How does a diatom filter work?

Question

I was thinking about getting a diatom filter, to use by itself on a new 75 gallon aquaruim with predator fish in it.

Answer 1

"Definition: Diatom filter is a device that removes fine particulate matter from aquarium water. It employs diatomaceous earth as the filter medium. Due to the fact that they clog easily, they are used occasionally as water polishers rather than continuously." So, I wouldn't recommend using it all by itself, but it would be nice as a side cleaner.

Answer 2

Diatom Filter

Answer 3

A diatom filter is not a good choice as an "only filter",they are great as a secondary filter to move from one tank to another to "polish" the water,and will leave your water crystal clear,removing very small particles from it, even some of the larger sizes of bacteria. This is exactly why it would not be a good primary filter,it would require constant cleaning to avoid plugging up. The large fish you are proposing to keep make large volumes of waste and a filter that is easily and conveniently cleaned would make your life a lot easier. Maybe a "hang on" sponge containing filter or a sponge filter with a power head attached. I'd use a couple of Aqua-clear 500's or the largest sponge(Hydro-sponge is the brand I'm using now) I could find. When you do the weekly water changes that this sort of tank needs siphon out a half bucket of water and rinse the sponge in the tank's own water(this will help to preserve the beneficial bacteria colony in the sponge),rinse again after dumping the first water and re-install. Also with a large tank and fish that won't be inexpensive,I wouldn't rely on only one filter system.(Maybe a canister filter with a sponge pre-filter to avoid frequent tear-downs to clean the filter media.) I really like my old diatom filter but it wouldn't work as a primary. Sounds like a fun project,I'd like to know more about the types of fish and how the whole thing goes.----PeeTee

Answer 4

Its a class of mechanical polishing filter. They're made out of fine powder, or a porous paper material. The holes are bareley porous at all, and they allow water to pass through, but very small particles get stuck very quicklly. You use them to take allready clean water to crystal clear water. They clog super quickly, so the more regular filtration, and prefiltration you use, the better. In my gravel tanks, I have to change the cartridge every 6 days. In my mud tanks, I have to change the cartridge every 3 days. Results are usually seen after a couple hours & the tanks are usually crystal clear in about 10 hours. They dont do any biological or chemical filtration, so you need to use it in conjunction with a more traditional filter.

Most of the time, the media can be refreshed by washing in a bleach solution, but it depends on the product.