Diatom Filter

[rdnyva]

I've read that a Diatom Filter can help in combating Ich by removing them in the free swimming stage. Can anybody confirm or deny this? Or have any other observations or input on this subject?

[CuzzA]

A diatom filter can remove anything down to 1 micron. The problem is they will clog relatively fast and all of your water would have to pass through the filter. For polishing your water it's a great tool; however, I wouldn't expect any substantial benefit in terms of reducing a parasite.

A quality UV sterilizer with the correct dose would be more effective at "reducing" a parasite since they can go roughly 6 months before the bulb must be replaced. Obviously, as far as ick goes the best course of action is to never allow it in your system. If it is in your system IMO you have to options. Remove and quarantine all fish and fallow your display or live with it and keep your fish well fed. I'd be willing to bet many people live with option two or unwittingly practice option two.

[reefwiser]

Used diatom filter for years in my fish hospital system. Effective tool for cleaning icky from. The water column. Just run it for a few minutes and the QT tank is cleaned of ick.

[rdnyva]

As I suspected there are differing opinions. I guess it couldn't hurt and at the least it will polish the water. It leads to an interesting question though. Can I use Diatom media in a reactor or does it have to be in a Distom Filter?

[Sounds Fishy]

I think in a diatom filter,because it is a fine powder.

[CuzzA]

This is what I use to polish NSW. http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/co...om-filter.html

[D-Nak]

A couple of things...

1. Diatom powder can only be used with a diatom filter or one designed to hold diatomaceous earth (DE). The DE sticks to the filter which clogs up larger pores which creates smaller pores for water to pass through while catching pollutants.

2. In order to be effective against Ich (I don't even know if it's true that it can catch the trophont) you would have to run the filter 100% of the time and run 100% of the water in your system through it. Since Ich has a dormant stage it can remain in your system for a long time without you knowing it.

[thegrun]

It may help reduce the problem a little, but no way will it cure ich or likely even prevent fish deaths.

[laga77]

Yes, it will remove the ICH protozoa. When run properly whatever goes in over 1 micron stays in the filter. Depending on the water quality, it can run for a couple of days or a couple of hours before clogging. So, like UV, it is another tool that can be used for the well being of the tank. IMHO nothing polishes the water like a diatom filter.

[Sounds Fishy]

In the 1970's the pet store I worked for used one.We used it on the goldfish tank,(200 gallons),to help with the water quality,because it was over full with livestock.It would remove an incredible amount of crud from the water in just 10 or fifteen minutes,but then it would clog up requiring a filter change.Iam going to buy one soon for myself.

[Buzz1329]

Post withdrawn.

[D-Nak]

Originally Posted by laga77

Yes, it will remove the ICH protozoa. When run properly whatever goes in over 1 micron stays in the filter. Depending on the water quality, it can run for a couple of days or a couple of hours before clogging. So, like UV, it is another tool that can be used for the well being of the tank. IMHO nothing polishes the water like a diatom filter.

To clarify, it will obviously only remove the Ich that gets into the filter. Therefore, I don't consider it a cure, so by using it don't expect the Ich to be eradicated. For that reason, some people feel that it's not worth using.