How I use my Diatom Filter

I use a Vortex Diatom Filter
I was real disappointed in the idea
there was no instructions with it and no advice
as if, folks just know how to use.....

	I work alone on my aquariums and I find the pinch clamp so helpful to hold things. It is like another set of hands Next
	Fill your jar with aquarium water a little over half way.. Then put the plastic tube and bag catcher inside jar and put motor on and push down, and screw down tight. Next
	Now slip on the in-take & out-take tubes. Now you are ready to walk the jar to the aquarium to set up. plug in and make sure it is OFF. Now
	Place the pitcher or what ever container you have that you can see through to the front side of the aquarium. Look Ma, No Hands :-)

	Put the in-take & out-take tubes into the pitch that is in the aquarium filled with aquarium water. make sure it is above water level so, no water from the pitcher can get into the tank. This will save you a huge mess.. Now the best way to start... Turn on and immediately pick up jar and hold in an upside down position 5 to 6 seconds... you will see and hear a rush on water flowing in the tubes slowly turn back up right and set down.. water should start to exchange... If it doesn't do it again. Also make sure the jar is lower than the tank. next
	Now the Diatom is working and exchanging the water... You now add your diatom powder. Mine calls for 3 cups. I put powder into the pitcher.. and wait for the powder to all be absorbed into the jar... This way if it hick-ups.. it throws nothing into my tank.. that is a nightmare to turn around and see your tank powder white :-( the pitcher prevents that from happening.
	wait for the powder to be absorbed into the jar... takes about 5 minutes or less
	After all the powder has been absorbed to the jar and it is all clean in pitcher you can remove the pitcher from the tank. Remember to unclamp and lower pitcher, do not disturb the tubes... If there is some lingering powder in the bottom of the pitcher I swirl a spoon around and it pulls it all up... Sit back and wait for you gorgeous tank...

Your jar will start to turn a yukie green as the diatom removes the agea from the tank.

I run mine about 3 hours if it is bad but usually that is plenty unless it is real bad..

But when you see a bright crystal clear water.. it will be ready..