D.E. Filter (Vortex vs. Magnum)

[beviking]

Looking at getting a diatom filter for periodic cleaning. I had my mind set on the Vortex XL (yes, I have the link to set up and use ) but now I'm wondering if I should go with a Magnum 350. Do they even compare in D.E. filtering capability?
Tanks in advance for the input!

 

[raymb1234]

Vortex vs. Magnum

I have a Hot Magnum, 350 Magnum and a Vortex Diatom XL. The Magnums are good for polishing the water, but neither will clear up an algae bloom. The Vortex will clear up an algae bloom in a few hours plus get rid of free swimming parasites. The Magnums will filter down to 5 microns and the Vortex down to 1 micron. The Vortex won't cure the cause of an algae bloom but will keep your water crystal clear. Later, Ray

 

[beviking]

Thanks Ray!

 

[lewisjl481]

I have to disagree here, if you use D.E. powder with the Micron cartridge in the Magnum 350 then it does just as good of a job.

 

[Suzanne C]

Thanks, Ray! I have a Vortex XL and have been VERY pleased with having a total algae bloom clear from my 110 that sits in the SUNSHINE within a couple hours. Amazing!

BUT since the instruction manual is made for someone who has used the thing for 10 years already, I didn't know how often to clean it, so when I cleaned it this morning, I wanted to VOMIT! It STINKS BAD! Then, the cumbersome factor is also a bit discouraging.

BUT, this is only my first time, I'm going to get 25# of DE from the pool store and I now know how to clean the thing (NOT doing backflush but instead just taking the whole thing apart each time I use it) and seeing your experience with both, I will gladly keep the Vortex and not complain when I clean it.

It's going to get easier as I do it more and more....BUT I do know that this thing makes my water CRYSTAL!

Thanks again for the post that helped me!

Suzanne

 

[Madcrawdad]

I also own both the Magnum 350 and the Vortex XL... I think the Vortex polishes the water a little better, but the Magnum is much easier to use. Problem I've had with the Vortex is that the filter bags easily rip after only a couple of uses...I actually bought the Magnum when I got sick of replacing the Vortex filter bags. The hoses on my Vortex are pretty flimsy too. I bought my Vortex 5+ years ago, so they may have beefed up the hoses since then.