Diatom Filter

[marinegeek101]

Is there anything else I could use instead that is cheaper? And how do you use the magnum? Does it just hang on?

 

[DonW]

Is there anything else I could use instead that is cheaper? And how do you use the magnum? Does it just hang on?

IIRC they make both the free standing and the hang on models. I have the floor model I think it was about $100. My diatom was $99. The idea is to get it off the rocks and into the trash. I'm sure a cheap hang on filter would do a better job than a net.

Don

 

[returnofsid]

I'd have to agree with what Krish said. I used to run a diatom filter unit about once a week on all my tanks. Now I have a HOT Magnum 250 with a couple extra 1 micron filter cartridges. It works just as well, if not better and is MUCH more user friendly. Never have to worry about ending up with a diatom cloud in your tank...lol.

 

[marinegeek101]

So does the magnum hang on the aquarium? And do i need a sump with that to? If I decide to buy it will it be a good purchase long term to?

 

[Reefreak]

I purchased my first Diatom in 1982 and it sill works great, I also have micron socks and there is no comparison. The Diatom wins hands down.
They are cumbersome but a great tool to have when you need it.
I run mine on my reef about every 9 to 12 months and on my predator tank much more often.
I will never be without one "or two"

 

[Scooterman]

I also have micron socks and there is no comparison. The Diatom wins hands down.

You said you have a micron sock, which one? 100, 50 25, 1, 1/2?

 

[Krish]

So does the magnum hang on the aquarium? And do i need a sump with that to? If I decide to buy it will it be a good purchase long term to?

The H.O.T magnum hangs on the aquarium and has it's own pump that sucks water through a strainer that is in the tank, and returns water through a "spout". The magnum 350 is a canister version of the H.O.T magnum where space on the tank is limited so you just sit in the stand etc, but operates the same way. Here are pics of both

magnum 350 http://www.petco.com/Assets/product_images/4\4743133504B.jpg

H.O.T Magnum http://images.google.bs/images?hl=en&q=hot+magnum+canister&btnG=Search+Images


The attachment shows the a new polishing cartridge next to a polishing cartridge after vaccuming out my sump after having live rock and cyno algae in there

 

[marinegeek101]

Thanks I will put that in my next purchase list

 

[Krish]

LOL! I never use to be caught without one because when I didn't need to polish water, I used the media cartridge and ran carbon in it, but I needed the space under my stand and on the back of the tank so I took it out of my system

 

[marinegeek101]

One last question are both of them vacums or is it just the H.O.T? Cause I was looking at one of the pictures and the magnum 350 doesnt seem to have a vacum.

 

[Krish]

The vaccum is an add on part where you remove the intake pipe and use a hose to vaccum the tank when needed and then return back to the intake and strainer for regular operation. That comes with the deluxe models

 

[marinegeek101]

So it would be a good idea to get the deluxe model right?

 

[Krish]

Yeah...You may as well. Not too much more in price

 

[marinegeek101]

Thanks again