DIATOM FILTER: Diatom filter powder vs. Super Char - Aquarium Advice

djmpj2 · 12-22-2007, 01:16 PM

We have been running our D-1 Diatom Filter approx once a month for about a year now. We decided to change out the filter.

My question is this:
I have always used Super-Char (black carbon substance) to charge the filter before use. I just ordered some new supplies and I got "Diatom Filter Powder". Should I use this (white diatomaceous earth type substance) or the super char? Does one replace the other in the process?

Thanks
DJ

MsBeanCtr · 12-23-2007, 08:14 PM

I can only tell you about my experience using the diatom filter powder. I do not believe you will be able to run the filter for any length of time using the diatom powder. It is a very, very fine filter media and I'm only able to run mine for a max of 2 days before it becomes clogged (and I do a 20% pwc every week). Depending on what you about trying to do, you might be wise to stick with the Super-Char. The diatom powder is mainly used to "polish" the water.

Hope that helps out

djmpj2 · 12-26-2007, 11:37 PM

We only run our diatom filter for a few hours once a month. We do not run it for any more than that.

I am surprised it is so hard to find information on this. I have been reading all I can about diatom filters online including the Vortex site and cannot determine which to use and when and why there are 2 different methods to charge or if I am totally off base.

DJ

MsBeanCtr · 12-27-2007, 12:16 AM

I'm not sure this will help but here is a link for the diatom filters:

http://www.diatomfilter.com/manual.htm (you've probably already looked around this site)

My understanding is that the Super Char is to be used as an additive to the diatomaceous earth (according to the Vortex site). Therefore; you should be able to use either the diatom powder or a mixture of diatom powder and the super-char.

Sorry, I can only answer half of your question....I'm not sure on the 2 different charging methods.

HTH

12-22-2007, 01:16 PM	#1
djmpj2 Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 218	DIATOM FILTER: Diatom filter powder vs. Super Char We have been running our D-1 Diatom Filter approx once a month for about a year now. We decided to change out the filter. My question is this: I have always used Super-Char (black carbon substance) to charge the filter before use. I just ordered some new supplies and I got "Diatom Filter Powder". Should I use this (white diatomaceous earth type substance) or the super char? Does one replace the other in the process? Thanks DJ __________________ 54G AGA Corner Tank Eheim 2215 Canister Filter (w/ live rock rubble in it) 3 Maxijet 1200 Power Heads Aqua C Remora Protein Skimmer Acqua C Remora Pre-Skimmer 75 pounds Live Rock 30" 2x65w Coralife Lunar Aqualights Diatom Filter Turbo Twist UV 2 Percula Clowns, Diamond Golby, Flame Angel, Royal Gramma, Lawnmower Blenny, PPmint shrimp, 3 emerald crabs and a huge cleaning crew (snails and crabs)

12-26-2007, 11:37 PM	#3
djmpj2 Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 218	We only run our diatom filter for a few hours once a month. We do not run it for any more than that. I am surprised it is so hard to find information on this. I have been reading all I can about diatom filters online including the Vortex site and cannot determine which to use and when and why there are 2 different methods to charge or if I am totally off base. DJ __________________ 54G AGA Corner Tank Eheim 2215 Canister Filter (w/ live rock rubble in it) 3 Maxijet 1200 Power Heads Aqua C Remora Protein Skimmer Acqua C Remora Pre-Skimmer 75 pounds Live Rock 30" 2x65w Coralife Lunar Aqualights Diatom Filter Turbo Twist UV 2 Percula Clowns, Diamond Golby, Flame Angel, Royal Gramma, Lawnmower Blenny, PPmint shrimp, 3 emerald crabs and a huge cleaning crew (snails and crabs)

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12-23-2007, 08:14 PM	#2
MsBeanCtr Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Washington State Posts: 572 Images: 9	I can only tell you about my experience using the diatom filter powder. I do not believe you will be able to run the filter for any length of time using the diatom powder. It is a very, very fine filter media and I'm only able to run mine for a max of 2 days before it becomes clogged (and I do a 20% pwc every week). Depending on what you about trying to do, you might be wise to stick with the Super-Char. The diatom powder is mainly used to "polish" the water. Hope that helps out

12-27-2007, 12:16 AM	#4
MsBeanCtr Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Washington State Posts: 572 Images: 9	I'm not sure this will help but here is a link for the diatom filters: http://www.diatomfilter.com/manual.htm (you've probably already looked around this site) My understanding is that the Super Char is to be used as an additive to the diatomaceous earth (according to the Vortex site). Therefore; you should be able to use either the diatom powder or a mixture of diatom powder and the super-char. Sorry, I can only answer half of your question....I'm not sure on the 2 different charging methods. HTH