Who uses a diatom filter?

[richierich2000]

Awesome thanks

 

[tassod]

Bumping this thread, has anyone considered getting one of these modified versions?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Vortex-Model-XLCST-Diatom-Canister-Filter-/121786209715

Seems like you can hook this up to your existing pump in a manifold and run it that way like a reactor. Any thoughts?

 

[laga77]

I would not go with this unit. Especially for that price. A diatom filter needs a good pump to operate effectively since the power will compress over time and with it collecting dirt. I don`t think you will get enough flow and pressure out of a manifold. It will need its own pump. So unless you have a decent pump just collecting dust, I do not think it is worth the price.

 

[jason2459]

I bought mine from the makers years ago

This one. http://diatomfilter.com/products/diatom_xl_filter.htm

 

[tassod]

I would not go with this unit. Especially for that price. A diatom filter needs a good pump to operate effectively since the power will compress over time and with it collecting dirt. I don`t think you will get enough flow and pressure out of a manifold. It will need its own pump. So unless you have a decent pump just collecting dust, I do not think it is worth the price.

Not even if the manifold is being fed by a Hammerhead pump?

 

[tassod]

decided to just order the original version with an extra filter bag. Can't wait to try it out.

 

[albano]

decided to just order the original version with an extra filter bag. Can't wait to try it out.

Does it come with the DE?

 

[tassod]

I think it comes with a small package but I will order a 25lb bag from a pool store online

 

[laga77]

Be careful with the DE from pool stores. Some have been treated with bleach. DE without bleach can be had from garden sites.

 

[laga77]

Not even if the manifold is being fed by a Hammerhead pump?

I am not familiar with a Hammerhead, but I have seen the flow fall to zero with the DE getting dirty.

 

[reefkeeper2]

Bumping this thread, has anyone considered getting one of these modified versions?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Vortex-Model-XLCST-Diatom-Canister-Filter-/121786209715

Seems like you can hook this up to your existing pump in a manifold and run it that way like a reactor. Any thoughts?

When the motor went on my diatom filter died I modified it into the canister type model in the link above. I just removed the motor and glued a piece of plastic into the hole where the impeller used to be. I have a pump (can't remember the make) that puts out 600 gal/hr that sits in my sump. When I want to use the diatom filter, I connect it to that pump and it works better than it did originally.

 

[tassod]

When the motor went on my diatom filter died I modified it into the canister type model in the link above. I just removed the motor and glued a piece of plastic into the hole where the impeller used to be. I have a pump (can't remember the make) that puts out 600 gal/hr that sits in my sump. When I want to use the diatom filter, I connect it to that pump and it works better than it did originally.

Nice, I'll probably end up doing this as well..

 

[tassod]

I am not familiar with a Hammerhead, but I have seen the flow fall to zero with the DE getting dirty.

It's a reeflo hammerhead rated at 5000+ gph

 

[tassod]

Be careful with the DE from pool stores. Some have been treated with bleach. DE without bleach can be had from garden sites.

What does everyone use for DE and where do you get it from?

 

[jason2459]

What does everyone use for DE and where do you get it from?

Like PaulB said earlier in this thread. I got a big bag from a pool store. I put it into a few 5 gallon buckets for easier storage as it will last a very very long time.

 

[albano]

What does everyone use for DE and where do you get it from?

Pool store...I've had various Diatom filters using pool store DE for over 40 yrs

 

[laga77]

Garden supply sites.

 

[tmorford]

I always used the magnum with the micron filter and the diatom powder. To get it started I would use a tall fish bag about 2/3 full of water and the diatom powder I would hang the bag in the corner of the tank and place the input and output of the filter in the bag. I would hold the bag up to prevent splashing etc..Then when the water in bag was clear I would slide the bag down away from the intake and return never losing the prime in the pump. Used a vortex the same way a few times to. Worked pretty well I thought.

 

[atraperegrinus]

When the motor went on my diatom filter died I modified it into the canister type model in the link above. I just removed the motor and glued a piece of plastic into the hole where the impeller used to be. I have a pump (can't remember the make) that puts out 600 gal/hr that sits in my sump. When I want to use the diatom filter, I connect it to that pump and it works better than it did originally.

seems like this is a great fix to alot of the issues i've seen with these filters, makes me want to pick one up now and try it.

 

[jason2459]

May as well get one of those original magnum canister filters. With the pleated micron filter inside you can use DE powder just like the Vortex Diatom filter. You can sometimes find them used for a decent price.