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things like how they work, which ones are best... etc.

i've heard nothing but nice things about diatom filters and because i have had a cloudy 50 gallon tank for nearly a year now, i want to give it a go and give a diatom filter a try. any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!

Hi,
To understand how a Diatom filter works, you should first
know what a Diatom is. A Diatom is a single cell plant that
lives in either fresh or salt water. As it grows it secretes
silica (SiO2) as an outer shell.
When the cell dies the shell slowly settles to the bottom
and they form thick beds and eventually a sedimentary rock
called Diatomite. This diatomaceous earth is mined,
ground up into a flour like consistancy, and then sold for
various purposes. Aquarium filter medium is one of them.

A diatom filter generally consists of a plastic framework
that supports a bag of cloth. A cup of the Diatomaceous
earth is placed in the container, then it is filled
with water, then the cap screwed down and the container is
shaken. The diatomaceous earth then coats the fabric and
the assembly is connected to the tank. The tank water
squeezes through micron size holes and out the other side
back into the tank. Because a micron is so small (one
millionth of a meter) the filter traps everything larger.
That even includes some parasites such as Ich.

The biggest problem with this type of filter is that it
blocks "everything" and because it is so efficient, it
clogs up in a matter of hours, needs to be disassembled,
cleaned, and restarted. The are NOT designed to be run
24/7. They clog, and will over heat. Once properly set
up and run for a couple of hours, the water becomes crystal
clear, and the fish appear to be swimming in pure air.

Asking which filter is best, is like asking which is the
best flavor, and then asking who makes the best. It is up
to the individual and their experiances.

Personally, after over 50 years of aquariums, I prefer
the Vortex brand of diatom filter. I have one that is
over 40 years old. I use it on a regular basis, to "polish"
the water.

ONE CAUTION... The diatom is a form of Silica (SiO2) and
WILL cause a cancer in humans called Silicosis of the lungs.
DO NOT breath any of the powder into your lungs while
working with the filter. Be sure to throughly rinse your
hands after working with the filter and BEFORE eating or
drinking.

Hope this helps...
Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

thanks!! that helps me out A LOT!

Frank - terrific reply!

One thing that I'll add is that if you get a Magnum HOT or 350, you can run these with the special pleated micron filter sleeve insert with or without diatomaceaous earth (DE) powder and they polish the water very nicely. About the only difference I've noted is that its a little easier to rinse detrius from the filter sleeve when I use the DE, but the difference is minor, and as everything comes off with the bleach anyway, I no longer bother to use the DE. (Note: use of DE is mandatory with a Vortex)

As Frank noted, after a few hours, the filter element will become loaded and its time to clean the filter. I know someone who runs HOTS 7*24 on his tanks, by rotating out filter sleeves daily. He has some in the filters, some soaking in bleach water and some drying in a continuous cycle. I use my Magnum on an occasional basis.

don't mind me .
Frank, if they remove everything are they also have the same negetive effects on a planted tank that carbon has?

^_^ [hr width='40%']"Has someone taken your faith? Its real, the pain you feel.
The life, the love, You die to heal.
The hope that starts, The broken hearts...
I&#8217;ve got another confession my friend, I&#8217;m no fool.
I&#8217;m getting tired of starting again, Somewhere new."[/font]

Hi,
No, the diatom filters don't remove chemicals. If you want
to remove organic molecules you would have to use an RO
filter, and even then it would depend upon the type of
membrane you used.

Diatom filters will remove particles down to the micron
size.

Frank

PS
I love your smilies.. Where ever do you get them?



-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Thanks Frank,
Looks like diatom filters are the answer for crystal clear water in planted tanks!
As for the smilies... that happens to be one that Callatya had found and shared...

^_^[hr width='40%']"Has someone taken your faith? Its real, the pain you feel.
The life, the love, You die to heal.
The hope that starts, The broken hearts...
I&#8217;ve got another confession my friend, I&#8217;m no fool.
I&#8217;m getting tired of starting again, Somewhere new."