How many hrs of light per day?

[Dave@AquaFlora]

Anyone's opinions welcome: how long should lights be left on per day to
ensure that plants get their proper photoperiod?

THanks

[spiral_72]

In a word: Twelve

Actually I think opinions will vary from 10-14 hours, but 12 is a good
starting point. If you are running a whole lotta light... go for less
(maybe). Low light=longer (maybe).

[Richard Sexton]

In article <msWyf.117941$OU5.99899@clgrps13>,
Dave@AquaFlora > wrote:
>Anyone's opinions welcome: how long should lights be left on per day to
>ensure that plants get their proper photoperiod?

Within reason, they don't care. Ideally they get 12 hr on 12 hr off
but a fewe hours either way doesn't really matter. Lots of plants are
grown under 24 hr light.

--
Need Mercedes parts ? - http://parts.mbz.org
Richard Sexton | Mercedes stuff: http://mbz.org
1970 280SE, 72 280SE | Home page: http://rs79.vrx.net
633CSi 250SE/C 300SD | http://aquaria.net http://killi.net

[Gail Futoran]

"Dave@AquaFlora" > wrote in message
news:msWyf.117941$OU5.99899@clgrps13...
> Anyone's opinions welcome: how long should lights be left on per day to
> ensure that plants get their proper photoperiod?
>
> THanks

My tanks are low - moderate light plants and
I run the lights 12 hours daily, even in winter.
I suppose one could shorten the time in
winter. Maybe I'll try that. :)

Gail
near San Antonio TX where "winter"
is rather rare

[Koi-lo]

"Dave@AquaFlora" > wrote in message
news:msWyf.117941$OU5.99899@clgrps13...
> Anyone's opinions welcome: how long should lights be left on per day to
> ensure that plants get their proper photoperiod?
>
> THanks
=================
Mine are on 12 hours a day, give or take 15 to 30 minutes.
--

Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
NEW PAGE: Aquariums:
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy/Aquarium-Page4.html
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[Steve Michie]

"Koi-lo" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Dave@AquaFlora" > wrote in message
> news:msWyf.117941$OU5.99899@clgrps13...
>> Anyone's opinions welcome: how long should lights be left on per day to
>> ensure that plants get their proper photoperiod?
>>
>> THanks
> =================
> Mine are on 12 hours a day, give or take 15 to 30 minutes.


What size tank Koi ? how many watts of light ?

Thanx.

[Dick]

On Tue, 17 Jan 2006 00:00:18 GMT, "Dave@AquaFlora" >
wrote:

>Anyone's opinions welcome: how long should lights be left on per day to
>ensure that plants get their proper photoperiod?
>
>THanks
>

Mine are on timers: on 4am, off 1pm, on 3pm and off 8pm, 14 hours
total.

In nature the hours would vary by season and weather, so who can say?

dick

[Koi-lo]

"Steve Michie" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Koi-lo" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> "Dave@AquaFlora" > wrote in message
>> news:msWyf.117941$OU5.99899@clgrps13...
>>> Anyone's opinions welcome: how long should lights be left on per day to
>>> ensure that plants get their proper photoperiod?
>>>
>>> THanks
>> =================
>> Mine are on 12 hours a day, give or take 15 to 30 minutes.
>
>
> What size tank Koi ? how many watts of light ?
>
> Thanx.
=================================
All my tanks contain live plants. The 10's have those new screw-in
fluorescent bulbs = two 60w bulbs in each reflector.
The 5g has two 40s. The two 55's have those shop lights sitting right on
the rim with 2 40s each. I wish I could get stronger bulbs (like 80ws per
bulb) for these strip reflectors but haven't come across any locally. Since
I have plants in these tanks I change the bulbs yearly as they lose their
ummpt after a year.
--

Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
Aquariums: http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy/Aquarium-Page4.html
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
~~~ }<((((o> ~~~ }<{{{{o> ~~~ }<(((((o>

[Gill Passman]

Dave@AquaFlora wrote:
> Anyone's opinions welcome: how long should lights be left on per day to
> ensure that plants get their proper photoperiod?
>
> THanks
>
>
My lights are on for as long as I'm awake and watching the fish. So on
average this can be around 15 hours a day. I think I've read somewhere
that 12 is the optimum for plants and that any light over and above that
is a waste - unless of course you want to view the fish

Gill

[Larry]

On Tue, 17 Jan 2006 16:53:02 +0000, Gill Passman
> wrote:

>Dave@AquaFlora wrote:
>> Anyone's opinions welcome: how long should lights be left on per day to
>> ensure that plants get their proper photoperiod?
>>
>> THanks
>>
>>
>My lights are on for as long as I'm awake and watching the fish. So on
>average this can be around 15 hours a day. I think I've read somewhere
>that 12 is the optimum for plants and that any light over and above that
>is a waste - unless of course you want to view the fish
>
>Gill

I'm with you Gill and like to view my fish after dinner up to bedtime
so I adjust my timer - on at 7am, off at 10am on at 3pm, off at 11pm

[Steve Michie]

"Koi-lo" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Steve Michie" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> "Koi-lo" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>>
>>> "Dave@AquaFlora" > wrote in message
>>> news:msWyf.117941$OU5.99899@clgrps13...
>>>> Anyone's opinions welcome: how long should lights be left on per day to
>>>> ensure that plants get their proper photoperiod?
>>>>
>>>> THanks
>>> =================
>>> Mine are on 12 hours a day, give or take 15 to 30 minutes.
>>
>>
>> What size tank Koi ? how many watts of light ?
>>
>> Thanx.
> =================================
> All my tanks contain live plants. The 10's have those new screw-in
> fluorescent bulbs = two 60w bulbs in each reflector.
> The 5g has two 40s. The two 55's have those shop lights sitting right
> on the rim with 2 40s each. I wish I could get stronger bulbs (like 80ws
> per bulb) for these strip reflectors but haven't come across any locally.
> Since I have plants in these tanks I change the bulbs yearly as they lose
> their ummpt after a year.


ok sweet - if u had 120 W (3 bulbs) over ur 55g - my next question was gonna
be how u control the algae - hehe - i've got 120 W over my 55g and am
battling cloudy water (green algae) with lights on for only 8 hours per
day - cheers.

[Gill Passman]

Steve Michie wrote:
> "Koi-lo" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>"Steve Michie" > wrote in message
...
>>
>>>"Koi-lo" > wrote in message
...
>>>
>>>>"Dave@AquaFlora" > wrote in message
>>>>news:msWyf.117941$OU5.99899@clgrps13...
>>>>
>>>>>Anyone's opinions welcome: how long should lights be left on per day to
>>>>>ensure that plants get their proper photoperiod?
>>>>>
>>>>>THanks
>>>>
>>>>=================
>>>>Mine are on 12 hours a day, give or take 15 to 30 minutes.
>>>
>>>
>>>What size tank Koi ? how many watts of light ?
>>>
>>>Thanx.
>>
>>=================================
>>All my tanks contain live plants. The 10's have those new screw-in
>>fluorescent bulbs = two 60w bulbs in each reflector.
>>The 5g has two 40s. The two 55's have those shop lights sitting right
>>on the rim with 2 40s each. I wish I could get stronger bulbs (like 80ws
>>per bulb) for these strip reflectors but haven't come across any locally.
>>Since I have plants in these tanks I change the bulbs yearly as they lose
>>their ummpt after a year.
>
>
>
> ok sweet - if u had 120 W (3 bulbs) over ur 55g - my next question was gonna
> be how u control the algae - hehe - i've got 120 W over my 55g and am
> battling cloudy water (green algae) with lights on for only 8 hours per
> day - cheers.
>
>
I keep the lights on for 15 hours plus and although some tanks need
"scraping" twice a week I don't have a great algae problem anymore. IME
it has been a matter of hitting the right balance with plants and algae
eating fish...Oh, and a little bit of manual stuff in the first place
but very little nowadays...I feed the plants but don't use a CO2 unit...

Works for me but very much ymmv

Gill

[Koi-lo]

"Steve Michie" > wrote in message
...
>
> ok sweet - if u had 120 W (3 bulbs) over ur 55g - my next question was
> gonna be how u control the algae - hehe - i've got 120 W over my 55g and
> am battling cloudy water (green algae) with lights on for only 8 hours per
> day - cheers.
==============================
I've gotten rid of green water with nothing more than stepped up partial
water changes. The Vortex DE filter is excellent to remove floating algae.
--

Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
Aquariums: http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy/Aquarium-Page4.html
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
~~~ }<((((o> ~~~ }<{{{{o> ~~~ }<(((((o>

