OK, I have noticed there are alot of members that are unaware of the power of a Diatom Filter or even what they are. Here is a brief discription of what they are and what they can do for you.
(portions of this are borrowed from thefishguys.com)
"Aquarium diatom filters are unsurpassed in filtration power and polish your water to perfect clarity using diatomaceous earth - an organic sediment with a unique pore structure that will trap the smallest debris (as small as 1 micron). Aquarium diatom filters promote faster fish healing by removing organics and parasites. Because they are so thorough, diatom filters need frequent cleaning (backflushing is my prefered method). I recommend using them regularly instead of running them continuously, or when you need to tackle a tough particulate problem, algea, or to polish up your water."
I run mine about 2 hours a week per tank and after each water change at a minimum. I have a Vortex XL that has been in use since 1995 and have only had to replace the bag 1 time. Pool Diatomaceous earth can be used but you must be carefull that it is pure with no additives, I just use the Vortex brand (around 10-15 dollars for 5 pounds). I can get a year or more use out of a 5 pound box. Be aware the dust from the diatomaceous earth is a carcinagen (like asbestous) so do not breath the dust.
They work much much better than a Magnum 350 and will make a green water 100+ gallon tank crystal clear in a little over 2 hours. As with all pumped filters, the more even to tank hieght (least amount of head pressure required) the faster it will go. For about $125.00 you can pick one of these units up and I can attest to thier durability. I can also recommend the Vortex brand, as I have used mine for a very long time and when I worked in a pet shop we used the Vortex Freedon Filter (which can be hung on the side of the tank) to do tank cleaning in the display tanks, we would stir up the muck while the filter was running and let it clear it out prior to water changes. This firter was heavily used and abused pretty much every day at the shop and it never gave us trouble.
I hope this helps some of you, and if you get the chance, pick one up and give it a try. To backflush the unit take it out to a garden hose and run the hose through it while shaking it until clean, then recharge with powder and let it do its thing. I can promise you will be suprised how clear it will get your water.
(portions of this are borrowed from thefishguys.com)
"Aquarium diatom filters are unsurpassed in filtration power and polish your water to perfect clarity using diatomaceous earth - an organic sediment with a unique pore structure that will trap the smallest debris (as small as 1 micron). Aquarium diatom filters promote faster fish healing by removing organics and parasites. Because they are so thorough, diatom filters need frequent cleaning (backflushing is my prefered method). I recommend using them regularly instead of running them continuously, or when you need to tackle a tough particulate problem, algea, or to polish up your water."
I run mine about 2 hours a week per tank and after each water change at a minimum. I have a Vortex XL that has been in use since 1995 and have only had to replace the bag 1 time. Pool Diatomaceous earth can be used but you must be carefull that it is pure with no additives, I just use the Vortex brand (around 10-15 dollars for 5 pounds). I can get a year or more use out of a 5 pound box. Be aware the dust from the diatomaceous earth is a carcinagen (like asbestous) so do not breath the dust.
They work much much better than a Magnum 350 and will make a green water 100+ gallon tank crystal clear in a little over 2 hours. As with all pumped filters, the more even to tank hieght (least amount of head pressure required) the faster it will go. For about $125.00 you can pick one of these units up and I can attest to thier durability. I can also recommend the Vortex brand, as I have used mine for a very long time and when I worked in a pet shop we used the Vortex Freedon Filter (which can be hung on the side of the tank) to do tank cleaning in the display tanks, we would stir up the muck while the filter was running and let it clear it out prior to water changes. This firter was heavily used and abused pretty much every day at the shop and it never gave us trouble.
I hope this helps some of you, and if you get the chance, pick one up and give it a try. To backflush the unit take it out to a garden hose and run the hose through it while shaking it until clean, then recharge with powder and let it do its thing. I can promise you will be suprised how clear it will get your water.
