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What Are Some Alternatives to a Diatom Filter?

Anyone with a tropical fish tank knows the importance of maintaining clean water. Water treatment typically requires the use of a filter, which traps sediment while allowing clean water to pass through. A diatom filter offers effective water filtration, but alternatives may also be used.

Definition
- A diatom filter refers to a mechanical filter that removes fine particles from water via the use of diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth, a type of soft sedimentary rock, consists of hollow, microscopically-small particles. In filtration applications, diatomaceous earth filters out particulates capable of passing through standard filter paper.
Micron Filter Socks
- Micron filter socks offer an alternative to the diatom filter. Micron filters trap sediment particles as small as a micron, or 1/1000th of a millimeter. Micron filter socks, a fabric micron filter consisting of an open end and a closed end, remove very fine particulates from water such as organic waste, dust and prevent larger objects from clogging filter pump motors.
HOT Magnum
- HOT (hang-on-tank) magnum filters also offer an alternative to diatom filters. As opposed to a sock, HOT magnum filters contain a foam sleeve, or high porosity prefilter to trap larger debris. A carbon filter then dissolves organic impurities. Any remaining, micron-sized particles filter through a pleated, micron cartridge which works in conjunction with an intake strainer.

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