Difference between diatom filter vs UV sterilizer?

[Miami Reef]

If the goal is crystal clear water where water looks invisible, is there a difference in a diatom filter vs a UV sterilizer in the outcome?

@ReefSquad @Randy Holmes-Farley @MnFish1 @Paul B

 

[MnFish1]

If the goal is crystal clear water where water looks invisible, is there a difference in a diatom filter vs a UV sterilizer?

@ReefSquad @Randy Holmes-Farley @MnFish1 @Paul B

I think so. Lets put it this way - just because a UV is running - does not mean that the water will be 'crystal clear' The UV will kill various things in the water - I suppose if you have a major algae bloom - the UV and diatom will obviously both 'help'.

Then there is the issue of 'clarity'. Organics as they build up - often cause the water to be slightly 'yellow'. IMHO neither of these will be big help with this issue - but I suppose the UV might affect things some.

A diatom filter IME - will clear cloudy water far more quickly than a UV. And if it weren't for the frequent need (depending on how cloudy the water is) - to change media - I would say a diatom filter will more reliably make the water look crystal clear...

 

[albano]

A diatom filter IME - will clear cloudy water far more quickly than a UV. And if it weren't for the frequent need (depending on how cloudy the water is) - to change media - I would say a diatom filter will more reliably make the water look crystal clear...

+1… but where can you get a decent diatom filter?

 

[Avengerx77]

Curious about this, I thought running activated carbon was one of the best way to go to "clear" the water.