Man you really deliver! Thanks for posting this! For such a beneficial application it's surprising how little people have explored this topic. When I first started fishkeeping I watched a bunch of different TH-camrs and they really helped me. But when it came to the technical and fabrication side of my hobby, you have helped me the most. Thanks again!
Great video sir as usual…. Years ago in high school and college I was a lifeguard for the city of Cleveland and Parma where I grew up…. We’ve done some videos on this I’m sure you’ve seen them…. The filters for these gigantic pools were diatomaceous filters…. Every week or two we would have to go down and wash them out and then put new diatomaceous earth in and these filters were about the size of the average bathroom or possibly even some peoples bedrooms…. We used to wear masks and goggles because there was so much of this earth and these big bags it would sometimes form clouds around us and diatoms can be very irritating and sometimes even cause problems in a persons lungs especially with long-term exposure…. We always encourage people who are using this sort of substance to still try to wear goggles and masks even if on a very small scale because if they are doing over a period of time can still cause damage these little guys are very sharp and very tiny….. but due to the fact that they are made this way they make an incredible filtration media that’s for sure✨✨😀😀👍👍
Wow so I guess you got the chance to save the lovely ladies pretending they are drowning hahahaahaha. Insightful my dear friend. Really interesting. Life really provides us with multiple experiences
Funny thing, I was also a lifeguard at our town pool, and we also had the DE cleaning which was always an event, with a record time and competition. Now, many moons on, I wouldn't have anything else for my swimming pool (although I've heard a sand filter with a cup or so of DE can give the same result. Just need to re-add it when you backwash)
Sir you sure do have it nailed down , I can't imagine the # of hobbyists you've helped on the mysteries of filters that just have a way to baffle so many 🥺
Excellent video. One thing to keep in mind is that diatom cells are very sharp and if you breath them the diatom will cut your lungs and cause bleeding. Be careful or better yet wear a mask. * - Do have a question: Can pond filter canisters actually be used as diatom filter? Can the sand in them be removed and diatom used instead? The tanks are 90 to 130g. I would like to install a diatom filter permanently connected to the sump-pump with a valve to go through the diatom filter or closed to only use the media filter from the sump. Maybe with a backflush to clean the diatom? Thanks
Thanks so much! You certainly don't want to go snorting the stuff. Any closed canister style filter can be converted into a diatom filter. I wouldn't plum it into your system as they clog very fast and need cleaning. You could setup a back flush system to get around that, but you would also have to include a separate tank system to charge the filter again as it takes a few minutes for the powder to coat the membrane.
I kept waiting for the fun part where the filter is finished and you release it into the waste water drain like last time. Yeah having a clean tank is great but the release was the most fun. 😂
Loved my old Vortex D1. Heartbroken when it broke since you can't buy them anymore or find parts. When they show up on E-bay they're going for 200-300 dollars. I've been using a GE whole house water filter. They're clear and cost about 40 dollars. I use the pleated filter and the diatom powder sticks fine to it. Hooked it up to a 800 gph water pump. Works like a charm.
I have an old Diatom XL in storage right now, the type with the glass jar with the motor sitting atop the lid. IIRC, they suggested that you could turn the filter off and spin the diverter dial when the filter clogged, and then restart it to recoat the filter bag even though it was already covered in dirt. They actually worked quite well. The diverter valve kept any dirt and DE from getting into the aquarium. Now for my question...I'd like to build a small in-tank DE filter similar to yours. I'm curious though what size power head (flow rate) you recommend. I don't want to go too big or too small.
I remember those. I used to use them at the pet store I worked at (when I was a lot younger). I use the Sicce sincra silent 0.5 pump and find that it is great for these small applications and and is quite a reliable pump. Thanks for watching!
Another question(s)... You mention crinoline. All the crinolines I see are like a mesh fish net with 1/8" openings. I was wondering if you could give us some additional info on the specifications of the fabric. I see things such as grade 50, and grade 90, but don't know which if either to get. Also, how does one determine the proper amount of DE to add to the filter? To much will make the layer too thick and cause back pressure, and too little will let the detritus stick to the crinoline itself.
I didn't go to too much trouble for this as a local fabric shop had what I needed. I just went by feel. A 1/8" pore is way to big. As for layering the powder, I've tried several different amounts and came to the conclusion that more is just wasted and went with a thinner amount. For this filter size, about three heaping table spoons. Hope that helps
@@FishmanEricRussell Thanks. I have one of the old votex de filters but it's very cumbersome your solution seem much easier, I'm going to have to give it a try.
Eric I still don't know how to make one, but listening to you I think you have a video on this part already, I will look further. So is this filter doing what some people call "Polishing the water?" I have I think, heard of this before, but you are the first person I have seen perform it. So Crinoline acts like a mantle? It hangs there until it is coated with too much Diatomaceous earth or rather until the earth which is gathered on it is plugged with waste ? I'm not sure I would use a filter like this but it is a good bit of knowledge to hang onto. I see you have shrimp which enjoy your foam filter! In my shrimp food (some of it) I use powdered bentonite clay. It has that same high density powdered look, but I suspect it is different when it gets wet. This was quite interesting! I don't think I have seen anyone else do it! I wonder if the leg hairs stuck in my crinoline cross dressing outfit will be a bother? 🤣😂🤣😂
Hey Kerry! Yes that is the term some people use. Shrimp certainly have a fixation for sponges, even a clean one like this. Crinoline is quite resilient even with leg hairs in it lol!
I think you are remembering the Vortex diatom filter, they were doing a fantastic job but at your own risk! The glass jar could crack under the vacuum pressure etc. Ahead of its time but with catastrophic failure possibilities! LOL
Diatom powder is silica based, so it in itself won't change your chemistry. It is removing organic matter and algae and that will have an effect on the tanks' chemistry. When it comes to dissolved minerals, there should only be a minimal effect as it will only remove any that is inside the things removed. Hope that helps!
I've just had a look for diatom powder and so far I've only found it being sold as red mite killer is that going to be ok or will have something else mixed in some say all natural
Yes, definitely go to a pool supply store. I've also seen it at Home Depot by the pool sand and it is dirt cheap. You'll probably have to buy a 25 pound bag for 25 dollars but you'll have diatom powder for the rest of your life. Just make sure it doesn't have anything but 100% Diatomateous earth and don't use food grade DE and definitley don't use any of those insect killing powders.
used one i bought 30 plus years ago i dont think they sell them anymore but ive since always said if you think youve seen clean water no you havent. youve never seen clean water until youve seen water filtered with diatomaceous earth.
Learned two new potentially useful materials today, crinoline and diatom powder. Also didn’t know that one of the nitrifying bacteria can be free swimming. Let me guess which one; it is the nitrosomona.
![[UNCUT]"ทนายตั้ม" แฉยับ! ความลับสวรรค์ ใครคือ "บิ๊กเทวดา" ของบอสพอล l คนดังนั่งเคลียร์ l 15 ต.ค. 67](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ru9fpSaUwdA/mqdefault.jpg)
Man you really deliver! Thanks for posting this! For such a beneficial application it's surprising how little people have explored this topic. When I first started fishkeeping I watched a bunch of different TH-camrs and they really helped me. But when it came to the technical and fabrication side of my hobby, you have helped me the most. Thanks again!
I'm glad I could help! Thanks for your kind words as well!
Great video sir as usual…. Years ago in high school and college I was a lifeguard for the city of Cleveland and Parma where I grew up…. We’ve done some videos on this I’m sure you’ve seen them…. The filters for these gigantic pools were diatomaceous filters…. Every week or two we would have to go down and wash them out and then put new diatomaceous earth in and these filters were about the size of the average bathroom or possibly even some peoples bedrooms…. We used to wear masks and goggles because there was so much of this earth and these big bags it would sometimes form clouds around us and diatoms can be very irritating and sometimes even cause problems in a persons lungs especially with long-term exposure…. We always encourage people who are using this sort of substance to still try to wear goggles and masks even if on a very small scale because if they are doing over a period of time can still cause damage these little guys are very sharp and very tiny….. but due to the fact that they are made this way they make an incredible filtration media that’s for sure✨✨😀😀👍👍
Wow so I guess you got the chance to save the lovely ladies pretending they are drowning hahahaahaha. Insightful my dear friend. Really interesting. Life really provides us with multiple experiences
@@FKJ_WORLD ah yes Raleigh the lovely ladies are a great benefit to the job that's for sure....being in nursing school didn't hurt either 👍👍
Funny thing, I was also a lifeguard at our town pool, and we also had the DE cleaning which was always an event, with a record time and competition.
