sick of vortex diatom is there anyhting else

[Paul B]

I am on my fifth or sixth one and I could not have an old tank without one. I agree they are designed and built very bad. Horrible construction especially in salt water. They rust badly, after a while the seals leak and the bearings go. I use them all the time and I keep re building them. One is so re built it does not look like a Vortex Diatom at all anymore. Now they are far gone but I still have one that works. When I have time I will build an entire new unit that will last in salt water.
I need it for my set up

 

[ryangrieder]

I think it's finally time for the company to.....update?.? Unless they are out of business, because I know most people don't carry them in stock, they need to be changed or tuned up. I mean... How long ago did they come out? Has to be over 10 now

 

[Paul B]

How long ago did they come out? Has to be over 10 now

I had them in the 70s

 

[albano]

I had them in the 70s

+1...I bought mine, the day after Paul!

 

[ryangrieder]

does ANY current LFS even carry them? are they still even being made? or is it online only kinda deal now? i remember last time i saw one at a LFS was about 3 years ago at Absolutely

 

[Paul B]

I am not sure if they are made any more and the diatom powder is no longer sold in pet shops due to it's reported possable cause of cancer. You have to get it at a pool supply

 

[KathyC]

The company is still in business and the powder is still made.
http://www.diatomfilter.com/index.htm
I know the Petland Discounts near me sells both the filters & the powder.

The diatom powder that is made for pool filters (some people buy it because it is cheaper than the 'real' product that is packaged for the filters/aquariums) is supposedly NOT to be used in aquariums because it is not as purified as the product made for aquariums.

 

[Paul B]

Thanks Kathy. I can't find the powder any more because of the Cancer thing. I will go to PetLand

 

[CHEMCHEF]

Paul, Petland in Port washinton has the powder.
I have had one since 1977ish. Along with the old "three cane filter" LOL
Only one of those has caught fire.

 

[Paul B]

Where is the Pet Land in Port Washington? My boat is there so I am in the Port all the time

 

[CHEMCHEF]

It is in the shopping center on shore rd. I believe the one with the king kullen.

 

[Paul B]

OK I am going to my boat tonight so I will stop in.