Vortex diatom filter

[chewie]

I have heard that the powder is very bad for your lungs though so you have to be careful not to inhale it. I am not sure if I will get the vortex (it is used) or go for a new magnum 350 canister which is supposed to do the same thing (using a filter cartrage) as well as being a regular canister filter. You just change out the media baskets for the water scrubber cartrage.

[Zarstar]

Is this powder diatomaceaus earth? this is used as an insect killer and its "chemical composition of diatomaceous earth is 86% silicon, 5% sodium, 3% magnesium and 2% iron" (some random internet minerals source).

Seems like an unecessary risk to put a substance, although seemingly inert, into your tank that is primarily silicon. We all know silica/silicon causes diatom growth so why add nutrients specific to grow the organism you are trying to get rid of...?

If you have a diatom problem there are many other solutions (ie: cleaner organisms to stir sand, silica removing resins, various mechanical filters that dont use silica, UV)

If your issue is water clarity try to improve the efficiency of your filtration system by cleaning it, adding a micron mesh bag to the sump return, and regularly cleaning sponge filters.

zar

[Borderjumper]

Originally Posted by Zarstar

Is this powder diatomaceaus earth? this is used as an insect killer and its "chemical composition of diatomaceous earth is 86% silicon, 5% sodium, 3% magnesium and 2% iron" (some random internet minerals source).

Seems like an unecessary risk to put a substance, although seemingly inert, into your tank that is primarily silicon. We all know silica/silicon causes diatom growth so why add nutrients specific to grow the organism you are trying to get rid of...?

If you have a diatom problem there are many other solutions (ie: cleaner organisms to stir sand, silica removing resins, various mechanical filters that dont use silica, UV)

If your issue is water clarity try to improve the efficiency of your filtration system by cleaning it, adding a micron mesh bag to the sump return, and

regularly cleaning sponge filters.

zar

Your not really adding the diatom powder to your tank, it coats a filter bag inside the filter, and the water passes thru the diatom powder, which catches and holds all the microscopic nasties.

I've had one for years.. Yes it's a PITA to start, but nothing ive ever used will clean and polish the water like this does. They are not meant for continuous use, only for occasional water polishing.

You do have to handle the powder with care and not inhale the dust, as it wild be like breathing microscopic glass shards. Kinda like asbestos.