Diatom filter to fight ich?

spongebob281 · 02/11/2009, 05:00 AM

Im at my wit's end trying to get rid of ich. I'm currently using copper but dont want to subject my fin friends to more stress. ANyone own a diatom filter with reasonable success. I understand it can only filter out free floating but not attached ichs...but anything would help..thannnnnnnks

Lightsluvr · 02/11/2009, 05:34 AM

I admit I never heard of a Diatom filter until reading your post. I will be following with interest.

It appears only one company makes them - Vortex. If they were that good, would they be more widely available?

Looking forward to responses from users...

LL

RBU1 · 02/11/2009, 06:47 AM

If you are currently using copper and it is not working you are not using the proper dosing amount. There is a vet on the www.njreefers.org that swears by a product called chloriquine (sp)??? He has had great success treating fish with this medication and it is less stressful on the fish. I suggest you do a little research and maybe consider trying hypo if all that is in the tank is fish.

Wgluther · 02/11/2009, 10:40 AM

Vortech has been making diatom filters for a loooong time. I doubt it would do anything but take out the free floating Ich parasites. They are used mainly to polish the water. At least thats what I use mine for on occasion.

puffster · 02/11/2009, 11:39 AM

bloop

Lightsluvr · 02/11/2009, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wgluther
Vortech has been making diatom filters for a loooong time. I doubt it would do anything but take out the free floating Ich parasites. They are used mainly to polish the water. At least thats what I use mine for on occasion.

??? I think Vortex makes the diatom filters... Vortech is a brand name of Ecotech...has nothing to do with Vortex...

Correct me if I'm wrong.

LL

superedge88 · 02/11/2009, 01:13 PM

chloroquine is where its at, expensive but VERY effective. Diatom filters can work, though I don't really trust a mechanical filter when trying to erradicate a problem.

RBU1 · 02/11/2009, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by superedge88
chloroquine is where its at, expensive but VERY effective. Diatom filters can work, though I don't really trust a mechanical filter when trying to erradicate a problem.

It is not as expensive as you think. Don't hold me to it but I think it was $2.00 per 10 gallon for the treatment.

spongebob281 · 02/11/2009, 05:36 PM

Some people swear that diatom filter help them keep the outbreak in check. Not necessarily eradicate the problem; just control the number of ich in their system.

superedge88 · 02/11/2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RBU1
It is not as expensive as you think. Don't hold me to it but I think it was $2.00 per 10 gallon for the treatment.

I buy it in larger quanitities and dose at 15 ppm. And keep salinity around 18 ppt (no corals or inverts in tank of course) You can copy and past the link since it is not working as a click link.

http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/catalog/...?N5=Keyword%20(fulltext)&N3=mode%20matchpartialmax&N4=chloroquine&D7=0&D10=chloroquine&N25=0&N1=S_ID&ST=RS&F=PR

RBU1 · 02/11/2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by superedge88
I buy it in larger quanitities and dose at 15 ppm. And keep salinity around 18 ppt (no corals or inverts in tank of course) You can copy and past the link since it is not working as a click link.

http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/catalog/...?N5=Keyword%20(fulltext)&N3=mode%20matchpartialmax&N4=chloroquine&D7=0&D10=chloroquine&N25=0&N1=S_ID&ST=RS&F=PR

Could not see the link even with the copy paste suggestion.

AquamanE · 02/11/2009, 06:41 PM

Quote:

I doubt it would do anything but take out the free floating Ich parasites.

Ive heard UV can do the same thing, therefore shortening the ich cycle.

Watching this thread since i am also having Ich issues.

spamreefnew · 02/11/2009, 07:05 PM

diatom filters have been around for about 35 years,,,,they work great,,,they can make muddy water drinkable in seconds. they make awsome emergency filters too. they will help remove ich,algea,colors and more. i would not be without mine. but remember.....it wont CURE your ich,,,,it will just help ALOT

tmz · 02/12/2009, 12:02 AM

The marine ich parasite is a protozaon called cryptocaryon irritans. If you do a search on RC or a general web search you will find a wealth of information .

