Is a pressurized diatomaceous filter worth the expense?

[pmtuneman13]

One thing I hate in a tank is cloudy water. In short, I want crystal clear water without paying a fortune. I am about to purchase a 180-220 gallon tank setup. I want to run Emp 400s, a UV sterilizer, and possibly a water polisher like the one I mentioned in the heading (which isn't cheap). I have an issue with canister filters flooding my house, so I have found a HOB diatomaceous filter. Basically guys, is it worth it in the long run? I want to only do regular maintenance and not have to constantly fight with cloudy water. I want a proven combination that works like a charm. Is this it?

 

[BushFishRox]

I would recommend getting a good Canister filter like a Fluval FX5 or another good mechanical canister, I run 2 Emp 400's for their bio wheels and a FX5 on my 150..

 

[Wolf3101]

Ive used the type of filters your talking about (HOB diatomatious earth pressure filters) and they can be good if you only run them once in a while but they are a big time maintaince headache. I sold mine a LONG time ago.

We have aquariums that run from 29 gallons to 240 and all of them have crystal clear water with nothing more than normal maintaince. All of them run a triple combination of Fluval canisters....emperor HOB units and hydro5 air driven sponge filters.

IMO..unless your constantly introducing new fish a UV sterlizer just isnt worth the added expence of operation plus the cost of replacement bulbs.

It's fairly simple to change out the factory supplied cannister hoses and run your own pvc plumbing if your worried about leaks.

 

[pmtuneman13]

As for the UV sterilizer, I want that just in case of an algae bloom. I live in florida and my tanks get a lot of sunshine. With the canister-phobia dilemma, other than busted o-rings, how could they flood your home? Obviously if an intake hosed pops off you're in trouble. It does seem that filter canisters increase your media options tremendously, but my friend's experience has shook me up a little... kinda like reading the thread about the 220 gallon tank exploding.

 

[BushFishRox]

I havent had to many problems with canisters, I guess just keep an eye on them with regular maintenance but they do perform better then hang on back filters and should clear up any cloudiness...

 

[Wolf3101]

Reading an article about a car wreak could do the same thing to you about driving but it all comes down to liklyhood... Yes a canister CAN leak but usually its from poor maintance or not following directions. O rings SHOULD be replaced periodicly and always lubricated even though they almost never are.
plastic hoses and connections need to be checked or replaced with something a lot more durable... Thousands of canisters are scrapped at the end of a long useful life without ever leaking...

 

[fishdance]

I own and have used diatomaceous earth filters when I used to show fish or to remove whitespot outbreaks but reading over your posts, it seems like you just like gadgets and would prefer an over reliance on technology than some common sense and regular maintenance. I do have UV filters too but run these on my hatcherys for sterile hatching conditions.

Playing devils advocate here - Why do you want crystal clear water? Seriously, isnt algae a perfectly natural and healthy thing? Having said that, if you let algae run its course it will run out of food or light (like any population explosion) and settle back down again. Removing the symptoms doesnt mean you are treating the cause/cure. I would prefer to know there was an algae or bacterial problem happening not just continually remove it simply to have clear water.

 

[pmtuneman13]

I own and have used diatomaceous earth filters when I used to show fish or to remove whitespot outbreaks but reading over your posts, it seems like you just like gadgets and would prefer an over reliance on technology than some common sense and regular maintenance. I do have UV filters too but run these on my hatcherys for sterile hatching conditions.

Playing devils advocate here - Why do you want crystal clear water? Seriously, isnt algae a perfectly natural and healthy thing? Having said that, if you let algae run its course it will run out of food or light (like any population explosion) and settle back down again. Removing the symptoms doesnt mean you are treating the cause/cure. I would prefer to know there was an algae or bacterial problem happening not just continually remove it simply to have clear water.

First of all, my maintenance regimen is like clockwork. And secondly, I do not have these things, ergo , I was asking about their usefulness. Algae blooms can kill fish, and who wants to look at green cloudy water? And why would you like to have a bacterial problem in your tank. The leading killer in fish is stress and what do you think bacterial issues do to your fish?

You got me with the common sense statement... if the technology exists, why wouldn't I like to know its benefits? I am here to learn. Apparently you already know everything:

I have used DIY and a Berlin 600 saltwater skimmer with powerhead on freshwater and found both useful although not as effective as on salt. Still very useful if you have an excessive protein problem.

The more options and alternatives there are, the better off we all are. It isnt a case of which is best IMO.

Looks like you like your gadgets too. Does this mean you don't use common sense? Just a question.

 

[pmtuneman13]

Thanks Wolf. I might give canisters a try as I know they work better. I know where I can get my hands on a few Magnum Canister Filters. How do they stand opposed to Fluval or Eheim? Thanks again everyone for your help.

 

[Wolf3101]

I used magnum canisters for a lot of years. They have good points and bad points like everything else and are a lot less conveniant than more modern designs but they work well and are quite reliable with normal maintance. The best ones to have are the ones with the bio-wheels on the output for bio-filtration.