diatom filter questions

[mark]

Used to run a foam block over the bulkhead in the sump for the return pump. Removed a while back and have noticed a little more particles suspended in the display.

Reading about diatom filters for a while but mostly seeing manufacturer type posts, wondering
-don't want to clutter display, can run off a sump
-run continuously, if not how long can they sit unused (then reused without cleaning/recharging)
-running BB and siphon out display every couple/three weeks during water changes, could a diatom filter be used between changes to siphon detritus and algae and flow water back to tank (would it strip Valonia daughter cells, would the detritus plug it up)?

[castaway]

Short and simple they plug up fast.
You will be cleaning it daily if not sooner.

[Pan]

Short and simple they plug up fast.
You will be cleaning it daily if not sooner.
If you have a lot of detritus they clog quickly, i used mine when i added sand, milky white water clean 4 hours later, well maybe 5 and the filter was plugged almost completely. Now that it has been cleaned and i added more powder and the water is mostly clear it has been running for about a day now no problems, not even close to plugging up. They are quite nice.