I only clean my diatom filter (vortex XL) when the flow gets restricted
(when it starts clogging up). I store it wet (full of water), and when I
need to use it, I just put the tubes in the tank, and turn it on. There's
usually enough water in the filter that it just starts itself up. I've not
had any problems with stuff growing inthe filter - the water in it usually
clouds up for a day or two after I use it, then it clears up slowly. I
figure anything thats blooming in there kills itself of pretty quick.... I
only use it on fairly large tanks - 125 gal and up, so I don't worry too
much about introducing a gallon or so of water that may have really high
levels of nitrates (or some such) if the filter has been sitting for a
while.

Diatom pwder is expensive, and a PITA to charge, so I figure why throw it
out when the filter is still working.....


-_JD




"james mitchell" wrote in message
.. .
I just ran my new Vortex XL diatom for the first time today. It works
fabulous. My 90 gallon went from cloudy to crystal clear in less than one
hour. I had a bloom of suspended green algae. It looked a lot like a
bacterial bloom (more white than green). The diatom filter bag became
green
after just a few minutes of operation.

Question:
Does the diatom powder need to be replaced each use? Any recommended
procedures to clean the filter bag after each use?

Thanks ahead.
Jim