[Steve Michie]

"Koi-lo" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Steve Michie" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> ok sweet - if u had 120 W (3 bulbs) over ur 55g - my next question was
>> gonna be how u control the algae - hehe - i've got 120 W over my 55g and
>> am battling cloudy water (green algae) with lights on for only 8 hours
>> per day - cheers.
> ==============================
> I've gotten rid of green water with nothing more than stepped up partial
> water changes. The Vortex DE filter is excellent to remove floating
> algae.


yeah, I tried extra water changes, extra gravel vacuuming, weekly blackout
periods - without success - but after 1 week with the vortex diatom & a 2nd
charge of powder - a massive improvement - not 100% crystal clear yet - but
the plants are starting to flourish again - so another few weeks and the
micro floating algae (that the vortex cant trap) might just get outcompeted
by the plants - fingers crossed. I'm still dosing CO2 but have stopped
dosing iron & potassium.

Cheers.

[[email protected]]

Many plants close up after a peroid of about 7-10 hours, so they are
not needing any more obviously.

So I stick with 10-11hours.

The other benefit: less heat in the summer, less electric bills all
year, less bulb burn outs/changes etc.

Timers are rather simple devices and folks can use them to set the
times they are around their tanks.

Regards,
Tom Barr

www.BarrReport.com

[Dave@AquaFlora]

Thanks for the response...I've never really had a clear answer on that one!
I already have 10 hrs now, and no sense wasting light and giving more to
algae spores.

Dave

> wrote in message
oups.com...
> Many plants close up after a peroid of about 7-10 hours, so they are
> not needing any more obviously.
>
> So I stick with 10-11hours.
>
> The other benefit: less heat in the summer, less electric bills all
> year, less bulb burn outs/changes etc.
>
> Timers are rather simple devices and folks can use them to set the
> times they are around their tanks.
>
> Regards,
> Tom Barr
>
> www.BarrReport.com
>

[Koi-lo]

"Steve Michie" > wrote in message
...
>> yeah, I tried extra water changes, extra gravel vacuuming, weekly
>> blackout
> periods - without success - but after 1 week with the vortex diatom & a
> 2nd charge of powder - a massive improvement - not 100% crystal clear
> yet - but the plants are starting to flourish again - so another few weeks
> and the micro floating algae (that the vortex cant trap) might just get
> outcompeted by the plants - fingers crossed. I'm still dosing CO2 but have
> stopped dosing iron & potassium.
==================================
I suspect iron is the culprit in some of these algae blooms and problems.
Since I started using a product with iron I notice I have a lot more algae,
especially that black soot looking crud that grows on the glass and is now
starting to show up on the rocks on the bottom. There is takes on more of a
dirty red color. The tanks I haven't used iron in don't have this sooty
looking algae or diatoms. I don't know what this sooty looking stuff is.

DE earth is so cheap at Home Depot you can run your Vortex every day for an
hour or so until the problem is under control.
--

Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
Aquariums: http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy/Aquarium-Page4.html
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
~~~ }<((((o> ~~~ }<{{{{o> ~~~ }<(((((o>

[Steve Michie]

"Koi-lo" > wrote in message
...
> DE earth is so cheap at Home Depot you can run your Vortex every day for
> an hour or so until the problem is under control.

I've had my Vortex D-1 running for 24 hours a day since I got it ??? (1
week)
Maybe I would see much faster results if I had purchased the XL model ? (My
tank is 55g)

Cheers.

[Koi-lo]

"Steve Michie" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Koi-lo" > wrote in message
> ...
>> DE earth is so cheap at Home Depot you can run your Vortex every day for
>> an hour or so until the problem is under control.
===========
> I've had my Vortex D-1 running for 24 hours a day since I got it ??? (1
> week)

I was told when I bought the original one years ago (Fishtown USA) that this
filter is designed for water polishing and not as a continuous run filter.
As far as I know this is still true.

> Maybe I would see much faster results if I had purchased the XL model ?
> (My tank is 55g)

Not really. I have the smaller one and it clears my 55s in under 2 hours
when I do a gravel vac and water change. And having GF you can imagine the
"load" they make. You may need to add more powder. Or the bag may need
more than back-flushing. Take the bag out and clean it under running water.
Make sure you OIL the motor.
--

Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
Aquariums: http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy/Aquarium-Page4.html
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
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[Steve Michie]

"Koi-lo" > wrote in message
...

> I was told when I bought the original one years ago (Fishtown USA) that
> this filter is designed for water polishing and not as a continuous run
> filter. As far as I know this is still true.

Page 14 of the manual - Specifications :-

"When using the diatom as a treatment by continuous filtration, you should
take care not to 'overwork' or tire your fish by too much current over a
long period of time."

Surely there would be a warning about NOT using the filter for continuous
filtration rather than the above if it wasnt designed for it ???

Thoughts ??

I dont really wanna blow up my $500 investment - yep - damn expensive over
here in oz - hehe doh !!
Cheers.

[Daniel Morrow]

Bottom posted.
Steve Michie wrote:
> "Koi-lo" > wrote in message
> ...
>> DE earth is so cheap at Home Depot you can run your Vortex every
>> day for an hour or so until the problem is under control.
>
> I've had my Vortex D-1 running for 24 hours a day since I got it ???
> (1 week)
> Maybe I would see much faster results if I had purchased the XL model
> ? (My tank is 55g)
>
> Cheers.

You would get faster results. Good luck and later!

[Daniel Morrow]

Bottom posted.
Steve Michie wrote:
> "Koi-lo" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>> I was told when I bought the original one years ago (Fishtown USA)
>> that this filter is designed for water polishing and not as a
>> continuous run filter. As far as I know this is still true.
>
> Page 14 of the manual - Specifications :-
>
> "When using the diatom as a treatment by continuous filtration, you
> should take care not to 'overwork' or tire your fish by too much
> current over a long period of time."
>
> Surely there would be a warning about NOT using the filter for
> continuous filtration rather than the above if it wasnt designed for
> it ???
>
> Thoughts ??
>
> I dont really wanna blow up my $500 investment - yep - damn expensive
> over here in oz - hehe doh !!
> Cheers.

I do know that the vortex freedom filter is sold as a continuous duty
filter, and I have read that the other filters (xl, d1, and competitors
except for maybe the whisper diatomaceous earth filter called the
"diatomagic") are not designed to be used continuously, apparently for
multiple reasons. Just thought I'd throw that out there so you can make an
informed decision (i.e. returning the filter for another type like the
vortex freedom filter or for a refund for example). Good luck and later!

[[email protected]]

The techincal term for plants like Rotala wallichi, most Myriophyllum
species when they close up is termed: nyctinasty, say that 10 times
real fast.It's more often applied to flowers that close up at night.

Regards,
Tom Barr

www.BarrReport.com

[Koi-lo]

"Steve Michie" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Koi-lo" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>> I was told when I bought the original one years ago (Fishtown USA) that
>> this filter is designed for water polishing and not as a continuous run
>> filter. As far as I know this is still true.
>
> Page 14 of the manual - Specifications :-
>
> "When using the diatom as a treatment by continuous filtration, you should
> take care not to 'overwork' or tire your fish by too much current over a
> long period of time."

Thanks. I didn't know the info changed. :-)))

> Surely there would be a warning about NOT using the filter for continuous
> filtration rather than the above if it wasnt designed for it ???

I agree with you. I was going by what the man at FishTownUSA told us that
day. Since it's not a biological filter I really have no need for it to run
24/7/365 anyway. My water is usually crystal clear until I stir it up
gravel vaccing and doing water changes. Then I run the Vortex for an hour
or two.......

> Thoughts ??

I'm glad to know this but have no need for mine to run 24/7. Also, we find
the noise it makes a bit irritating. Our Aquaclears are darn near dead
silent and are both mechanical and biological filters. I only use the
Vortex for water polishing.

> I dont really wanna blow up my $500 investment - yep - damn expensive over
> here in oz - hehe doh !!

WHAT???? $500 bucks for a DE filter? Was that a typo? They're around $50
here in the USA depending where you buy them.
--

Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
Aquariums: http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy/Aquarium-Page4.html
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
~~~ }<((((o> ~~~ }<{{{{o> ~~~ }<(((((o>

