Diatom filters

[a/m]

do the magnum 350 deluxe work the same? if so are they any good?

I've had both, the Magnum 350 deluxe has nowhere near the filtering capability of the Vortex XL.

 

[KaiserSousay]

do the magnum 350 deluxe work the same? if so are they any good?

Two entirely different filtering systems.
Would be like comparing a bicycle and a motorcycle.

 

[jcardona1]

i recently bought the Vortex XL model, got it for about $110 shipped. i have it running 24/hrs a day. its a life saver. my tank has never been so crystal clear

Really???
I have never owned one, but have looked at them for quite awhile.
I was under the impression they were used for polishing only, not running 24/7.
That always struck me as odd, as swimming pools use DE filters running 8/7.
Just wonder if it is clogging that would stop it`s full time use??

yeah full time! the instructions even say it can be run continuously, but the problems is that it clogs quickly so you need to stay on top of it. when i first hooked it up it would clog in like 1-2 days. but now that its been running for a while and filtered a lot of stuff out, it can least up to a week w/o cleaning

 

[Mattyou]

I have used them for almost 20 years, Vortex XL is what i have and yes it can run 24/7 but I only use it to polish. They are almost bullet proof as well. my daughter knocked mine into a salt water tank about 9 years ago and ran to her room instead of telling me. It popped the breaker and by the time i got it out of the tank it had been in there for over 10 minutes. It still runs like it did the day i got it though, just add oil when and where ya need it and try not to take it apart to clean it, use the "back-flush and shake like hell" method or you will wear the bag out up near the top by the plastic fitting.

 

[jcardona1]

^ good point about cleaning. ive been opening it up just because its so much quicker lol. i get annoyed trying to shake the powder loose and get it all out

 

[Mattyou]

Take it outside and put the return tube into the end of your garden hose, shake the bugger as you back flush it until satisfied with the discharged water.

 

[Lepisosteus platyrhincus]

how much powder do they go through?