Home >> Science & Nature >> Animals & Science

How to Use a Vortex Diatom Filter

A Vortex diatom filter is used in aquarium tanks to keep the water in the tank clean. Even if tanks are cleaned and water changed regularly, the water still needs to be filtered properly to maintain healthy fish. The Vortex diatom filter uses diatomaceous earth to filter out bacteria from the water. Diatomaceous earth will act as a filtering medium without removing the good bacteria, which fish need for survival. The Vortex diatom can filter water at the rate of 300 gallons per hour. It must only be used for a limited period as using it for any longer can damage the motor.

Instructions

- 1
  Insert the filter bag into main casting and ensure the small hole in the round shaped insert is in line with the turbulence connector port. Push the filter bag insert into the cavity as far as possible.
- 2
  Cut the top of the diatom filter powder charge bag. Fill the bag with water up to the line marked on the side of the bag. Mix the powder and water together and pour into the filter jar.
- 3
  Fill the diatom filter jar half full of water. Secure the casting assembly to the jar using the rubber seal. Line up the pump assembly with the gasket on the lip of the jar and tighten the ring on the jar.
- 4
  Place both the intake hose and the exhaust hose in the tank. Turn the diatom filter upside down and start the motor for a few seconds until the intake hose has filled with water. Return the diatom filter to an upright position and turn the motor off.
- 5
  Clamp the exhaust hose when the jar and hoses are full of water. Turn on the motor again and leave the diatom filter to run for two minutes. Unclamp the exhaust hose and allow water to flow freely through the filter.
- 6
  Turn off the diatom filter after a maximum of three hours as letting it run for longer will damage it. Restart the filter by crimping the exhaust hose and leaving the filter to run for two minutes before removing the crimp and allowing water to flow again.

Animals & Science