Vortex Diatom Filter

I bought one a few years back. It really polishes the water nicely. Problem is that I always end up some blowing diatomaceous earth into the tank (most of it gets filtered back out though). Also the filter bags seem to rip really easily. I even followed manufacturers instructions to extend life of the bags..didn't work. I used it infrequently, and I don't know if the bags got dryrot or what, but they cost about $20 to replace. Hoses were pretty cheap too, tend to kink and collapse somewhat. Unfortunately you can't just replace the hoses...due to some of the placement of the fittings, sturdier hoses just won't fit.

Like I said though, it did polish the water nicely.
 
I just bought a diatom filter from my LFS this past Monday (I looked for Vortex but they didn't have any). The brand I bought was System 1 by Aquarium Products...

http://www.aquatichouse.com/FILTRATION MENU_files/System 1.asp

It works really well in my opinion. I did a little research beforehand. I kept reading that the Vortex can be a little messy (I'm sure others had no problems though). The one I bought is easy to use, works well, and is not messy at all. They recommend using it no more than 4 hours at a time.

Although I haven't had it long, I wouldn't switch brands unless I ran into a never-ending problem. No problems as of yet.

Here's an opinion on it:

http://www.thekrib.com/Filters/diatom.html

Good luck! Let us know if you buy one and how well you think it works.

:)
 
I've used them for years to polish the water. Sometimes I run mine on the tank before we have a party. They also will clear up greenwater. They are handy when you need them, but they are not meant to be the primary filter for a tank.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom