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Next: The seven second memory thingy....
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External
Since: Dec 04, 2003
Posts: 47
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(Msg. 1) Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2003 4:06 pm
Post subject: Vortex XL Diatom Filter Opinions
Archived from groups: rec>aquaria>freshwater>misc (more info?)
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Hi All,
I'm looking for opinions on the above filter. I'm thinking of getting
one for my tanks as apparently, my fish poop way too much! I've heard
decent things about this one and am curious if others have tried it.
(Or ones like it). I'd like to make an informed decision before I buy
anything.
Thanks,
Ben |
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External
Since: Dec 12, 2003
Posts: 17
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(Msg. 2) Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2003 9:59 pm
Post subject: Re: Vortex XL Diatom Filter Opinions [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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It is an excellent filter. The only possible drawbacks I can think of
relative to other diatoms are:
- It can be difficult get going the first time if you do not do some
research (google search on the newsgroups). I had no problem at all after
reading the do's and don'ts on the newsgroups.
- It requires a lot of diatom powder for each charge (3 cups). The Vortex
D-1 only requires 1 cup. This is also a good thing since this filter has
approximately 3 times the surface area of the D-1. It can go a lot longer
without clogging.
If you understand what you're buying, you can't go wrong with it. I bought
the Vortex recharge valve which makes it a lot easier to work with. I
highly recommend buying this with the filter, a must if you plan on using it
with multiple tanks. I don't see a need for the siphon starter option. I
have no problem getting the siphon going. Also, buy 5 or 10 lbs of diatom
powder with the filter. It only comes with 1 charge.
HTH,
Jim
"Ben" <odragon6.DeleteThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:brns4l$43bo$1@netnews.upenn.edu...
> Hi All,
>
> I'm looking for opinions on the above filter. I'm thinking of getting
> one for my tanks as apparently, my fish poop way too much! I've heard
> decent things about this one and am curious if others have tried it.
> (Or ones like it). I'd like to make an informed decision before I buy
> anything.
>
> Thanks,
> Ben
>
> |
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External
Since: Feb 19, 2006
Posts: 2334
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(Msg. 3) Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2003 10:21 pm
Post subject: Re: Vortex XL Diatom Filter Opinions [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"Ben" <odragon6.DeleteThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:brns4l$43bo$1@netnews.upenn.edu...
> Hi All,
>
> I'm looking for opinions on the above filter. I'm thinking of getting
> one for my tanks as apparently, my fish poop way too much! I've heard
> decent things about this one and am curious if others have tried it.
> (Or ones like it). I'd like to make an informed decision before I buy
> anything.
>
> Thanks,
> Ben
The Vortex Diatom filter has a reputation as being an excellent water
polisher (when used with diatomite media). Most of the people I know who
use one, do not use it as a permanent installed filter (maybe they want
to keep it as a spare to move from tank to tank ;~) I suspect the
pleated filter cartridge would fill too quickly if your problem was
excessive fish poop, but I have no hands-on experience.
NetMax >> Stay informed about: Vortex XL Diatom Filter Opinions |
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External
Since: Dec 04, 2003
Posts: 47
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(Msg. 4) Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2003 1:38 pm
Post subject: Re: Vortex XL Diatom Filter Opinions [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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james mitchell wrote:
> It is an excellent filter. The only possible drawbacks I can think of
> relative to other diatoms are:
>
> If you understand what you're buying, you can't go wrong with it. I bought
> the Vortex recharge valve which makes it a lot easier to work with. I
> highly recommend buying this with the filter, a must if you plan on using it
> with multiple tanks. I don't see a need for the siphon starter option. I
> have no problem getting the siphon going. Also, buy 5 or 10 lbs of diatom
> powder with the filter. It only comes with 1 charge.
Thanks for the info Jim. I'm actually thinking of changing it to the
vortex Diatom Freedom Filter. From what I understand, while it's
slightly less powerful, it comes with more of the features I would use.
As for buying diatom powder, I'm told you can use the diatom stuff
they use for pools which is a lot cheaper. Have you done this?
Thanks again,
-ben >> Stay informed about: Vortex XL Diatom Filter Opinions |
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External
Since: Dec 04, 2003
Posts: 47
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(Msg. 5) Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2003 1:40 pm
Post subject: Re: Vortex XL Diatom Filter Opinions [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Toni wrote:
Hi Toni,
> That said, the design is antiquated. It is difficult to prime (use the
> pitcher method illustrated in the instructions), difficult to move from tank
> to tank, and difficult to clean... especially when compared to newer, better
> designed filters.
If you don't like this (as in you think it's antiquated, etc), is there
one you'd prefer? I'm thinking the vortex Diatom Freedom Filter might
have a little more what I'm looking for.