I have not tried chloroquine.

The proven methods for treating ich are copper, hyposalinity for non resistant strains and the tank rasnfer method. I prefer copper treatment with Cupramine. The first two of these require treament in a quarantine tank or fish only tank and the third involves moving the fish from one tank to another clean tank every 3 days for a total of 4 transfers. A display tank that is not otherwise treated needs to be fishless for at least 6 weeks for the ich to die off.

Uvs, diatom filters etc which remove only the free swimming phase will not erradicate the parasite.BTW a UV would have to be quite large to kill even the free swimmers since the parasite is rather large as microfauna go. When it leaves the fish it goes to the bottom or other aquarium surfaces where it forms cysts and multiplies 200 to 300 fold . This is why it is important to treat it quickly since the second infestation is much more deadly most of the time.

Quarantining all new specimens can keep your system ich free.

spongebob281 · 02/12/2009, 12:14 AM

So you cant use a diatom filter in a reef tank? I'm using cupramine but with all copper you'd have to test for it to be efficient which is a PIA. I'd like to know more about the tank transfer option please

superedge88 · 02/12/2009, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RBU1
Could not see the link even with the copy paste suggestion.

Yeah, I guess that it doesn't work to try to link, just punch in chloroquine on the sigma website and you can order it, about 44 dollars for 25 grams.

As far as this being a "proven" form of treatment, it definitely is proven, Public aquariums have been using this to treat amyloodinium, cryptocaryon and other parasite infections for a while now. It is much more easy on the fish compared to copper treatments, and is my first choice in treating crypt or amyloodinium.

spongebob281 · 02/14/2009, 05:14 AM

how do u measure appropriate dosage? Where can i find additional info on this

tmz · 02/14/2009, 10:28 AM

Tank transfer involves at least two quarantine tanks. The fish is moved between two or among several tanks for a total of 4 transfers , once every three days. The tank is emptied and cleaned after each occupancy. This plays into the ich life cycle and leaves the parasites that have left the fish in the empty tank before any cysts hatch to reinfest.

superedge88 · 02/14/2009, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by spongebob281
how do u measure appropriate dosage? Where can i find additional info on this

There is not a lot of info to be found on the internet about the use of chloroquine.
You can dose 15 mg/l chloroquine, this will erradicate either cryptocaryon or amyloodinium, since both can be found together quite regularly, and either parasite can stress out the fish so that it succombs to the other.

02/11/2009, 05:00 AM	#1
spongebob281 Moved On Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 305	Diatom filter to fight ich? Im at my wit's end trying to get rid of ich. I'm currently using copper but dont want to subject my fin friends to more stress. ANyone own a diatom filter with reasonable success. I understand it can only filter out free floating but not attached ichs...but anything would help..thannnnnnnks

02/11/2009, 05:34 AM	#2
Lightsluvr Tangaroa to 500 gallons Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,855	Hmmm... I admit I never heard of a Diatom filter until reading your post. I will be following with interest. It appears only one company makes them - Vortex. If they were that good, would they be more widely available? Looking forward to responses from users... LL __________________ Click on my username and select "Lightsluvr's Home Page" for a recap of our build thread - AGE Hybrid Tank in a 500G system with dedicated fish room. (Takes a few minutes for photos to load) Leave a note if you stop by... Current Tank Info: 350G AGE Hybrid reef tank. 500G+ total water volume. Three sumps for filtration. Barracuda Gold return and Hammerhead Gold closed loop pumps. DIY T5 light system on rails. MP40W x3 to supplement closed loop. 130G Water management system.

02/11/2009, 10:40 AM	#4
Wgluther Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 106	Vortech has been making diatom filters for a loooong time. I doubt it would do anything but take out the free floating Ich parasites. They are used mainly to polish the water. At least thats what I use mine for on occasion. __________________ Bill Education is when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get if you don't. Pete Seeger Current Tank Info: 90gl RR custom 36x24x24, MSX 160 skimmer , 20gl sump/fuge, dual 250 MH with two 65w cf actinics.

