There are a couple of long running threads on Oxydator's their use benefits where to place and maintenance of which there is little required.It's my understanding that the Vortex Diatom Filter is not really suitable for continuous use. I saw @robert say that he uses a "slightly modified Hayward EC40 Perflex Extended-Cycle D.E. Pool Filter." Perhaps he can elaborate on that modification. I use small Marineland Polishing filters (with DE) for water clarity purposes, and every couple of days I have to clean & recharge them. Only takes 10 minutes or so (per filter), but it is one more thing I have to do manually. So, I'm wondering how much maintenance is required to maintain a large D.E. Pool Filter? Can I ever go on vacation again if I'm counting on it to continuously siphon free swimming parasites out of the water??
I understand the concept of using a Diatom Filter and/or UV sterilizer for dilution purposes. I get that fish have an immune system, and there are several techniques you can use to make it more robust. And this article talks about using H2O2 to treat velvet (oxydators utilize H2O2): http://www.academia.edu/23793309/Th...n_the_Pacific_Threadfin_Polydactylus_sexfilis
However, several questions remain inside my head:
- Just how practical is it for a novice hobbyist to adopt these practices? Because the oxydator/diatom filter really needs to be in place before any fish are added; installed as part of the initial build would be ideal.
- What benefit does a diatom filter provide for fish afflicted by a parasite or worm with a direct life cycle? Or a bacterial disease? Any pathogen which lives, feeds and reproduces directly on the fish (no encysted stage)...
- How much maintenance is required to maintain these tools? Do you need to keep a backup on hand in case it ever breaks? What happens if you turn it off for a few days or even 1-2 weeks to go on vacation?
- Do I just install an oxydator and/or diatom filter, and that's it?? I can then start dropping fish right into my DT without ever having to QT? Are there any missing pieces to the puzzle that we need to know about? Other techniques you all are using that will increase the chances of never seeing a disease on any fish??
I describe the use of Oxydators as putting an oxygen mask on the fish which I find very beneficial esp during the initial settling in period.