CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

I'm looking to buy either a Magnum 350 cannister filter or a D-1 Vortex diatom filter, to just periodically "polish" the water. I have some questions about each that I'm sure someone on this board can answer. (The tanks it will be used on are a standard 55 gal., and a 65 gal. bow front):

Magnum 350: Can this filter be used as a full-time, primary filter? If so, can it be used this way with the micron cartridge installed? How long will this micron filter last before it needs to be replaced? If only used periodically, how difficult is the set up / break down?


D-1 Vortex: Big al's has this one rated @ 150 gph, for $68.99, or the "XL" version rated at 400 gph for $92.99. If only used to polish the water is the larger capacity needed? How long, or how many cleanings will the diatom powder be good for? How will you know when it is time to replace the powder? How difficult is the set up / break down?

Also, if you know of any other accessories (tubing, fittings, etc.) I will need to make these filters portable, and make set-up / breakdown easier, please tell me. I would rather order the whole package from Big al's, than get the filter and then have to go to the LFS for parts .

Thanks,
DonB

I would go with the magnum 350. I have the 350 and it is great. I have it permanently set-up on my 30 gallon long. It is the only filter on there. I use the mirco filter on it and I only need to break it down about every 2 weeks.
As on how long does the micron last all I can say is a very long time. Its not like the floss media that gets all filled up and clogged. To clean it all you have to do is wash it off, don't scrub it. Then put it in a bucket of 1/3 bleach,2/3 water. Leave it there over night and then pull it out and wash it off and let it dry. Then its as good as new. You have to have 2 of them so when you take one out you can just stick another in.
One problem with it is that its pretty hard to take a part. If you get the deluxe version that has the quick detachable valves, this wouldn't be a problem. Looking back now I wish I would have done this.
Also you don't have to run the micron all the time. I some time take it out and just run the floss media in there and it still cleans my water great. So I think you can do it either way.
Good luck.

I'll give a second vote for the Magnum 350 - with the quick disconnect setup.




Never used the "D-1 Vortex diatom filter" so I can't say anything about them.

Thanks for the replies guys. After doing some more research I'm now thinking about the H.O.T. Magnum. This is a portable version that is designed for simple polishing. It's rated at 250gph, and requires no tubing. It simply hangs on the tank (H.O.T. ), with both intake and output tubes connected directly to the canister. Marineland says it uses the same technology as the 350, and has the same micron filtering ability, only at 100gph less. Sounds like this filter is designed to do exactly what I want... move between multiple tanks, and periodically polish the water. Plus, another great feature is Big Al's has it for $39.99, with a filter sleeve, and the micron cartridge ! Has anyone used this model? Any pros / cons that will help me decide?
Thanks again,
DonB

UPDATE: I ordered the H.O.T. Magnum from Big Al's, and got it yesterday. I will be running it today, and will post how it works for anyone else considering this filter.

Another question: Does anyone use the Python No-Spill to clean / fill their tanks? When filling, how do you de-chlorinate the water if it flows directly in the tank? I'm on city water so its a must that I treat it. I currently use Stress Coat, and mix 5 gal. buckets during maintenance. The No-Spill seems like it would really make life easier, but I dont want to take a chance on hurting my fish!
Thanks,
DonB