Diatom Filters

[BigC]

Has any one used Diatom Filters in their planted aquaria. I have read that they really polish the aquarium water to a high degree and can remove parasites such as ich. I have a few questions to ask, will the diatomic powder remove plant neutrients and essential minerals? Does the powder alter the water chemistry? & lastly can these filters be left running continuously or on an intermittant basis only.
Thanks in advance

 

[steelhealr]

Hi...I have a Whisper Diatomagic Filter. I've only had to use it a few times and I will say that when the water is cloudy it is SUPERB at cleaning it up. The filter will remove particles as small as one micron and as such, will remove the ich organism if suspended in the water and any particulates. To my knowedge, the filter will not change your water chemistry and can be left running for a while. But...the filter is so 'powerful', that after awhile it can clog with debris and the filter will need to be rinsed and more powder added. It does not do any biologic filtration. Also, in the case of my filter, it is a hang on in the tank and does create a lot of bubbles. The last time I used it is when I changed media and the tank clouded briefly. Overall, although it is not getting much use now (since my tank cycled it has been crystal clear), I am glad I have it. If I can be of any other help. let me know. SH

 

[BigC]

Thanks steelhealr for your post. Based on your comments I will probably make a purchase. One final question though does the powder have to be thrown away after each use or can it be cleaned in some way and reused
Thanks again

 

[steelhealr]

Big C...I toss it out. You only need 1-2 tblsps. The filter draws water in from the tank and into a well where you add the diatomaceous earth. You add the diatomaceous powder and the impeller draws in the water/diatomaceous powder mix into the filter mesh where it gets trapped. This trapped powder is what acts as this very fine 'sieve'. AFter filtering the tank, the filter mesh will be covered with detritus, etc. You rinse it out of the filter but the filter mesh can be used over and over. A box of the diatomaceious earth is not that expensive and should last for awhile. Here is a great link that reviews filters and this link convinced me to get the Diatomagic. Vortex makes the other type of filter. SH

This is the filter I have (er..got it cheaper on Ebay)
http/www.cloudytanks.com/reviews/filters/diatom.htm

 

[BigC]

Thanks again steelhealr...

 

[Lateral Line]

As a polisher for water that is already pretty good, they are great, but they clog very quickly in my experience, and I don't think they are worth the money.