Diatom Filter Use...

Feet4Fish · Oct 24, 2019

Thanks Ed! Your video for the Magnum is what turned me in to the effectiveness of DE filtration. Still use that set up in my QT system!

reefwiser said:
Here is a friends home made DE filter.

reefwiser · Oct 24, 2019

It’s a shame that this basic tech is not in everyone’s bag of tools. I took the pictures myself so I could make a larger DE filter for my self.

Feet4Fish · Oct 24, 2019

You are so right! @revhtree posted a poll today whether you were new school or old school. I have been in the hobby for about ten years now and I would label myself as new school for most of that. However over last 3-4 years I have evolved into “old school” and have found such a greater level of satisfaction in the hobby!!! Once I listened to those who who blazed many trails in the 90’s and early 2000’s I obtained a much better grasp of maintaining a successful closed marine system!

tweeter · Oct 24, 2019

Ubergroover said:
Most reefers who have been doing this for years probably have one in the closet. People today don’t realize how much it really works.

I have one from my fresh water days in the 80’s. I used to keep coppersafe in my tank. Would that still be in the unit if I replace the filter part of it?

Cory · Oct 27, 2019

The only thing is it might leach silicate and phosphates. Diamtoms are composed of silicate and po4. This could lead to golen brown algae

X-37B · Oct 27, 2019

reefwiser said:
Here is a friends home made DE filter.

I used a diatom filter in the late 80's early 90's. Switched to a rig like this running a 1 micron filter.
I use it now every couple of months when I see detrius buildup I can't reach.
Hook it up turn it on and use a turkey baster on the rocks and bottom.
Clears the tank pretty quick.

DJF · Oct 27, 2019

Diatom filters are amazing & underrated, imho a must for anyone going the ich management route. Here’s an excellent thread: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/de-filters-use-design-and-implementation.536965/

tweeter · Oct 28, 2019

Cory said:
The only thing is it might leach silicate and phosphates. Diamtoms are composed of silicate and po4. This could lead to golen brown algae

ok, thanks!

Delatedlotus · Oct 28, 2019

Thanks to all of you... In my option it is the best clean-up filter out there period.. way better than even sox's. I do like the fact that you can see into the jar just to see if you need to change to DE, and what you are getting out.. I am cleaning up a 21 year tank and it is working just absolutely fantastic.. as long as I don't loss my trace elements.. lol.

ca1ore · Oct 28, 2019

Check out this thread, if you haven't already …..

DE Filters - Use, design and implementation.

Basically I'm splitting another thread to keep from hijacking it at the suggestion of @ca1ore Diatomaceous Earth filters are one of the very best forms of mechanical filtration. Since they filter down to the range of 1-2 microns they can easily remove parasites such as ick and velvet (even...

www.reef2reef.com

I bought one of these, and then never installed it.

Feet4Fish · Oct 28, 2019

May I ask why you chose not to install it? Your system set up is functionally super solid and would be curious on your thinking when you decided not to go with it. I am on the cusp of buying the same unit and doing a mezzanine type setup like @robert described for a large fish only. Thanks!

ca1ore said:
Check out this thread, if you haven't already …..

DE Filters - Use, design and implementation.

Basically I'm splitting another thread to keep from hijacking it at the suggestion of @ca1ore Diatomaceous Earth filters are one of the very best forms of mechanical filtration. Since they filter down to the range of 1-2 microns they can easily remove parasites such as ick and velvet (even...

www.reef2reef.com

I bought one of these, and then never installed it.

ca1ore · Oct 28, 2019

I really liked the way that Robert had set his up with that intermediary/mezzanine tank ….. which I saw no easy way to replicate on my system. Decided to wait to see if inspiration would strike ….. so far it hasn't

. I don't doubt that I'll hook it up eventually ….

Feet4Fish · Oct 28, 2019

Thanks for the feedback! I have the luxury with this build of a separate fish room so I can incorporate that set up. I believe especially in a predominantly fish system that aggressive mechanical filtration can be very beneficial. I also am employing and ATS (inspired by your thread), big ole ETSS down draft skimmer and if needed a sulfur denitrator. System will be a display of 650 gallons with several large angels and tangs. Motivation behind this system is not “just a fish only” but the best environment I can set up for fish to thrive 10+ years. Thanks!!

Humblefish · Oct 28, 2019

ca1ore said:
I really liked the way that Robert had set his up with that intermediary/mezzanine tank ….. which I saw no easy way to replicate on my system. Decided to wait to see if inspiration would strike ….. so far it hasn't . I don't doubt that I'll hook it up eventually ….

I didn't realize that he also uses a UV:

robert said:
I use mine in conjunction with UV. DE for removal of Parasites/Bacteria/ and UV for Bacteria/viruses. The DE filter can also be used for rapid stripping of organics and chemicals when GAC is added to the mix.

From my way of thinking, if a DE can trap parasite free swimmers it should be able to do the same to virus cells and bacterium. Otherwise, how can it be so effective at clearing bacterial blooms??