For my tank, I have two powerstrips. One that is on a timer (for the light and the diatom filter) and one that is just plugged into the wall for the rest of the filters, heater, and powerheads. I was wondering if it was a good idea to run my diatom filter on the timer with the light. It is a Vortex XL with 300 gph flow in it. That isn't a lot of flow, but it is when added to the rest of the tanks flow from all of the other stuff running. Right now, my light comes on at 8 a.m. and goes off at 8 p.m. for a 12 hour night and day cycle. The diatom filter has only been running since 5 o'clock today, but my green water is already gone. This thing is really awesome! Ok, now back to the topic.
Is 12 hours a day too long for my diatom filter to run? Should I add another timer onto the powerstrip that cuts it down to 6 hours (8-2). The only reason I am saying this is because I have noticed that the pump does get hot and that it puts a lot of bubbles into the tank. I don't mind the bubbles, but they are so tiny (like skimmer bubbles) and it is very hard to see the fish when it is running. There are not a lot of bubbles, but enough to drive me off the wall.
The water is clearing up so I am not complaining. Should I have it run only for 6 hours a day when I am not home so I can come home and enjoy my fish knowing they are floating in crystal clear water, which will get messed up as soon as they get fed.
Is 12 hours a day too long for my diatom filter to run? Should I add another timer onto the powerstrip that cuts it down to 6 hours (8-2). The only reason I am saying this is because I have noticed that the pump does get hot and that it puts a lot of bubbles into the tank. I don't mind the bubbles, but they are so tiny (like skimmer bubbles) and it is very hard to see the fish when it is running. There are not a lot of bubbles, but enough to drive me off the wall.
The water is clearing up so I am not complaining. Should I have it run only for 6 hours a day when I am not home so I can come home and enjoy my fish knowing they are floating in crystal clear water, which will get messed up as soon as they get fed.
