General Care Discussion :: Diatom filters

[mat012]

Has anyone used one of these? I have been reading about how you can use a Magnum 250 with diatom powder to clean to 1 micron. This would rid the tank of parasites, etc. and micro polish the water. Is this something worth looking into? Are parasites problematic enough to justify the expense ($50-60) and trouble to set a micro filter up?

I guess since I have a few fish in the tank too I worry about parasites and tanks "bugs". Am I being paranoid? Does the canister filter do a sufficient job to make this a non issue?

Thanks!

[Chrisbarnett]

I wouldn't be worrying about it.

If you were worried about it, you could periodically throw in a micro water polishing pad AKA Filter Floss, for about a week, then take it out. Wash it, and then you can use it again sometime in a few weeks.

You could do it twice a month or something.

But it's really not necessary with regular maintenance.

[Bascomb]

I use a diatom setup when I do a major 50 percent water change. I run it a day or so and then put in carbon with the diatomaceous earth. The carbon filters a little more and works on any chemical in the water. I have the time to do this and you will have to decide if it is worth the money. I use a Marineland 350 and it really clears up the water. You have to be careful not to disrupt the bacteria filtration. Good Luck--

[mat012]

Bascomb, Can you tell me more about how it might effect the bacteria filtration? Also I have read that you have to be careful not to backwash DE into the tank. Is this a likely occurrence and if so will it hurt the turtle? This looks really attractive to me. I am kind of a clean water freak I have realized. Also I think I have a couple of fish with ick (sp?). I have read that DE whips it in a flash.

Again thanks!

[imderanged]

I didn't know you could reuse that Floss! I thew it out! Next time I'll try reusing it.

[Chrisbarnett]

I didn't know you could reuse that Floss! I thew it out! Next time I'll try reusing it.

Yup, just power wash it with the hose.