the newer ones *can* run 24/7, but (as others have said), there really isn't
a reason to. Running it shouldn't make any difference to getting your new
tank cycled. It *might* help a tiny bit (by adding more surface for stuff to
colonize), but I think it wouldn't be significant.
A quick note on the XL: it will probably leak around the seal. A bunch of
people I've spoken to have this problem, and nobody seems ot have found a
good solution. If it does, the method people seem to prefer is to stick teh
whole thing ina bucket, and fill the bucket up with water. the water level
has to be above the top of the jar, but below the motor. If you just cover
the top of the lid, it works great. The unit still leaks, but all it really
does is cycle a little bit of the water int he bucket, so it doesn't matter.
The leak typically shows itself as a very slow drip, and/or a slow
accumulation of air inside the jar...
To keep from clouding the tank:
Get everything set up, and put the in and out tubes in a small bucket
(or large cup) inside the tank, filled with water, but witht he top of the
cup above the water level of the tank. Let the filter run in the cup, and
when the cup is clear, simply lower the cup into the tank. The filter is now
running in the tank, and there's no cloudiness.
If this is too much hassle (as it often is), simply let the water cloud
up. It doesn't hurt anything (except maybe decapods - see below), and the
filter will take all the stuff out anyway.
If you're keeping invertebrates, especially ones with shells (like crabs or
crawfish) thediatome powder may cause some problems. A common use for
diatome powder (outside of aquaria) is for insect control (ants, roaches,
etc). It accumulates in their joints and breathing tubes. In the joints, it
acts like an abrasive, and grinds them away. In the breathing tubes, it just
clogs them up and they suffocate. I don't know if this will also happen in
aquaria (I don't think the gills would be aproblem, but hte joints
might)......
Good luck
--JD
"Kev" <a3kgt DeleteThis @carolina.rr.com> wrote in message
news:nfzWa.317860$_w.12803758@twister.southeast.rr.com...
> Anyone?
> "Kevin E. Venable" <a3kgt DeleteThis @carolina.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:6EhWa.367488$jp.10396869@twister.southeast.rr.com...
> > I've just set up a new 220. With all the stuff I ordered, I also got a
> > Vortex XL filter to keep this tank looking it's best. I'm running 2 mag
> 350
> > pro's both set up last night...I added some stress zyme along with
Start
> > right..to help the cycling along...We've put in "Chubby" a huge goldfish
> > that has help broken in our last 2 tanks. If I was to go ahead and set
up
> > the Diatom, would it hinder the cycling process?? Thanks>>Kev
> >
> >
>
> >> Stay informed about: Diatom question... 
FAQ
Profile
Private Messages
Log in
