Diatom filters

[jonnywater]

Here is my second question of the night. I was thinking of getting a diatom filter to replace my current mechanical filter. I read all this stuff about some you can only run once a week for 4 hours. Then others you can run 3-4 times a week for 8 hours? Anyone got any further info. or is using one?

 

[ronald_j]

I used to have the Vortex XL that I would run maybe once every 2 weeks. It did a great job on polishing the water. It made it super crystal clear. I would set up the diatom at night when I went to bed and take it down the next morning. So, I guess it ran for about 6 to 8 hours. But in answering your question , no the diatom filter is not made to run 24/7.

 

[watertite]

I have a vortex XL and my label says if your tank is more than 25 gallons you may run it continuously. At least that is what I intend to do. :happyfish

 

[tjake68]

diatoms cannot run 24-7 the reason is they will produce to much oxygen in the tank causing damage to your livestock i run mine every month or so for 5 -10 hours and the water is crystal clear :cheer:

 

[xdave]

What kind of livestock? Do you have any filter feeders? Mechanical filters (which is most likely performing biological filtration as well), and diatom filters are 2 totally different things and aren't really substitutes for each other.

 

[watertite]

After you shut down your Diatom what do you do, just leave it or what?