vortex diatom filter not working

AggieC · 08/06/2006, 11:47 AM

Hi. I bought a new Vortex Freedom Filter and followed all the directions. I am going insane for two days and still can't get it to work. It seems to work upside down. I see the water flowing that way though I don't feel any suction I do see outflow (with the powder going into my tank!) I have a bacteria bloom and have done water changes. All other water parameters are perfect. my tank is 85G, 6 T5, 2Tunz 6000 (set on low side with multicontroller.

Sorry for the long message. Need lots of help.

Aggie

kypatriot · 08/07/2006, 10:58 AM

I put both hoses in a pitcher to start mine. The output hose returns the powder into the pitcher, where it is sucked back up until it coats the filter bag. The instructions that come with it tell how to do this (says something like preferred method of shop-owners).

Once the water in the pitcher is clear, then submerge the pitcher into the tank, slide the hoses out (keeping them submerged), and let it run.

My diatom filter is incredible. I have eradicated ich multiple times from newly acquired fish and other people's systems. The water clarity after using it is unbelievable too.

goreefer · 08/07/2006, 11:03 AM

How are you priming your diatom filter?
I have used one for over 30 years, and they are the best for getting particulate matter out of your tank if used properly. I also use the "bucket" method that kypatriot describes. Is that how you start

AggieC · 08/08/2006, 10:46 AM

thanks for your replies.

I had no problem with getting the charging the filter the first time and used the bucket method you all used. I've been on the phone with Vortex now for two days, after trying to get this thing to work for four days now !@!#!@. Today I got it to work, but, guess what, the outflow is still dumping a little powder into the tank. They told me to take off the charge valve and connect the hose directly to the pump and keep the filter lower than the tank instead hooked on the side of the tank. So... now they say to take it apart to make sure the filter is seated correctly. Also, there is sand (?) flying on the bottom of the filter canister. Any ideas?

I've just about had it!

Aggie

kypatriot · 08/08/2006, 11:05 AM

Could the filter bag have a hole in it, allowing the powder to pass through?

I don't have a charge valve, and I've never hung mine on the side of the tank - just always set it on the floor or a stool or something next to it.

AggieC · 08/08/2006, 11:09 AM

possible. when I take it apart (again) I'll check for that along with seeing if it is seated correctly. I have the Freedom Filter. Do you have the D1 or XL which is meant to sit on the floor?.

kypatriot · 08/08/2006, 12:08 PM

Yeah, mine's the D1.

Don't give up on it yet. You've had a frustrating start with it, but I do think it is a very useful piece of equipment.

I seriously have had a 100% success rate eliminating ich with zero losses on newly acquired fish that came infested. And I like to use it periodically just to clean up the water more.

goreefer · 08/08/2006, 07:39 PM

My first one was a D1, but that was in 1975... My new one is a freedom. There is little difference between the two. Just the jar is larger on the D1's.
I would suspect that the filter bag is either seated incorrectly into the base of the pump or the bag has a hole in it.
I would take it apart and inspect it to rule\e out either situation. Also make sure that the tube that runs down inside of the jar is seated correctly.
If it is a new filter if both of those situations are in order I would suspect that Vortex will test it for you and remedy what ever the problem is. They are a honest company IMO.

AggieC · 08/08/2006, 10:27 PM

After checking the filter for holes, making sure it was seated properly, cleaning it out and charging it with fresh powder, I finally got the filter to work. (no applause yet please) I ran the filter for at least eight hours. I checked on it periodically and it looked like there was something blowing into the tank, which at first I thought might be powder but could also have been tiny air bubbles. I couldn't put my full tank light on. End result after eight to nine hours.. filter turned off, canopy and light back on, water is cloudy and full of particles. I'm stomping around the house cursing.

grrrrr.

