Diatom filter

[Paul B]

Are there any of you guys running an old reef without using a diatom filter? I would not have my reef without one. I am on my fourth one (in 40 years) as they rust pretty bad with salt water.
Every 6 months to a year I stir up everything and powerwash the rocks to clean them, then the diatom sucks out all the detritus. I put a restriction on the outflow hose, it is a small plastic thing that they give you with a fresh flower. You can get them at any florist. I cut off the closed end so it acts like a funnel, then I stick it in the outflow hose. The water comes out very fast so you can't shoot it at a live coral or it will tear it apart. :eek1:
A diatom filter removes anything larger than a micron, that includes paracites and some bacteria but it would not cure a tank of these and should not be used for that purpose. It also should not be used continousely for two reasons, the pump is not built for continous duty and you would remove any food for corals and any other filter feeding inverts like clams you have.
Paul

 

[omni2226]

I no longer have it but I kept a diatom earth filter for years.

Used it once or twice a month on tanks that had no live plants. Closest thing I have to one now is a micron filter tube that goes in a canister filter.

 

[omni2226]

Do they still make them or did you DIY ?
I bought mine at Dotys Farm and Garden. 24 years ago...geez Im geting old. Looked very much like a pressure cooker and leaked like a seive after a few uses.

Ahh those were the days. No internet, walmart or home depots. Had to hit the hardware store or farm supply to get anything.

Remember the first box hang on filters? Had to hold ya finger over the tube, fill with water and hope your finger didnt slip till you got the water flowing.

 

[Paul B]

They still make them. I have two of them that I had to replace the seals in today. I think they could have been designed better.
They do a good job but they are a little complicated to get used to and are not built too well. The inner bag in particular where the powder sticks to is a very flimsy design and they do not last long. That, I could have designed better in my sleep. But I still use them all the time as there is nothing better on the market, design flaws and all. I could never have a 35 year old reef without one. It would have crashed long ago.
Paul

 

[omni2226]

These new micron inserts for can filters claim to remove down to one micron particulates. wonder if the claim is true. Mmm.

Hows the Idol doing? Still pigging out on nannas?

 

[Paul B]

The Idol is great, still loves bananas.
Paul