[Koi-lo]

"Daniel Morrow" > wrote in message
...
> I do know that the vortex freedom filter is sold as a continuous duty
> filter, and I have read that the other filters (xl, d1, and competitors
> except for maybe the whisper diatomaceous earth filter called the
> "diatomagic") are not designed to be used continuously, apparently for
> multiple reasons. Just thought I'd throw that out there so you can make an
> informed decision (i.e. returning the filter for another type like the
> vortex freedom filter or for a refund for example). Good luck and later!
===========
I missed something. I didn't know he was talking about a DE filter other
than the Vortex xl or d1. I have an older d1. As far as I know it was not
designed for continuous use but can't find the pamphlet that came with it.
These filters clog so quickly since they filter such fine particles from the
water I can't see how you can run them continuously.
--

Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
Aquariums: http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy/Aquarium-Page4.html
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
~~~ }<((((o> ~~~ }<{{{{o> ~~~ }<(((((o>

[Steve Michie]

"Koi-lo" > wrote in message
...
>
> I agree with you. I was going by what the man at FishTownUSA told us that
> day.

yeah, the website that I bought mine off says the same thing - not designed
for continuous use, but rather for use as an intermittent polisher etc.

> Since it's not a biological filter I really have no need for it to run
> 24/7/365 anyway. My water is usually crystal clear until I stir it up
> gravel vaccing and doing water changes. Then I run the Vortex for an hour
> or two.......

I've got a bad feeling that if I stop running the vortex my green cloud
algae will return... Hmm...

Regarding the fast clogging of the DE - yep it certainly gets full of crap
and changes colour fairly quick, but the water flow doesnt diminish a hell
of alot ??

My first charge collected the most crud, and after 1 week the water flow
still *seemed* ok...
I backflushed, recharged with fresh powder, and made sure to check out the
flow as soon as I started it back up - flow was about the same as after
running for 1 week with 1st charge ???? Hmmm....... maybe the head of
water is too much - 3 foot ?? better check the manual....


> WHAT???? $500 bucks for a DE filter? Was that a typo? They're around
> $50 here in the USA depending where you buy them.

no typo my friend....
$450 for the D1
$550 for the XL
$200 for an Eheim 2213

How much for an Eheim over there ?????

Well, I shoulda got u to buy me a vortex & send it over - u woulda made a
great profit and I still woulda come out way ahead - even after postage &
duty etc. :-(

Cheers.

[Koi-lo]

"Steve Michie" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Koi-lo" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> I agree with you. I was going by what the man at FishTownUSA told us
>> that day.
>
> yeah, the website that I bought mine off says the same thing - not
> designed for continuous use, but rather for use as an intermittent
> polisher etc.

The other poster must have a different DE filter then. Not the XL or D1. I
didn't know any would run continuously due to their clogging so quickly in
any case. And they're useless as biological filters.

>> Since it's not a biological filter I really have no need for it to run
>> 24/7/365 anyway. My water is usually crystal clear until I stir it up
>> gravel vaccing and doing water changes. Then I run the Vortex for an
>> hour or two.......

> I've got a bad feeling that if I stop running the vortex my green cloud
> algae will return... Hmm...

You need to find the problem behind this algae. Something is FEEDING it.

> Regarding the fast clogging of the DE - yep it certainly gets full of crap
> and changes colour fairly quick, but the water flow doesnt diminish a hell
> of alot ??

Mine will when the surface of the powder is covered with crapola from the
water change. It'll do several tanks then I change the powder.

> My first charge collected the most crud, and after 1 week the water flow
> still *seemed* ok...
> I backflushed, recharged with fresh powder, and made sure to check out the
> flow as soon as I started it back up - flow was about the same as after
> running for 1 week with 1st charge ???? Hmmm....... maybe the head of
> water is too much - 3 foot ?? better check the manual....

That doesn't sound right. There may be a small hole in the bag, it's not
seated right, or not enough powder. Your tank should be CLEAR after no more
than a few hours at most. A good bag, well seated and with enough powder
will clog after several hours in a tank that's a real mess with green water
and other floating "stuff." By then the tank should have crystal clear
water.

>> WHAT???? $500 bucks for a DE filter? Was that a typo? They're around
>> $50 here in the USA depending where you buy them.
>
> no typo my friend....
> $450 for the D1
> $550 for the XL
> $200 for an Eheim 2213
>
> How much for an Eheim over there ?????

They run $200 to $250 here in the USA. Where are you located?
>
> Well, I shoulda got u to buy me a vortex & send it over - u woulda made a
> great profit and I still woulda come out way ahead - even after postage &
> duty etc. :-(

What country are you in?


--

Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
Aquariums: http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy/Aquarium-Page4.html
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
~~~ }<((((o> ~~~ }<{{{{o> ~~~ }<(((((o>

