Diatom filter and tds

[lonlangione]

I wanted to get some opinions on whether using a diatom filter on aquarium water will reduce TDS in my water. I know they used to call diaton filters "water polishers" but I never really understood what that meant. What do you think.

Lonny

 

[toddnbecka]

Diatom media will filter out very small particles, even Ich in the free-swimming stage, but not bacteria or dissolved minerals. The aquaclear quickfilter inserts are actually just as effective for "polishing" water because they'll trap particles as small as the diatom powder will.
A reverse osmosis filter is probably the most cost-effective way to reduce TDS by diluting the tank water with r/o water. You can also use distilled water if you're working with a small tank for a relatively short time, but it would be more costly amd inconvenient long-term.