Vortex Diatom parts/ replacement

[dado150]

Since new Vortex Diatoms are about non existent & I can't locate any parts: filters, hoses, etc ( mine seeps fine air bubbles out the return line. What similar filter would be comparable that can use DE?
Thanks
Dale

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

This.

 

[Iron]

Since new Vortex Diatoms are about non existent & I can't locate any parts: filters, hoses, etc ( mine seeps fine air bubbles out the return line. What similar filter would be comparable that can use DE?
Thanks
Dale

I would be interested in purchasing your Diatom Vortex filter. let me know.

 

[Delatedlotus]

I would be interested in purchasing your Diatom Vortex filter. let me know.

They are non-existent as of about 6- 7 years ago... No return contacts, they where getting up there in age. And the old style on and off switch's where prone to shocking people.. Just a little buzz but you would jump for sure... lol. I got it many, many times.. lol. If you get a good used one make sure the inside filter is in excellent shape for this is so very important! I have not made one yet but I will... These are The Best Filter Ever Made to this date... I was set-up wholesale with them for years and I have some parts still... Find a used one..! These do work absolutely FANTASIC on CYANO.. Good Luck

 

[Delatedlotus]

That Marineland Magnum is an absolute joke to so the least... You can not clean your sand beds, rocks, and sumps with that, Its a water polisher and why..? There are way better ways to do that anymore. The Vortex Diatom gets a bad rap because, well people are just stupid they have forgotten how to actually be a Aquarists and what it takes. I apologize "I" said it.. lol. They just want to plug everything in and go... "NOT". Salty Fingers for some 35++ years here... And counting, Vortex Diatom is one of the top 10 best invention's to reefing period. Good Luck! Find one...

 

[albano]

I rebuilt 3 of my 5 vortex’s … motors were shot , so I cut them off and glued better power heads on!
Wish I had done it sooner!

And, you’re right… those marineland filters are a waste as a DE filter

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I rebuilt 3 of my 5 vortex’s … motors were shot , so I cut them off and glued better power heads on!
Wish I had done it sooner!

And, you’re right… those marineland filters are a waste as a DE filter

I'm not sure what y'all did wrong but used correctly, the magnum works very well. Maybe not as good as the Vortexes, but certainly a close second.

 

[albano]

@Delatedlotus … as a former Lotus dealer, I wonder what your screen name means?

 

[Delatedlotus]

I love it! Now what about the Vortex bags? You can a well, silicone the top of it as it shreds and rips over time. But has anyone ever found the exact SAME covering material that the bag is made out of..? That is the question that needs to be answered... Fine, fine, mash like fiberglass that holds back the DE... I have been looking for it..

 

[Paul B]

I have 4 or 5 of them in various states of disintegration.





I managed to change the motor on my only working one but the guy who used to make the kit doesn't do it any more. I make most of my parts now including the bags but it is an adventure keeping one working.



I could not be in this hobby without a diatom filter and if I can't keep it running, I will build one.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

Whenever someone talks old school, good ol Dirt gets on and we all bow out. LOL Thanks again Paul B always bringing us back
I also have some old Vortex pumps, and most of the parts.

 

[Delatedlotus]

@Delatedlotus … as a former Lotus dealer, I wonder what your screen name means?

No Lotus here... Audi yes...I have sold over 450+ Audi's lol

 

[MnFish1]

I'm not sure what y'all did wrong but used correctly, the magnum works very well. Maybe not as good as the Vortexes, but certainly a close second.

It works 'well' for a very short time and at a much slower flow rate.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

It works 'well' for a very short time and at a much slower flow rate.

Ok but it's hardly "a waste".

 

[ta88brian]

Also diatom powder causes cancer

 

[MnFish1]

Ok but it's hardly "a waste".

Actually - I wasn't trying to insult you - I tried it - I found it clogged easily (granted - it was a sandy tank) - probably because it had much less diatom surface area and power than a vortex. I would use a DIY water polisher (see Youtube) before buying another one. Again - just my opinion

 

[Paul B]

Also diatom powder causes cancer

Yes but only in California. If your in Tunisia, Bayonne New Jersey or France, you will be fine.

 

[Delatedlotus]

Whenever someone talks old school, good ol Dirt gets on and we all bow out. LOL Thanks again Paul B always bringing us back
I also have some old Vortex pumps, and most of the parts.

I can use a bag for a XL...? Is it in good shape?

 

[jda]

All of this stuff makes me laugh? Like diatomaceous earth is the only thing in the hobby that can cause cancer if you use it wrong... the plastics in some cheap chinese parts appear to contain massive levels of Tin, calcium hydroxide, GFO, who knows what is in the hot supplement of the day.

You can still find these filters if you go to in-person aquarium club garage community garage sales, hit up the freshwater places with large accounts, eBay sometimes, etc. I found 3 of them in the used bin of a local store a year ago and mailed them to a guy on here.

You are gonna have to work - the online and easy stuff is all gone.

If you have a big tank, a pool DE filter and a trash pump work better... but probably $500 to get started.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

If you buy 100 Prop 65 placard, they come with a Prop 65 warning that the Placards might cause cancer in Ca.