Diatom Filters and ICH

[Dom]

Do you think it is possible to filter ich with a diatom filter? I read than an individual ICH parasite can be between 25-50 microns.

The DIATOM FILTER MODEL XL user manual states it can filter down to 1 micron... way smaller than the size of the smallest ICH parasite.

Worth the investment if it will help defend against it and other diseases. Maybe even make it part of your QT setup.

Thoughts?

 

[sfin52]

Yes it’ll filter them out. Will you get all of them is another question all together. They are only able to be treated during the free swimming stage. They can hide in the rocks and attach to a fish with out being caught in the filter. It’s a way to manage but not rid them from the tank.

 

[Dom]

It’s a way to manage but not rid them from the tank.

I was thinking that in a bare QT, it might be more than that.

 

[sfin52]

Bbqt may be very helpful.

 

[Maritimer]

If the parasites drop off of the fish at night (they often do) while the fish are sleeping, and the theronts hatch at night (which they often do) while the fish is sleeping in the same bit of PVC, then the newly hatched parasites don't have far to go for breakfast. They may never get near the diatom filter - but copper / CP comes to them.

~Bruce

 

[Jose Mayo]

An axial filter, where the percolation is perpendicular to the filter mesh, does not last in a marine environment for more than a few hours prior to sealing. It does not last for a day. Perhaps installing the filter element in a tangential filtration system would last longer, but even then, it would not reach the encysted parasites and those that circulate inside the rocks in the fish burrows, where the water flow is slow, leaving the fish directly exposed while sleeping there.

Best Regards