Atomahawk · 08/09/2006, 03:10 AM

If I remeber correctly , theres a white plastic tube that go's over an adapter on the inside of the head. Idon't know if that has anything to do with your problem. Vortex units are is just another canister filter with a more powerful pump and a special filter that wont allow the diatom into the tank. If your getting powder in the tank the filter is poorly seated on the head or the bag has a hole in it. With all due respect, it's really not that hard to get those things to work if you understand how they prime and what needs to go were. A filter that is well closed shouldn't allow air in, but you may get a bit on start up.

kypatriot · 08/09/2006, 05:40 AM

Those things do blow tiny air bubbles into the tank with the return, even if all the air is expelled prior to starting the pump.

I think the pressure is sufficient to push gas out of suspension, as the bubbles increase as the filter runs longer.

The biggest problem I've had is the hoses trying to pop off from the filter. This happened once and really made a mess for me - the return hose popped off, so it was siphoning as the filter was pumping onto the floor and electrical outlet. I got a heck of a shock unplugging it!

goreefer · 08/09/2006, 02:18 PM

Are you sure that you got it put back togather correctly?

Is the down tube installed so the incoming water goes to the bottom of the jar?

Is the filter bag assembly lined up so the small notch is at the outgoing port on the pump? This lets any air the gets into the jar escape.

Is the filter bag assembly pushed into it's receptacle all of the way?

These are a fairly simple filter. If you have done all of the above you must have a faulty filter bag. Contact Vortex for a replacement. Their warranty IMHO is very reasonable.

By the way, I do not work for them, I have used one of their filters for over 30 years with out any problems.

AggieC · 08/09/2006, 05:47 PM

Yes, I have done all of the above. and it was definitely blowing powder not air bubbles. Vortex thinks I have a faulty filter bag and will replace it or I can send the whole unit back and they will check it out, fix it or send me a new one since its still under warranty. They are really helpful and have been very patient. If I return it, I may end up getting an XL since my tank is 85G, 48" and almost 25" deep.

For now, I'll just do more water changes and let my poor stressed tankmates rest. tx all

08/06/2006, 11:47 AM	#1
AggieC Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 18	vortex diatom filter not working Hi. I bought a new Vortex Freedom Filter and followed all the directions. I am going insane for two days and still can't get it to work. It seems to work upside down. I see the water flowing that way though I don't feel any suction I do see outflow (with the powder going into my tank!) I have a bacteria bloom and have done water changes. All other water parameters are perfect. my tank is 85G, 6 T5, 2Tunz 6000 (set on low side with multicontroller. Sorry for the long message. Need lots of help. Aggie

08/08/2006, 10:46 AM	#4
AggieC Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 18	vortex diatom filter not working thanks for your replies. I had no problem with getting the charging the filter the first time and used the bucket method you all used. I've been on the phone with Vortex now for two days, after trying to get this thing to work for four days now !@!#!@. Today I got it to work, but, guess what, the outflow is still dumping a little powder into the tank. They told me to take off the charge valve and connect the hose directly to the pump and keep the filter lower than the tank instead hooked on the side of the tank. So... now they say to take it apart to make sure the filter is seated correctly. Also, there is sand (?) flying on the bottom of the filter canister. Any ideas? I've just about had it! Aggie

08/07/2006, 10:58 AM	#2
kypatriot Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 425	I put both hoses in a pitcher to start mine. The output hose returns the powder into the pitcher, where it is sucked back up until it coats the filter bag. The instructions that come with it tell how to do this (says something like preferred method of shop-owners). Once the water in the pitcher is clear, then submerge the pitcher into the tank, slide the hoses out (keeping them submerged), and let it run. My diatom filter is incredible. I have eradicated ich multiple times from newly acquired fish and other people's systems. The water clarity after using it is unbelievable too.

08/07/2006, 11:03 AM	#3
goreefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 825	How are you priming your diatom filter? I have used one for over 30 years, and they are the best for getting particulate matter out of your tank if used properly. I also use the "bucket" method that kypatriot describes. Is that how you start

08/08/2006, 11:05 AM	#5
kypatriot Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 425	Could the filter bag have a hole in it, allowing the powder to pass through? I don't have a charge valve, and I've never hung mine on the side of the tank - just always set it on the floor or a stool or something next to it.