Now, many moons on, I wouldn't have anything else for my swimming pool (although I've heard a sand filter with a cup or so of DE can give the same result. Just need to re-add it when you backwash)
Very cool guys! I always love hearing about peoples experiences! Thanks for sharing!
Sir you sure do have it nailed down , I can't imagine the # of hobbyists you've helped on the mysteries of filters that just have a way to baffle so many 🥺
So very kind of you! Thanks!
Excellent video.
One thing to keep in mind is that diatom cells are very sharp and if you breath them the diatom will cut your lungs and cause bleeding.
Be careful or better yet wear a mask.
*
- Do have a question: Can pond filter canisters actually be used as diatom filter? Can the sand in them be removed and diatom used instead?
The tanks are 90 to 130g. I would like to install a diatom filter permanently connected to the sump-pump with a valve to go through the diatom filter or closed to only use the media filter from the sump. Maybe with a backflush to clean the diatom?
Thanks
Thanks so much! You certainly don't want to go snorting the stuff. Any closed canister style filter can be converted into a diatom filter. I wouldn't plum it into your system as they clog very fast and need cleaning. You could setup a back flush system to get around that, but you would also have to include a separate tank system to charge the filter again as it takes a few minutes for the powder to coat the membrane.
Hello there. That was very cool and quite satisfying to see the end result. You have a beautiful mind!
Thanks so very much!
I kept waiting for the fun part where the filter is finished and you release it into the waste water drain like last time. Yeah having a clean tank is great but the release was the most fun. 😂
I like that part too lol!
Informative , I guess this is the science part I slept through In science class. I love the effect it gives to your water quality.
Hey Raliegh! This is one of those old school things lol
Loved my old Vortex D1. Heartbroken when it broke since you can't buy them anymore or find parts. When they show up on E-bay they're going for 200-300 dollars. I've been using a GE whole house water filter. They're clear and cost about 40 dollars. I use the pleated filter and the diatom powder sticks fine to it. Hooked it up to a 800 gph water pump. Works like a charm.
Love hearing from fellow DIYers! Thanks for coming by and great job
I have an old Diatom XL in storage right now, the type with the glass jar with the motor sitting atop the lid. IIRC, they suggested that you could turn the filter off and spin the diverter dial when the filter clogged, and then restart it to recoat the filter bag even though it was already covered in dirt. They actually worked quite well. The diverter valve kept any dirt and DE from getting into the aquarium.
Now for my question...I'd like to build a small in-tank DE filter similar to yours. I'm curious though what size power head (flow rate) you recommend. I don't want to go too big or too small.
I remember those. I used to use them at the pet store I worked at (when I was a lot younger). I use the Sicce sincra silent 0.5 pump and find that it is great for these small applications and and is quite a reliable pump. Thanks for watching!
Another question(s)...
You mention crinoline. All the crinolines I see are like a mesh fish net with 1/8" openings. I was wondering if you could give us some additional info on the specifications of the fabric. I see things such as grade 50, and grade 90, but don't know which if either to get. Also, how does one determine the proper amount of DE to add to the filter? To much will make the layer too thick and cause back pressure, and too little will let the detritus stick to the crinoline itself.
I didn't go to too much trouble for this as a local fabric shop had what I needed. I just went by feel. A 1/8" pore is way to big. As for layering the powder, I've tried several different amounts and came to the conclusion that more is just wasted and went with a thinner amount. For this filter size, about three heaping table spoons. Hope that helps
WOW!!! it really does get the water nice and clear.
