Help with "Vortex Diatom Filter XL"

[JT.]

Hi from México everyone!

Ill try no explain the problem I have, with the best english I can!

I have always worked with filters such as powerheads and cascades, but now I borrowed a hole new Diatom Filter XL, like this one, http://www.diatomfilter.com/products/diatom_xl_filter.htm, but every two or three days I need to "recharge" it with diatom in order to mantain the high flow, if I only make the retrowash (I dont know if it is the correct word in english), it recovers the high flow for some hours and then it loses power considerably.


I already try to use a less quantity of diatom and combine it with carbon, also I turn it on a pair of hours and then turn it off. (By night I power it off completely because this aquarium is not at home).


This filter its runing on my 460Lts, in wich I have a bonsai flowerhorn, a king kong parrot and and a silver aro, so I dont think its really overstocked and I dont overfeed them.


What am I doing wrong?
am I missing something?



Sorry if this thread already exist, but I couldnt find anything similar.

THANKS

 

[tcarswell]

Well , the speed in which they clog depends on how much suspended mechanical debris is in the tank. One suggestion would be instead of backwashing or "retro washing" Instead dissasemble the filter and clean out the bag with lots of good water pressure and clean the jar up good. Then give it a 3 cup charge and see if it lasts longer. You could have quite a bit of debris or diatoms stuck to the bag especially in the folds.

Also after extensive use they can accumulate fish slime on the bag which requires either a new bag. Or check their website I believe you run it in a washing machine or something. Mine typically can run 8 hours on a single charge and have no significant reduction in flow. However I run mine twice a week for 8 hours and do 75% water changes one or two times a week.

 

[cjbarth]

Well , the speed in which they clog depends on how much suspended mechanical debris is in the tank. One suggestion would be instead of backwashing or "retro washing" Instead dissasemble the filter and clean out the bag with lots of good water pressure and clean the jar up good. Then give it a 3 cup charge and see if it lasts longer. You could have quite a bit of debris or diatoms stuck to the bag especially in the folds.

Also after extensive use they can accumulate fish slime on the bag which requires either a new bag. Or check their website I believe you run it in a washing machine or something. Mine typically can run 8 hours on a single charge and have no significant reduction in flow. However I run mine twice a week for 8 hours and do 75% water changes one or two times a week.

I have the freedom filter and it says for fish slime build up, use 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Soak the bag in that and rinse rell. Do not rub the bag to clean it, you will destroy the bag.

 

[tcarswell]

I have the freedom filter and it says for fish slime build up, use 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Soak the bag in that and rinse rell. Do not rub the bag to clean it, you will destroy the bag.

ahh I knew I was off. Thats why I had him look it up I should have checked it out for him. Thanks for clarifying that.

 

[bettaboy]

Lurking, but I have a diatom and your experience is usual. Even though it says they can be used for a long time, they are best used for "polishing" usually around water changes. As well, if not cleaned and left standing, bacteria can breed and when you use again cause problems (sudden shock in fish).

I finally got around wasting the powder by polishing several tanks the same day, then cleaning the bag out (removing it from the filter) and using hydrogen peroxide (non toxic) to clean the powder... (swirl with water, dump and repeat) letting it dry until I reuse it another day. Or if I get tired and wish to finish the tank cleaning the next day I run the filter water through a tub (higher) with hydrogen peroxide for a while to clean the bacteria and debris. (I once had the hose come undone on a large tank - placed up high and lucky I saw this before it drained the entire tank!!! (so I never leave the room for long, lol)

As well, if you have it on a long time (increasing water flow for fish) you can use a clamp part of the time so the fish won't get exhausted (if they do).

If you do use bleach (I don't) then neutralize it after with dechlorinator.

 

[JT.]

Lurking, but I have a diatom and your experience is usual. Even though it says they can be used for a long time, they are best used for "polishing" usually around water changes. As well, if not cleaned and left standing, bacteria can breed and when you use again cause problems (sudden shock in fish).

I finally got around wasting the powder by polishing several tanks the same day, then cleaning the bag out (removing it from the filter) and using hydrogen peroxide (non toxic) to clean the powder... (swirl with water, dump and repeat) letting it dry until I reuse it another day. Or if I get tired and wish to finish the tank cleaning the next day I run the filter water through a tub (higher) with hydrogen peroxide for a while to clean the bacteria and debris. (I once had the hose come undone on a large tank - placed up high and lucky I saw this before it drained the entire tank!!! (so I never leave the room for long, lol)

As well, if you have it on a long time (increasing water flow for fish) you can use a clamp part of the time so the fish won't get exhausted (if they do).

If you do use bleach (I don't) then neutralize it after with dechlorinator.

Jajajaja at least you saw it on time. I hate when you are cleaning the filter and a hose falls down, family hate my wet floors
and about the flush, fish are to big for getting exhausted just with that.


Thanks everyone.
Any other experience with this filters would be appreciated.

 

[Knowdafish]

Use until the flow greatly decreases, take apart, clean, recharge, repeat..........