Aquarium UV sterilizer vs. Diatom filter? Which do you recommend?
I am starting to look at getting either a diatom filter or a UV sterilizer for my 75 gallon freshwater aquarium. Why? Because i have had water clairity issues from day one (tank is 5 months old). Please dont respond and tell me what i could be doing wrong to correct my water. I have posted here for help previously and got some great advice, but still have cloudy water. I have exhausted every possiblility (keeping tank darkened, innumerable polishing pads, water clairifier, reduced food fed, water changes, increased tank temp, resident pleco, etc..) All water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrates/rites,alkalinity) are within normal limits. The tank is specically set up for discus fish (soft water at about 84 degrees F). So adding a bunch of chemicals is not an option. I am at my wits end here so all of you fish experts out there please tell me why you would recommend either a diatom filter or a UV sterilizer. I would love to get a diatom but its so expensive that i just i was wondering if a UV can provide me with the same results? I know very little about both options. If I can provide any more infor i’ll check back and add anything i may have forgotten.
Thank you all in advance for your help! 
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Kelly
Okay, so its not a tap water problem because i dont use tap water. I use strictly RO water. This also rules out any chlorine issue.
And to answer the other question brought up, as i described in my question i have used a water clairifier. A few different kinds actually. Nothing changed. I am currently using a Fluval 405 filter. I am not one bit impressed with… obviously.
Also, again ammonia isnt a problem. I test my water regularly and none of my parameters are abnormal.
BOTH
HEHE
I dont like either for your situtation, but a diatom filter would be much better than a UV sterilizer. UV is only going to kill living things, it is not going to remove things like ammonia ..So if ammonia is your problem then you would need a diatom filter. Have you checked your tap water?
Take your tap water to a good fish store, one that sells corals and or RODI water. They can test your water for Total dissolved solids. Also check it for chlorine/ or chloramines.
personally i will go for the diatom filter
A UV light is not going to help your water….its going to add to the problem….I would try a diatom if you must….but to tell you the truth i don’t think it going to do a thing….there is not an algae/ cyano bacteria problem…so temp and light are not your culprit….all i can say to you is to add to your filtration…this is very odd for a older tank….If its not your tap water which adding anther filter for Charcoal filtration would fix…
EDIT
What is OR stand for?
well there is something going on in the water and were trying to narrow it down…a UV…is not going to help this as i’m sure you will end up with bigger problems from it….as far as a diatom filter i think it is a waste of time….as if its chemical it will not do a thing….somthing in the tank is coloring the water and the more i hear the more i think it chemical not living….
you have discus….how many?….and how large?…
UV sterilizers are more trouble than they are worth, they are a major PITA, and won’t solve your problem. get a diatom filter to clean up your water.
Before you buy either a diatom filter or a UV sterilizer you will need to know what is making the water so cloudy.
Have you tried something that is made to remove the cloudiness such as “Accu-Clear” made by Tetra? it woks by making the particles clump together so they can be filtered out.
I have used the Accu-Clear once in 2 yrs for my 37G community tank when after about 6 months the water was still cloudy. I had to use two doses
As another stated, both are good to have. In the next few years, UV filters will be considered as necessary as HOB or canister filters are now.
However, I would first purchase the diatom. This filter is nothing short of great, I prefer the vortex diatoms. They honestly do clear the water VERY quickly until the fish appear to be swimming in air.
Later on, purchase the UV. EBAY is a great place to pick up cheap UV units.