a Vortex D1 to properly clean a 90 gal tank, and more importantly how often to you need to replace the media/filter bag if you are only using it for polishing? Thanks again for all your help!
The vortex xl uses 3 cups of diatom powder. This is used only once and then discarded. I use vortex brand diatom powder. I have heard that if the powder is kept in the filter it will turn rancid. I have never replaced the bag so I do not know how long they last. I have been using it for about 10 months. I got two extra when I ordered the filter. By the way, the bag does not do the filtering the diatoms being sucked to the bag does the actual polishing. This is called charging the filter which takes some practice with the vortex. If you go with the vortex make sure you get a Recharge Valve. It will make life easier. I use mine for about 8 hours once a week and I have a 75 gallon tank. I would go with xl over the D1 with a 90 gal. tank.
Thanks again for your quick reply. I was under the assumption, that back washing would sort of, clean the powder. I guess Jim wrong. Please excuse me for asking so meany questions, but if you use 3 cups per 'session' how meany uses do you get from, say a 5 lb box of powder? Also, would the use of the filter help clear up my neighbors floating algae bloom? Thanks again for your help, it is greatly appreciated. Although $80 is not a huge investment compared to the set up in whole, if I don't feel it is necessary, why spend it! Thanks again, Rich
Oh and one more thing, you say you use it for 8 hours. Is the 8 hours overkill, or is that what you have found necessary to do the job? Again, thanks.