08/08/2006, 11:09 AM	#6
AggieC Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 18	possible. when I take it apart (again) I'll check for that along with seeing if it is seated correctly. I have the Freedom Filter. Do you have the D1 or XL which is meant to sit on the floor?.

08/08/2006, 12:08 PM	#7
kypatriot Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 425	Yeah, mine's the D1. Don't give up on it yet. You've had a frustrating start with it, but I do think it is a very useful piece of equipment. I seriously have had a 100% success rate eliminating ich with zero losses on newly acquired fish that came infested. And I like to use it periodically just to clean up the water more.

08/08/2006, 07:39 PM	#8
goreefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 825	My first one was a D1, but that was in 1975... My new one is a freedom. There is little difference between the two. Just the jar is larger on the D1's. I would suspect that the filter bag is either seated incorrectly into the base of the pump or the bag has a hole in it. I would take it apart and inspect it to rule\e out either situation. Also make sure that the tube that runs down inside of the jar is seated correctly. If it is a new filter if both of those situations are in order I would suspect that Vortex will test it for you and remedy what ever the problem is. They are a honest company IMO.

08/08/2006, 10:27 PM	#9
AggieC Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 18	After checking the filter for holes, making sure it was seated properly, cleaning it out and charging it with fresh powder, I finally got the filter to work. (no applause yet please) I ran the filter for at least eight hours. I checked on it periodically and it looked like there was something blowing into the tank, which at first I thought might be powder but could also have been tiny air bubbles. I couldn't put my full tank light on. End result after eight to nine hours.. filter turned off, canopy and light back on, water is cloudy and full of particles. I'm stomping around the house cursing. grrrrr.

08/09/2006, 03:10 AM	#10
Atomahawk Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 132	If I remeber correctly , theres a white plastic tube that go's over an adapter on the inside of the head. Idon't know if that has anything to do with your problem. Vortex units are is just another canister filter with a more powerful pump and a special filter that wont allow the diatom into the tank. If your getting powder in the tank the filter is poorly seated on the head or the bag has a hole in it. With all due respect, it's really not that hard to get those things to work if you understand how they prime and what needs to go were. A filter that is well closed shouldn't allow air in, but you may get a bit on start up.

08/09/2006, 05:40 AM	#11
kypatriot Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 425	Those things do blow tiny air bubbles into the tank with the return, even if all the air is expelled prior to starting the pump. I think the pressure is sufficient to push gas out of suspension, as the bubbles increase as the filter runs longer. The biggest problem I've had is the hoses trying to pop off from the filter. This happened once and really made a mess for me - the return hose popped off, so it was siphoning as the filter was pumping onto the floor and electrical outlet. I got a heck of a shock unplugging it!

08/09/2006, 02:18 PM	#12
goreefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 825	Are you sure that you got it put back togather correctly? Is the down tube installed so the incoming water goes to the bottom of the jar? Is the filter bag assembly lined up so the small notch is at the outgoing port on the pump? This lets any air the gets into the jar escape. Is the filter bag assembly pushed into it's receptacle all of the way? These are a fairly simple filter. If you have done all of the above you must have a faulty filter bag. Contact Vortex for a replacement. Their warranty IMHO is very reasonable. By the way, I do not work for them, I have used one of their filters for over 30 years with out any problems.

08/09/2006, 05:47 PM	#13
AggieC Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 18	Yes, I have done all of the above. and it was definitely blowing powder not air bubbles. Vortex thinks I have a faulty filter bag and will replace it or I can send the whole unit back and they will check it out, fix it or send me a new one since its still under warranty. They are really helpful and have been very patient. If I return it, I may end up getting an XL since my tank is 85G, 48" and almost 25" deep. For now, I'll just do more water changes and let my poor stressed tankmates rest. tx all