Diatom Filter for a Nano

[Karen00]

I have had many of these diatom filters from marineland.

Here’s my opinion and I believe everyone should listen to me because I’ve purchased probably 8 of these units with the same experience.

1. They are cheaply made. They will stop working after a few weeks, best case scenario it will just be an extremely weak flow, worst case it will just stop working.

2. They are annoying to clean after a while. At first you’ll be excited, but these things are a hassle to recharge after 2-3 days.

3. For something that you will use for parasite management, it’s important to use something reliable. These diatom filters will work for ich, but since you will most certainly not be using them long term (You’ll get super tired really quick), the benefits drop off very sharply.

4. They are way too strong for a 10 gallon tank. I’ve tried it and there’s no way around it, your fish will fly out of the tank.

Since your tank is a 10 gallon, if you really wanted to manage parasites, just quarantine them. It’s so easy in that size tank.

Or even better yet, just don’t QT at all! Most of the fish you can add in a 10 gallon is resistant to parasites. You really won’t have an outbreak and even if you do, treating them and deciding to QT is super easy for that size tank.

If you really want a tool to manage parasites, just get a UV sterilizer, only because the less human reliance with a unit, the more effective it is.

Thanks for your comment. Can you recommend a UV sterilizer? I keep reading that a lot of them aren't powerful enough for parasites. Is there something specific to look for? Like intensity, how long the water is in the sterilizer, etc.? I'm very confused about this. I need something external and I don't have a sump but if I have the specs I can try to find something.

 

[Karen00]

I have been using a diatom filter of some kind (not the one you have) since the 60s and would not be in this hobby if I didn't have one.

I think it was your comment in another thread that put me onto these. Don't you have one you bought in the 60's and a couple of DIY units? (Or maybe they're manufactured but in various states of disrepair). I was trying to find that thread again.

 

[Paul B]

Yes I do. They are not made well at all and were designed for fresh water. Salt tears them up. One I got a new plastic motor on and the only one that still works.

 

[Tamberav]

Thanks for your comment. Can you recommend a UV sterilizer? I keep reading that a lot of them aren't powerful enough for parasites. Is there something specific to look for? Like intensity, how long the water is in the sterilizer, etc.? I'm very confused about this. I need something external and I don't have a sump but if I have the specs I can try to find something.

most good uv are external but also very expensive. If your tank is small.. it can heat the water up too.

 

[Tamberav]

Marineland Maxi-Jet, Multi-Use Water Pump and Power Head
This is the replacement pump.

This brand should be MUCH better than marineland maxi-jet. I believe it is same as original Cobalt.

Does something like this fit it? The filter will be here Wed.

NEWA MAXI MULTI-USE POWERHEAD and PUMP - MP1200 (295 GPH)

The Original NEWA Maxi MP1200 multi-use submersible pump and powerhead is built to perform and last under the harshest conditions. Ideal for wave makers, protein skimmers, calcium reactors, nano aquariums, under gravel filters and hydroponic applications.

intankaquatics.com

 

[Karen00]

most good uv are external but also very expensive. If your tank is small.. it can heat the water up too.

Thanks for this! That was my concern. So far I'm not having any issues but thought it would be good to get ahead of the curve with either a diatom filter or UV.

 

[Karen00]

Yes I do. They are not made well at all and were designed for fresh water. Salt tears them up. One I got a new plastic motor on and the only one that still works.

Yes, it was your comment I read. Thanks for reposting! Is there a way to DIY yours or is there a way to convert something like the Zoo Med Nano 10 External Canister Filter?


I can't believe these fell out of favour with the hobby. I guess UV's replaced them?

 

[Mjl714]

Marineland Maxi-Jet, Multi-Use Water Pump and Power Head
This is the replacement pump.

My Marineland polisher came with Marineland’s MJ1200 vs 600. My polisher is years old when they first came out and original pump continues to work fine. For reference, I only use this unit periodically for periods of 3-5 days to polish tank water with diatomaceous earth.

 

[Miami Reef]

This brand should be MUCH better than marineland maxi-jet. I believe it is same as original Cobalt.

Does something like this fit it? The filter will be here Wed.

NEWA MAXI MULTI-USE POWERHEAD and PUMP - MP1200 (295 GPH)

The Original NEWA Maxi MP1200 multi-use submersible pump and powerhead is built to perform and last under the harshest conditions. Ideal for wave makers, protein skimmers, calcium reactors, nano aquariums, under gravel filters and hydroponic applications.

intankaquatics.com

I think it will fit, but I’m not sure. It looks identical to the one that comes with the marine land.

 

[Tamberav]

Okay my filter arrived. The suction cups suck but that can be fixed with a magnet off a old pump.

It otherwise works great for stirring and cleaning up the sand bed. I have not used DE in it yet as I need to find some to buy. Still working well regardless. I am convinced the NEWA pump would fit and work well. NEWA pumps are made in italy and much better quality. Will buy one when this pump goes to hell...

 

[Paul B]

Tamberav, you can get the powder on Amazon that is used for swimming pools. It's very cheap. Don't use food grade diatom powder as it won't work and is not porous. I have a box of it.