I cannot speak to all of your questions, because I use a different model.
But, you can use the filter powder more than once, as in, turn off the
filter when flow slows due to clogging, allow the mud to settle, and then
restart. I use it to go around to all of my tanks at the same time to clean
them all. YOU CANNOT, however, leave the water and powder in the filter and
reuse it later. Once, I left the filter hanging on my utility sink and
forgot about it for a couple of days. When I opened it to clean it out, it
nearly killed me. I have no words to describe how rotten and smelly it was.
Personally, I usually clean the tanks when I notice the water getting dirty,
and when I clean the filters or disturb the substrate. Normally, about
every other month. You can do it as often as you like, but always with a
fresh charge of powder and water....

"Bill Johnston" wrote in message
news:bHUnd.123895$HA.43191@attbi_s01...
I'm a relative newbie and just bought a used D1 Vortex filter. No
instructions. Using some instructions I found at
www.carolinagal.com/diatom.htm, I was able to clear out a nasty algae
bloom in approx 20 minutes. I love the results!
I was thinking of using the D1 to polish the water. We have a 20 gallon
tank (less than 7 fish). How often should this be done?
How do you clean (or backwash) the filter. Can the powder be used more
than once (if the D1 is only used occasionally)(left in the filter)? Is it
feasible to use a timer and run the filter for a short time each day?
Do you need to oil the motor?
Are the rubber bands useful/required?
Some type of device came with the filter that looks like it's used to
crimp the hose. What is this used for?

Thanks, Bill J.