Which Diatom filter is better, the Vortex XL for the SYSTEM 1

[95GalReef]

Which Diatom filter is better, the Vortex XL for the SYSTEM 1

[amcarrig]

I only have the Vortex so, although I can't give you a comparison, I can tell you that the Vortex is an awesome water polisher.

[Leopardshark]

I have the Vortex x-1, i gotta say that it works awesome, there are many filters i would never buy again, but i would buy a vortex again without a thought.
It is an excellent filter.

[gsanders]

Go with the Vortex or a Whisper Diatomagic. I have both of these and the System One Diatom Filter. The System One is overpriced and falls apart VERY easily. You can't get the jar to seal and it leaks profusely despite buying new jars, seals, and a refurbishing kit. The only redeeming faction of the System One is the filter core which the DE adheres to in order to filter the tank. The core is some sort of paper/polyester fabric and is better and tougher than the bags used for the Vortex or the Diatomagic. I took the core and modified it to fit my Vortex. The core will not let ANY DE back into the tank upon start up which the vortex bag can do unless you charge the bag using a separate pitcher for a few minutes.

The Whisper Diatomagic works every bit as good as the Vortex does but you don't have control over placement of the return water and the shower effect it produces can be obnoxious and loud. But, there are no hoses to worry about and when you remove the filter from the tank, you don't have to worry about leakage of the DE back into the tank. It is self sealing.

Both the Vortex and the Whisper are truly wonderful products. DE is a fabulous filter medium despite raising silicate levels - (although I have read if you run the filter for a day or so in clear water before using it on your tank - sorta like pre-rinsing the DE - the silicate levels will be much lower.) There is nothing that will clear the water under most circumstances any better than DE.

AND, the ONLY product I have ever seen that will clear a bacterial bloom (which DE won't) is a product is a product called "Filter Aid." It can't be used with DE because it will immediately clog up the pores, but it can be used with all other filters. This product will clear the water of anything. I don't know why it remains so obscure and hard to find. It is cheap and works wonderfully.

[gsanders]

Go with the Vortex or a Whisper Diatomagic. I have both of these and the System One Diatom Filter. The System One is overpriced and falls apart VERY easily. You can't get the jar to seal and it leaks profusely despite buying new jars, seals, and a refurbishing kit. The only redeeming faction of the System One is the filter core which the DE adheres to in order to filter the tank. The core is some sort of paper/polyester fabric and is better and tougher than the bags used for the Vortex or the Diatomagic. I took the core and modified it to fit my Vortex. The core will not let ANY DE back into the tank upon start up which the vortex bag can do unless you charge the bag using a separate pitcher for a few minutes.

The Whisper Diatomagic works every bit as good as the Vortex does but you don't have control over placement of the return water and the shower effect it produces can be obnoxious and loud. But, there are no hoses to worry about and when you remove the filter from the tank, you don't have to worry about leakage of the DE back into the tank. It is self sealing.

Both the Vortex and the Whisper are truly wonderful products. DE is a fabulous filter medium despite raising silicate levels - (although I have read if you run the filter for a day or so in clear water before using it on your tank - sorta like pre-rinsing the DE - the silicate levels will be much lower.) There is nothing that will clear the water under most circumstances any better than DE.

AND, the ONLY product I have ever seen that will clear a bacterial bloom (which DE won't) is a product is a product called "Filter Aid." It can't be used with DE because it will immediately clog up the pores, but it can be used with all other filters. This product will clear the water of anything. I don't know why it remains so obscure and hard to find. It is cheap and works wonderfully.