Pro And Con to Diatom Filters

[Chewbacca]

Hi All

I am in search for the pro effects and con effects to a mixed reef with a diatom filter used intermittently every month or so?

Thanks in advanced

 

[lapin]

You could ask @Paul B

 

[brandon429]

no cons, only pros in removing waste before it compounds. gtg for lots of diatom/low micron filtration for particulate removal.

 

[reefwiser]

Pro’s cleans water
Con you clean the filter.
Always good to keep your tank clean.

 

[ca1ore]

There’s a chap here who uses one to control parasites .... Robert something.

 

[Chewbacca]

I used them before in the 70s 80s in swfo tanks

 

[WVNed]

I use one. It is simply extremely effective mechanical filtration. It is so effective it plugs quickly.
I have the original Vortex and would add I dont think it would be much use on a tank over 75 gallons.
Having one lets you do things like stir up the bottom and suck all the goo out. Then you recharge it and put it away for another day.

 

[Chewbacca]

That is what I had then the vortexes I know how effective they are, but in a reef system i am unsure

 

[SDK]

I used to use the D1 with the optional Super Char powdered activated carbon after every water change on my Discus aquariums. It did a great job of polishing the water, but not sure if there would be any big benefit to a reef tank.

 

[jd371]

Paul B uses it as part of his maintenance on his tank. I don't recall how often he uses it, maybe he'll chime in.

 

[Feet4Fish]

No cons for intermittent use IMO. Simply not a more efficient mechanical filtration!

 

[biecacka]

What unit is everyone using as the original diatom filter isn’t made anymore (I think)
Corey

 

[Feet4Fish]

I think you can still get a Vertex. On smaller tanks some use the Merineland Mangnum in big systems people use pool DE filters. Really you can charge any pleated cartridge filter with DE powder so nuclear, liegard, etc can work

 

[EmdeReef]

I’ve been running a Hayward (pool size) diatom filter on friend’s tank to try to filter ich out. After about 2 months the re-infection rate is visibly lower, but could be just natural.

pros - very clear water
Cons - clogs fast, if you get a smaller one it may clog in hours. Hayward clogged on average after 2-3 days, it has a handle that you can use to “regenerate” but it only lasts 12-24hrs and then goes back to very low flow.
The other con is maintenance, they’re not built to be regularly maintained, it’s a hassle to do indoors...

 

[Feet4Fish]

What size Hayward and what size tank is it running on? I have been thinking about installing one on a 650 gallon with a bypass so if wanted I could just run it intermittently.

 

[EmdeReef]

What size Hayward and what size tank is it running on? I have been thinking about installing one on a 650 gallon with a bypass so if wanted I could just run it intermittently.

EC40ac and it’s on a 1000g tank.

 

[biecacka]

how big of one would be needed for a 240 gallon tank?

corey

 

[Feet4Fish]

Would you run it continuously or intermittent. Under sump or filtration room?

 

[biecacka]

Intermittent and via a sump.

corey

 

[Feet4Fish]

Probably go with a nuclear