here's my procedure when i backwash the 20k Ultima II..

[dizzyfish]

Quote: Originally Posted by koiczar Moikoi You cerainly CAN turn the pump off between cycles. It won't hurt anything. I have just been able to do it quick enough (turn the handle) so I don't feel I need to. Mike

Actually it is harder on the pump to start and stop it than it is to just leave it running.(Providing your not putting much back pressure on the pump) It also takes more current (amps) to get a pump working than to keep it that way. Also it is better to turn off the pump with a switch than to unplug and plug it back in, which can cause arcing. Sometimes we use ocellating timers to switch power between two pumps on reef tanks, to create push/pull currents. This drastically shortens the life of the pumps. Technically it would probably be better to relieve pressure by opening the bottom drain a little and reclosing, when changing the position on the multiport valve. But if your going to turn the pump off, do it with a switch.
Mitch

[moikoi]

Quote: Originally Posted by koiczar Moi From what you have explained, this is my cautionary suggestion - FWIW Turn off the pump, remove the head and check the cleanliness of your media. I have a feeling you may, by now, have some clogging. Just reach your arm in there and stir it up but first make sure you take enough water out to lower the level below the standpipe - otherwise you'll get beads in it and THAT AIN'T GOOD. It can cause your check valve to block up and backwash will no longer work right until you clear it. These are little nuances I've learned over the years from the school of hard knocks. If it helps and works for you, Aqua has another happy(ier) camper!! Mike

okay Mike....
can you give me the step by step instructions in kindergarden language on removing the head because i've never done this before. i have a gate valve on the inlet side of the pump, do i need to close it ? when i open the drain plug,would'nt the filter be full of air? would there be a problem of restarting the filter? i know i will screw up somewhere.

Thanks

[moikoi]

Quote: Originally Posted by KoiCop When in doubt, follow the factory instructions (which I just happen to have posted): Do you turn your pump off when backflushing your filter. That's 3 backwash/rinse cycles and turning the pump off before rotating the handle. Don

the instruction manual on page 4 also say....never need to drain out the sludge. does that mean "i never need to open the bottom drain plug"?

[carolyn swanson]

Quote: Originally Posted by moikoi the instruction manual on page 4 also say....never need to drain out the sludge. does that mean "i never need to open the bottom drain plug"?

Have you thought about joining your local koi club? They have lots of people who can perhaps come out and give you a hand. And, they're full of opinions and are always willing to share them.

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by carolyn swanson Have you thought about joining your local koi club? They have lots of people who can perhaps come out and give you a hand. And, they're full of opinions and are always willing to share them.

Good suggestion Carolyn, I think moikoi would be better off if someone showed him the process first hand.

Moikoi, how about joining ZNA NorCal?

[carolyn swanson]

Quote: Originally Posted by Russell Peters Good suggestion Carolyn, I think moikoi would be better off if someone showed him the process first hand. Moikoi, how about joining ZNA NorCal?

Or Camellia. They're having a meeting on the last Sunday of the month.

[moikoi]

Quote: Originally Posted by Russell Peters Good suggestion Carolyn, I think moikoi would be better off if someone showed him the process first hand. Moikoi, how about joining ZNA NorCal?

okay Russ
i'll come by your store so you can show me.

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by moikoi okay Russ i'll come by your store so you can show me.

I would be happy to show you if you come by, I actually have 6 Ultima II filters running. Call first as I am only there on the weekends and this weekend I will be at the All Japan Koi Show.

[moikoi]

Quote: Originally Posted by Russell Peters I would be happy to show you if you come by, I actually have 6 Ultima II filters running. Call first as I am only there on the weekends and this weekend I will be art the All Japan Koi Show.

have fun !!