Vortex DFF User Manual

9
GENERAL DIATOM FILTER MAINTENANCE
Oil your Diatom motor every three to four months of normal use with part P-30 lubricant.
When filter is not in use, clean thoroughly and store in a dry condition. (Otherwise entrapped particles will cause
bacteria, explosion, and offensive odor.)
The filter bag and plastic parts can be cleaned with a mild bleach solution of one part bleach to ten parts water, to
remove any slime deposits collected during use. Rinse with fresh water then allow the parts to completely dry before
storing your Diatom Freedom Filter.
Your filter bag should not be scrubbed or machine-washed, because it will destroy the polyester fabric woven layer that
restrains the Diatom powder.
To repair small cracks in plastic parts, use acetone as solvent glue-allow 12 hours to set.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM PROBLEM CORRECTION
1. Motor runs but does *Check for air trapped in
Not pump water………………………………………………………. housing, check for broken
impeller or bag insert not in
properly.
2. Filter powders continue *Bag insert not properly in
To come through into………………………………………………….. Place, check filter bag for
Aquarium. Holes or open seams.
3. Filter powders do not coat *Bag is plugged where
Evenly and water flow…………………………………………………. powders do not coat,
Is not good. Remove and clean or
Replace.
4. Intake hose collapses. *Check for plugged or
………………………………………………….. restricted slots in intake
strainer.
5. Algae growing in * Place filter in dark are or
Filter jar and on bag. …………………………………………………... cover with something to
Eliminate light.
6. Motor noisy and air *Check impeller for gravel or
Coming out exhaust ……………………………………………………. check intake hose and
Hose-flow good. Fitting for air leaks.
7. Water leak at exhaust *Check hose clamps and “U”
“U” tube. …………………………………………………….... Tube for casting lines.
8. Water hazy or *Probably a bacteria or
Smokey, filter ……………………………………………………. Amoeba form of life,
Flow is good but usually after new water
Aquarium will not is put into the aquarium,
Clear. And is too small for the
Filter to take out. Cond-
ition will correct itself in a few
Days.

Vortex DFF Specifications

Pump Specifications

pump capacity	400 gallons per hour at one-foot head
filtering capacity	300 to 350 gallons per hour starting flow
particle filtration size	larger than one micron