diatom filter

[Therese]

Anyone have experience with a Diatom filter?

[FAILED]

I had the same question but, it always just slipped out of mind when ever I browse. Also where could someone get one? price range?

[Diana]

A diatom filter has a chamber filled with diatomaceous earth. This is a powdered form of dead diatoms. Debris in the water flowing through this, even really fine debris, is removed.
Filter material that removes such fine debris does not allow much water flow and plugs up fast.
I think the diatoms can be rinsed out, but the material is cheap enough to throw away each time.

The use I am most familiar with is cleaning up a new set up. Run the D-filter for half an hour or an hour to clean up the initial cloudiness.
I have also heard of using a diatom filter to clean up green water algae. Might need to run it for a few days, but maybe no all day those days. Maybe an hour or so morning and evening until whatever issues that started the green water algae are cleared up (lighting, nutrients...).

[bookpage]

You can buy one here:

http://www.amazon.com/Vortex-D-1-Diatom ... 027&sr=8-1

[NancyD]

Many years ago we had a Vortex Diatom that was a major PITA to set up, hopefully they are easier to charge these days. Worked great, as Diana said, for stirred up fine particulates but too frustrating for me, I let it be my husband's job.

[astex]

I have one and want to curse most times when I set it up. That being said, I would never do without it for big messy tank re-arranges (when you stir up crap), initial tank set up, and ich outbreaks. It can clear water in a ridiculous amount of time, but you have to protect the inlet well as they are very powerful.

[chefkeith]

I have a Vortex Diatom Filter somewhere in the back of my garage. I haven't used it in years. That thing caused me enough frustration to where I never want to use it again. IMO, a canister filter packed with filter floss and activated carbon will clear the water just as well or better, but without the headache.

[NancyD]

Nowadays I use a powerhead & Quick Filter attachment for the occasional particulate snowstorm when I do major tank replanting/rescape. A year or so I found the old Vortex in a box of fish stuff & asked for help to determine if it could be rescued. Thankfully the motor was toast, lol, & I threw it away with a happy smile, it was our first "major" non tank fish expense almost 30 years ago.