diatom filter

[rml2314]

Hi everyone

I read a bit bout the diatom filters and I want to get myself one. I want know which one I should get for my 140gal (630L) tank? Can I leave it on permanently or just in short time intervals? I currently have an ViaAqua 750 Filter.

Please??

140 Gal Planted tank

4 Oscars
2 Parrotfish
3 Angels
1 Red-Tail black shark
2 Bala Sharks
2 Clown Loaches
2 Silver Tetras
1 Barb Nosed Catfish
1 Common Pleco

Thanx

 

[Antwan]

pyackel has a diatom, he says their excellent filters. The first 2 diatoms are only maintenance filters, used only 2-3 times a month or whenever your waters cloudy. You could try more but they do get clogged easily, they do filter out particles 1 micron in size. The Diatom Freedom filter says that it could be run permanently. I'd get me one of those. BTW, you got 4 oscars inna 140 gal. tank? Jezuz Weezuz you're gonna have some problems on your hands from what I see. Good Luck

 

[exodon]

Diatom filters use diatomatious earth to filter out particles close to a micron.
They are (as said) typically used as polishers or maintence units. Rare for anyone to use one on going.
Most like it clean up cloudy water, algae blooms, and bad cases of ich... ( it captures the free floating ich ) .

I used to rent them out to people having clarity problems or dinner parties.
As far as buying one, its kinda of up to the individual, but I find most diatoms get used faithfully fer a year then end up in the garage or sold back to me. Up til about 2 or 3 years ago, they were very popular. As far as im concerned ( and I still use mine every now and then) I'd spend the money on my tank's filter if there is a clarity problem.

My 23.4 cents.

Exodon

 

[rml2314]

Hi there

Thanx for your replies. Sorry I made a mistake with the size of the tank it's not 140gal it's 166 gal..!

Originally posted by Antwan
BTW, you got 4 oscars inna 140 gal. tank? Jezuz Weezuz you're gonna have some problems on your hands from what I see.

What do you mean I'm gonna have some problems?
Are they gonna be too big for my tank or am I gonna have some problems with keeping tank clean??
Dimensions: 74"L 23"W 24"D - 630L

Thanx again

 

[wayne at home]

Well it's a big load but really territorial issues, especially if 2 pair up.

I don't know anyone who uses a diatom filter. Why do you think you need one?

 

[rml2314]

I think that it would work with my watercoloring problem. The wood i have in the tank colors the water yellowish - orange to such an extent that one can hardly see right through the tank in width never mind in length, that's the main reason.

 

[Antwan]

Sounds like you didn't clean the wood. Yes, all kinds of problems. Them getting to big, territorial issues, cleaning issues, and stuff like that. Lets just say that if you really love your oscars, you'll be getting a bigger tank soon.