[KStringer]

Where can you find screw in 40 and 60 watt lights for really small
tanks like 2.5 or 5 gallon? I haven't found anything above 15 watts.

Thanks,
Kevin

[Koi-lo]

"KStringer" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Where can you find screw in 40 and 60 watt lights for really small
> tanks like 2.5 or 5 gallon? I haven't found anything above 15 watts.
========================
I just bought several packages at Wal*Mart. They carry the 40s and 60s if
you mean the "screw-in" fluorescent lights. If you don't want those, buy
the flame-shaped bulbs made for chandeliers. They'll fit in small
reflectors. They come in all watts at Wal*Mart, Lowe's, Home Depot,
K-Mart........
--

Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
Aquariums: http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy/Aquarium-Page4.html
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
~~~ }<((((o> ~~~ }<{{{{o> ~~~ }<(((((o>

[Steve Michie]

"Koi-lo" > wrote in message
...
>
> You need to find the problem behind this algae. Something is FEEDING it.

yeah, I think its an inablility of my plants to compete for the nutrients ?

> Mine will when the surface of the powder is covered with crapola from the
> water change. It'll do several tanks then I change the powder.

what do u do with the filter in-between tanks ??
if u store it dry - ur powder would be down the drain after u backflush it ?
if u store it wet - you'd grow stinky mulm ???

> That doesn't sound right. There may be a small hole in the bag,

If there was a hole in the bag - wouldnt i just recirculate DE powder when
charging ??

it's not
> seated right, or not enough powder.

I used 1.5 cups when doing my second charge - manual recommends at least 1
cup for the D1.

Your tank should be CLEAR after no more
> than a few hours at most.

when u say clear - do u mean when looking sideways thru the tank (4 foot of
water) crystal clear ?
mine looks pretty good from the front, but when looking thru 4 foot of water
from the side - its cloudy - i can see thru to the other end - but it aint
crystal clear by a long shot.

A good bag, well seated and with enough powder
> will clog after several hours in a tank that's a real mess with green
> water and other floating "stuff." By then the tank should have crystal
> clear water.

Are there types of algae that are less than 1 micron ?
The vortext is only rated to filter down to a micron or so...


>> $450 for the D1
>> $550 for the XL
>> $200 for an Eheim 2213
>>
>> How much for an Eheim over there ?????
> They run $200 to $250 here in the USA. Where are you located?

Im in Australia.
I got my Eheim Classic 2213 for under AU$200
The Vortex D1 cost me AU$450

go figure... must be volume of sales related.... ???
Cheers.

[Koi-lo]

"Steve Michie" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Koi-lo" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> You need to find the problem behind this algae. Something is FEEDING it.
>
> yeah, I think its an inablility of my plants to compete for the nutrients
> ?
>
>> Mine will when the surface of the powder is covered with crapola from the
>> water change. It'll do several tanks then I change the powder.
>
> what do u do with the filter in-between tanks ??

While it's doing tank #1 I'm doing a gravel vac and water change on tank #2,
then I move the Vortex to tank #2 while I start on tank #3..... until it's
time to quit for the day. I have a lot of tanks.

> if u store it dry - ur powder would be down the drain after u backflush it
> ?

I flush the powder and crud down the drain - yes. I just backflush it until
I'm finished for the day, then open it, rinse the bag and store it dry if I
wont be using it for a few weeks. Just back flushing can leave it smelling
nasty.

> if u store it wet - you'd grow stinky mulm ???

Yes. I've stopped storing it wet. When I'd turn it on after a few weeks
