diatom filter questions
 

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)?

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.