diatom filters?

[fours2many]

Is it ok to run a diatom filter for a short period after disturbing the tank? (I have a sand cloud from arranging rocks and new corals!!! PH fell in sand bed of sugar fine sand!!!! Everything is covered!!!! )It is something that was all the craze in the 80's and early 90's. Just wondering what the feelings are towards it now.


Thanks, Kristin

 

[bertoni]

The diatom filter won't hurt a thing, although the sand cloud won't hurt anything, either. I wouldn't bother, but if you don't mind the effort, etc, no reason not to run one.

 

[tanker]

I use to use my diatom filter a lot (for FW and SW). I now use a HOT magnum with the micron filter. Easier to use and clean.

Still have my diatom (mine is Glass!!) but do not use it anymore.

 

[fours2many]

tanker

tanker

Do you like the magnum?

I ask this cause I am really considering buying one. Do the micron filters work as well as the diatom?

I have a huge mess in the tank. I cleaned off corals several times yesterday and each time a new cloud appeared and then the cloud would settle on coral and live rock. I haven't even attempted to clean the live rock off yet. What a royal mess!!!

Anyway, I thought maybe putting the magnum on while I was trying to move the LR and corals to where I want them. Something has got to work. The cloud gets so bad that I can't even see!!!

Oh well, luckily everything seems to be doing fine. I checked all my levels today and they are fine. hopefully they will stay that way.

Like I said before in the 80's and 90's it was common to use diatom filters every week for cleaning. But then mostly we used crushed coral for substrate and didn't have this coudy problem!!!!

Thanks again, Kristin

 

[tanker]

I like the Magnum myself. I have 4 of them. My FW runs 2 constantly (I clean one every week or 2).

I usually run the magnum when I do a water change on my SW. For SW use I only use the micron filter. I only run it for a few hours. I hang the filter on, do water change then turn on filter. Next morning I take filter off and wash out the micron filter. When the filter clogs I just chuck it (I buy them in bulk). IMO it does a very good job.

I have raised fish for almost 40years. I use to have ALL the latest equipment.

 

[aerius007]

I have used a magnum 350 on my 120 FO for a few years about once a month for a few hours. It polishes the water perfect in a quick amount of time. I do use diatom, and have used it on my nano-reef.

 

[jobiwan]

I prefer filter socks myself, they won't get out the really small stuff that diatoms take out, but they are a lot easier to use and they do get all the boulders...