Diatom filter verses Ozone Generators - any suggestions ????

[Erich]

OK guys I am thinking of getting one of these puppies and I am not sure which one. I do understant the benefits of each other. I would like some recommendations from the experience ones who have more expertise in this subject. My tank is is 95 gallons and is very wel established and has been up and running for a few years. I would like to clear it better. What do you guys recommend ?

I have a few questions:

1) Easiest to use?
2) Less $$ up keep?
3) Fool proof as possible.
4) Which manufacturer to go with for Ozone Generator or Diatom Filter (Vortex or System 1)?
5) Which does the best job for the $$$?


;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

 

[HerbieK]

I used the big Vortex filter for a number of years, and still do occasionally. I use it to clean out my sump by stirring up all of the gunk, and then running the diatom until the water clears up. I also would do the same with the display tank on occasion. This thing really gets rid of any minute suspended matter very well. This type of filter is for "water polishing" in that it will clear up suspended material.

If your water is cloudy or discolored due to dissolved organics and other chemical issues, this filter will not help.

I also run ozone on my tank using a Red Sea ozone generator/controller. This will help to eliminate any "chemically" induced discoloration. I run the ozone through my Bermuda skimmer, and this tends to keep the water crystal clear. I have the 200 mg/h model running on my 180 and it does a great job.

I hope this helps.

Herb

 

[DaveK]

Over the years I have used both diatom filters and ozone.

I have found diatom filters to be useful from time to time, more as a supplemental filter to be used when you want to really "muck out" the tank. I've had several over the years, but only use it about once or twice a year. I'd rate the product itself as excellent, but while it's nice to have, it's not a critical piece of equipment.

Ozone is another matter. I don't use it at all anymore. Like a diatom filter, ozone has it's uses, but I feel ozone doesn't offer enough advantages to make it worth the cost. To be fair, I should point out that there are quite a few people the swear by ozone and would not set up a tank without it.

Ozone is great for removing that yellow color you get in the water. It can also make a good skimmer more effective. Keep in mind though, if you have a crappy skimmer to start with, no amount of ozone is going to make it any better. Ozone is also good at killing off algae the is in the water column. If you use a tremendous amount of ozone, properly, it can kill parasites the are free swimming in the water, but don't expect it to control diseases.

Safety is important around ozone. Usually you should use ozone with your skimmer. Some skimmers can't be used with ozone. All water processed with ozone should be run through carbon to remove any ozone left in the water. Also, all air coming out of the skimmer should be passed through carbon. You should not be able to smell ozone more that a foot or so from the skimmer. If you can, it could be dangerous to you. Do a search on ozone on net, looking for EPA warnings about it. That should convince you that ozone should be treated with respect.

Bottom line, both diatom filters and ozone can be nice things to have, but are not critical. Only consider getting them if everything else about your system is good. Generally you are better off spending the money on the filtration system, a refugium, or lighting first.

 

[Boomer]

I like the others have used both ozone and diatom filters and for 35 years

As Herb pointed out Diatom filters are only mechanical filters. However, they can be turned into powerful chemical adsorption filter buy caking on a second layer of PAC (Powdered Activated Carbon. There is probably nothing that "polishes" the water so well with this method. BUT one needs to know what they are doing with this method, for if the filter looses pressure from shutting it off and then restating it, which you have to do to cake on the PAC, it can blow all the PAC into your tank. This is why we use bypass values on the filters. You can get them from Vortex or make you own. These allow the filter to keep running and not loose its charge. Reason is, is that it is best to cake on the diatom powder or PAC with the inlet and outlet tubes in a bucket, you then add the diatom powder, let it cake on and then the PAC. You then move the filter to the tank still running. This is all a pain in the Ash And you need to practice this so you don't screw up with the tank. I do not know of anyone that runs diatoms full time in a reef tank and do not consider it a good idea, especially with the PAC it just takes to much out. They are basically used for "polishing the water.

Ozone is another issue. In the olden days many of us used it. It then kinda dropped off the map and is not reappearing. Rather than running a long rant on ozone take a read of these. I will add one thing. Most ozone units don't and can't kill much of anything. accept maybe some bacteria as the concentration and dwell time is not high or long enough.


Ozone

Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 1: Chemistry and Biochemistry
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-03/rhf/index.php

Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 2: Equipment and Safety
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-04/rhf/index.php

Ozone and the Reef Aquarium, Part 3: Changes in a Reef Aquarium upon Initiating Ozone
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-05/rhf/index.php


I have a few questions:

1) Easiest to use?

System 1

2) Less $$ up keep?

System 1

3) Fool proof as possible.

System 1

4) Which manufacturer to go with for Ozone Generator or Diatom Filter (Vortex or System 1)?

a). Ozone, I prefer Sanders although the Red Sea units are nice / say as they have all in one, ozone unit and controller and you SHOULD use a controller. The big issue with Red Sea is they do not put out the amount of ozone claimed by a long shot.

b) Vortex, Cost more and often a pain in the Ash but can have longer runs than a System 1

c). System One, easier to use and less discharging/charge loss issues than a Vortex. However, it does not run long with diatom and PAC before it starts to pump almost zero water. I ended up using the System One and ozone in the end with 2 - 2hr runs with the System 1


5) Which does the best job for the $$$?

A Systems One, caked with Diatom and PAC and run for 2 -2hrs runs / m or every two wks.

If one runs a Diatom without PAC they do not do much but remove suspended matter. With PAC the tank will be so clear after the run you will not believe it. It looks like it has been running ozone for months.

A proper ozone set up will cost you lots of money. If one has the money and is willing to follow the ozone rules of use, observation, maintenance, etc., then it is the way to go.