> Do I have one? You bet.
> Would I replace it with another? Yep.
> They simply work really, really well- PIA or not.
Not sure what PIA means.
-Ben >> Stay informed about: Vortex XL Diatom Filter Opinions |
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External
Since: Jan 06, 2004
Posts: 24
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(Msg. 6) Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2003 3:11 pm
Post subject: Re: Vortex XL Diatom Filter Opinions [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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they're the best I've found for water polishing. I'd never use one as a full
time filter though.
I've had major problems with leakage on mine - its always had a slow leak,
not matter what I do. It doesn't actualy leak water out, it lets air trickle
in, so it loses its prime. The solution I came up with is to simply sit the
whole thing ina bucket of water with the water level above the top of teh
jar, but well below the motor housing....
Is it good? I think its the best. could the design be improved? You bet! a
couple of minor changes would make it alot easier to use, and a lot less
prone to leakage.
-_JD
"Ben" <odragon6 RemoveThis @hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:brns4l$43bo$1@netnews.upenn.edu...
> Hi All,
>
> I'm looking for opinions on the above filter. I'm thinking of getting
> one for my tanks as apparently, my fish poop way too much! I've heard
> decent things about this one and am curious if others have tried it.
> (Or ones like it). I'd like to make an informed decision before I buy
> anything.
>
> Thanks,
> Ben
>
> >> Stay informed about: Vortex XL Diatom Filter Opinions |
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External
Since: Dec 04, 2003
Posts: 47
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(Msg. 7) Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2003 3:11 pm
Post subject: Re: Vortex XL Diatom Filter Opinions [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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jduprie wrote:
Hi JD,
> they're the best I've found for water polishing. I'd never use one as a full
> time filter though.
Why would you never use one as a full time filter? (If it's the below,
I understand. Just curious if there's another reason).
Thanks,
-Ben >> Stay informed about: Vortex XL Diatom Filter Opinions |
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External
Since: Dec 11, 2003
Posts: 18
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(Msg. 8) Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2003 7:35 pm
Post subject: Re: Vortex XL Diatom Filter Opinions [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"Ben" <odragon6 RemoveThis @hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:brq839$603o$3@netnews.upenn.edu...
> jduprie wrote:
>
> Hi JD,
>
> > they're the best I've found for water polishing. I'd never use one as a
full
> > time filter though.
>
> Why would you never use one as a full time filter? (If it's the below,
> I understand. Just curious if there's another reason).
Because it filters so finely, it would clog on a very regular basis and you
would find yourself spending untold hours each week emptying and recharging
the filter. >> Stay informed about: Vortex XL Diatom Filter Opinions |
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External
Since: Jan 06, 2004
Posts: 24
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(Msg. 9) Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2003 9:27 pm
Post subject: Re: Vortex XL Diatom Filter Opinions [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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mostly I wouldn't use it full time because its overkill. There really isn't
any reason to run a diatom filter full time - its purpose is to remove the
ultra-tiny stuff - like maybe after an algea bloom, or if you're trying to
treat a disease, or to simply lear up cloudy water (I use it just before I
take photos....)
The leak problem is just more of an annoyance than a real problem. 'course,
if I was going to run it ful time, the leak would be a killer...
--JD
"Ben" <odragon6.RemoveThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:brq839$603o$3@netnews.upenn.edu...
> jduprie wrote:
>
> Hi JD,
>
> > they're the best I've found for water polishing. I'd never use one as a
full
> > time filter though.
>
> Why would you never use one as a full time filter? (If it's the below,
> I understand. Just curious if there's another reason).
>
> Thanks,
> -Ben
> >> Stay informed about: Vortex XL Diatom Filter Opinions |
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External
Since: Nov 29, 2003
Posts: 6
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(Msg. 10) Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2003 10:34 pm
Post subject: Re: Vortex XL Diatom Filter Opinions [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Appears the popular opinion has changed on the Diatom filter. When I first
posted about it, all replies were against it.
I ended up with a H.O.T. micron filter, which has been quite a pita, but
works "ok". Wish that I got these kinda reviews before i went for the
submissive filter.
Oh well, live and learn, maybe one day I'll get a diatom filter to try for
myself. All I want is a decent polisher.
"Ben" <odragon6.DeleteThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:brns4l$43bo$1@netnews.upenn.edu...
> Hi All,
>
> I'm looking for opinions on the above filter. I'm thinking of getting
> one for my tanks as apparently, my fish poop way too much! I've heard
> decent things about this one and am curious if others have tried it.
> (Or ones like it). I'd like to make an informed decision before I buy
> anything.
>
> Thanks,
> Ben
> >> Stay informed about: Vortex XL Diatom Filter Opinions |
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