the smell was sickening, and that was after backflusing it with real hot
water.

>> That doesn't sound right. There may be a small hole in the bag,
>
> If there was a hole in the bag - wouldnt i just recirculate DE powder when
> charging ??

Not necessarily. That's how I learned about holes in the bag. The water
wasn't "polishing" and the thing would run a few hours. I finally took it
apart and really examined the bag - and found a small hole in a seam. I
restitched it by hand and was back in business. The second time this
happened the hole was near the top where the plastic neck joins the bag and
couldn't be repaired. The bag was just disintegrating. For some reason the
powder wasn't being recirculated like the solids in the water - or maybe it
was a mix of crud and powder. That was about 15 years ago........

> it's not
>> seated right, or not enough powder.
>
> I used 1.5 cups when doing my second charge - manual recommends at least 1
> cup for the D1.

HOLY MOLEY!!! I never used that much in my D1. All you need is a nice
coating on the bag. It looks like they're trying to sell more DE.

> Your tank should be CLEAR after no more
>> than a few hours at most.

> when u say clear - do u mean when looking sideways thru the tank (4 foot
> of water) crystal clear ?

YES! Crystal clear. And you can add some activated charcoal in the bottle
with the powder. It'll remove any yellowish coloration still in your water.
Toss it when finished. I haven't bothered with the charcoal in years.....

> mine looks pretty good from the front, but when looking thru 4 foot of
> water from the side - its cloudy - i can see thru to the other end - but
> it aint crystal clear by a long shot.

Then there's something wrong somewhere. Can it be the DE itself somehow
escaping the filter? It shouldn't be the least bit cloudy after 1 to 2
hours. Can you try using only 1/2 to 3/4s cup of DE next time? Check that
the bag has no open seams, no holes and plastic neck seats snugly in the
well. Your filter isn't doing it's job for some reason.

> A good bag, well seated and with enough powder
>> will clog after several hours in a tank that's a real mess with green
>> water and other floating "stuff." By then the tank should have crystal
>> clear water.

> Are there types of algae that are less than 1 micron ?
> The vortext is only rated to filter down to a micron or so...

I don't know how tiny algae can be but my DE filter removes EVERYTHING and
leave the water gin clear.

>>> $450 for the D1
>>> $550 for the XL
>>> $200 for an Eheim 2213
>>>
>>> How much for an Eheim over there ?????
>> They run $200 to $250 here in the USA. Where are you located?

> Im in Australia.
> I got my Eheim Classic 2213 for under AU$200
> The Vortex D1 cost me AU$450

I can't believe they cost that much there. That's outrageous.

> go figure... must be volume of sales related.... ???

I can't imagine..... shipping can't account for that much of a markup.
They're about $20 to $25 (USA) wholesale.

--
Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
Aquariums: http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy/Aquarium-Page4.html
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
~~~ }<((((o> ~~~ }<{{{{o> ~~~ }<(((((o>

[Koi-lo]

"Diorite" > wrote in message
...
> Check the wattage rating on your hood's electrical components and review
> your cooling before upgrading to higher powered lighting. Firelight is a
> poor way to grow anything.
============================
Excellent warning. I have 2 cheap hoods that are melted and deformed on top
from the heat of incandescent bulbs. They look horrid but still work. I'm
now using those much cooler screw-in fluorescent bulbs.
--

Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
Aquariums: http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy/Aquarium-Page4.html
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
~~~ }<((((o> ~~~ }<{{{{o> ~~~ }<(((((o>