Lora, I had one of those horrid Vortex filters years ago. It was the most annoying thing I have ever used. I can't tell you how many times it leaked the diatomaceous earth INTO MY TANK. Definitely NOT user friendly. After a few months, I ended up stomping on the darn thing, literally. It was constantly problematic and I've heard this from others also. I fought with Vortex for several months about that hunk of junk (sorry, Larry, I know you LOVE yours
). They would not refund my money, would not give a partial credit, did not give a dam* that their product was so horrid. Customer service? Vortex doesn't know the meaning of the words.
I got a H.O.T (Hang on Tank) Magnum that works fantastic (yeah, Larry, I know you hate Marineland, but...
) with its one micron cartridge to polish the water, and it can be used as a regular filter with media in it also. IMO, I'd skip the Vortex.
Connie