Hey Don! I usually just use it for algal outbreaks but it does a nice job cleaning up
Have you ever tried perlite instead of DE? Also what pump are you using, does it need to be some kind of high pressure pump or will a powerhead work?
No. I've only ever used DE. It's just a little Sicce sincra silent pump. You don't need anything special
@@FishmanEricRussell Thanks. I have one of the old votex de filters but it's very cumbersome your solution seem much easier, I'm going to have to give it a try.
Eric I still don't know how to make one, but listening to you I think you have a video on this part already, I will look further.
So is this filter doing what some people call "Polishing the water?" I have I think, heard of this before, but you are the first person I have seen perform it. So Crinoline acts like a mantle? It hangs there until it is coated with too much Diatomaceous earth or rather until the earth which is gathered on it is plugged with waste ?
I'm not sure I would use a filter like this but it is a good bit of knowledge to hang onto.
I see you have shrimp which enjoy your foam filter! In my shrimp food (some of it) I use powdered bentonite clay. It has that same high density powdered look, but I suspect it is different when it gets wet. This was quite interesting! I don't think I have seen anyone else do it! I wonder if the leg hairs stuck in my crinoline cross dressing outfit will be a bother? 🤣😂🤣😂
Yes, this certainly can be considering "water polishing".
Hey Kerry! Yes that is the term some people use. Shrimp certainly have a fixation for sponges, even a clean one like this. Crinoline is quite resilient even with leg hairs in it lol!
I think you are remembering the Vortex diatom filter, they were doing a fantastic job but at your own risk! The glass jar could crack under the vacuum pressure etc. Ahead of its time but with catastrophic failure possibilities! LOL
I think you're right about the brand. I remember the pet shop I worked at, as a teen, having issues with them because workers kept dropping them.
Great Review. Thank you.
Thanks you for taking the time to watch!
Diatom filters were the rage when I started keeping aquariums. You were not a pro unless you had one. Thanks Fred O
I remember Fred! Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!
Can you help me build a vortex filter? Or can I pay you to build me a vortex filter. I can’t find any online to purchase and I love the product
Sorry Katie. I know the principal, but have never made one. I don't have any systems where one would be the best fit
How's aquarium diatom filters compare to pool diatom filters. Besides size.
It's just the size though some pool versions have a back flush ability
So does a diatom filter change the hardness of your water? When you use one will your gh and kh go down?
Diatom powder is silica based, so it in itself won't change your chemistry. It is removing organic matter and algae and that will have an effect on the tanks' chemistry. When it comes to dissolved minerals, there should only be a minimal effect as it will only remove any that is inside the things removed. Hope that helps!
@@FishmanEricRussell Ahhhh. I was thinking about using one on my neocaridina shrimp tank, but worried about gh and kh swings. They're so sensitive.
I've just had a look for diatom powder and so far I've only found it being sold as red mite killer is that going to be ok or will have something else mixed in some say all natural
Go to where they sell pool supplies.
Hey Colin! Best to avoid that one and go to a pool shop
Yes, definitely go to a pool supply store. I've also seen it at Home Depot by the pool sand and it is dirt cheap. You'll probably have to buy a 25 pound bag for 25 dollars but you'll have diatom powder for the rest of your life. Just make sure it doesn't have anything but 100% Diatomateous earth and don't use food grade DE and definitley don't use any of those insect killing powders.
used one i bought 30 plus years ago i dont think they sell them anymore but ive since always said if you think youve seen clean water no you havent. youve never seen clean water until youve seen water filtered with diatomaceous earth.
It does quite the job for sure. Thanks for watching!
great video, I liked it, a hug👍86
Very kind of you!
Learned two new potentially useful materials today, crinoline and diatom powder. Also didn’t know that one of the nitrifying bacteria can be free swimming. Let me guess which one; it is the nitrosomona.
I'm so glad you found this useful! Nitrobacter is the flagellated one.
Cool info fishman 👌
So glad you like what I do here!
nice setup
Thanks Kris!
Healthy guppies , that what I saw at the first .
Thanks so much!