02/11/2009, 01:13 PM	#7
superedge88 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 827	chloroquine is where its at, expensive but VERY effective. Diatom filters can work, though I don't really trust a mechanical filter when trying to erradicate a problem. __________________ DRILL IT!!! Current Tank Info: In charge of over 50,000 gallons of fish only tanks

02/12/2009, 12:02 AM	#14
tmz ReefKeeping Mag staff Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: West Seneca NY Posts: 27,691	The marine ich parasite is a protozaon called cryptocaryon irritans. If you do a search on RC or a general web search you will find a wealth of information . I have not tried chloroquine. The proven methods for treating ich are copper, hyposalinity for non resistant strains and the tank rasnfer method. I prefer copper treatment with Cupramine. The first two of these require treament in a quarantine tank or fish only tank and the third involves moving the fish from one tank to another clean tank every 3 days for a total of 4 transfers. A display tank that is not otherwise treated needs to be fishless for at least 6 weeks for the ich to die off. Uvs, diatom filters etc which remove only the free swimming phase will not erradicate the parasite.BTW a UV would have to be quite large to kill even the free swimmers since the parasite is rather large as microfauna go. When it leaves the fish it goes to the bottom or other aquarium surfaces where it forms cysts and multiplies 200 to 300 fold . This is why it is important to treat it quickly since the second infestation is much more deadly most of the time. Quarantining all new specimens can keep your system ich free. __________________ Tom Current Tank Info: Tank of the Month , November 2011 : 600gal integrated system: 3 display tanks (120 g, 90g, 89g),several frag/grow out tanks, macroalgae refugia, cryptic zones. 40+ fish, seahorses, sps,lps,leathers, zoanthidae and non photosynthetic corals.

02/11/2009, 06:47 AM	#3
RBU1 Moving on Up Join Date: May 2004 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 5,167	If you are currently using copper and it is not working you are not using the proper dosing amount. There is a vet on the www.njreefers.org that swears by a product called chloriquine (sp)??? He has had great success treating fish with this medication and it is less stressful on the fish. I suggest you do a little research and maybe consider trying hypo if all that is in the tank is fish.

02/11/2009, 11:39 AM	#5
puffster Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Ravenna, oh Posts: 946	bloop

02/11/2009, 05:36 PM	#9
spongebob281 Moved On Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 305	Some people swear that diatom filter help them keep the outbreak in check. Not necessarily eradicate the problem; just control the number of ich in their system.

02/11/2009, 07:05 PM	#13
spamreefnew Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: rhodeisland Posts: 1,491	diatom filters have been around for about 35 years,,,,they work great,,,they can make muddy water drinkable in seconds. they make awsome emergency filters too. they will help remove ich,algea,colors and more. i would not be without mine. but remember.....it wont CURE your ich,,,,it will just help ALOT

02/12/2009, 12:14 AM	#15
spongebob281 Moved On Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 305	So you cant use a diatom filter in a reef tank? I'm using cupramine but with all copper you'd have to test for it to be efficient which is a PIA. I'd like to know more about the tank transfer option please

02/14/2009, 05:14 AM	#17
spongebob281 Moved On Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 305	how do u measure appropriate dosage? Where can i find additional info on this

02/14/2009, 10:28 AM	#18
tmz ReefKeeping Mag staff Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: West Seneca NY Posts: 27,691	Tank transfer involves at least two quarantine tanks. The fish is moved between two or among several tanks for a total of 4 transfers , once every three days. The tank is emptied and cleaned after each occupancy. This plays into the ich life cycle and leaves the parasites that have left the fish in the empty tank before any cysts hatch to reinfest. __________________ Tom Current Tank Info: Tank of the Month , November 2011 : 600gal integrated system: 3 display tanks (120 g, 90g, 89g),several frag/grow out tanks, macroalgae refugia, cryptic zones. 40+ fish, seahorses, sps,lps,leathers, zoanthidae and non photosynthetic corals.