Diatomaceous Earth

Barrett · Feb 16, 2019

Is this diatomaceous earth sage to use in a diatom filter?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Safer-B...VBDJpCh192QYWEAQYByABEgLzMPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Flippers4pups · Feb 16, 2019

I'm not sure about the silica. May be someone with better knowledge can respond.

rkpetersen · Feb 16, 2019

Diatomaceous earth is all silica because it's the shells of countless millions or billions of dead diatoms.
I would guess that this would be ok to use in a diatom filter.
It's an insecticide because the tiny diatoms irritate and dry out the insects, killing them; there is no added organic pesticide necessary.
My main concern would be about any unintended contaminants. For this reason I'd probably use diatomaceous earth from a pool supply place instead.
Although realistically it's probably all from the same sources anyway.

Barrett · Feb 16, 2019

I also ordered some food grade diatomaceous earth from amazon just in case this was the wrong stuff.

Flippers4pups · Feb 16, 2019

rkpetersen said:
Diatomaceous earth is all silica because it's the shells of countless millions or billions of dead diatoms.
I would guess that this would be ok to use in a diatom filter.
It's an insecticide because the tiny diatoms irritate and dry out the insects, killing them; there is no added organic pesticide necessary.
My main concern would be about any unintended contaminants. For this reason I'd probably use diatomaceous earth from a pool supply place instead.
Although realistically it's probably all from the same sources anyway.

Got that, I was questioning the purity. Should have clarified that, sorry. Used DE way back when with a micron filter in a canister filter on fresh water.

jhoop · Feb 16, 2019

If you are using in a Vortex filter it will not work. I ordered " Food Grade " from amazon. It will block all the flow from the vortex filter. I could not get it to work. Ordered some from vortex and it works fine.
Some where reading the internet found out that " only " the vortex stuff will work. Not sure about " pool supply " I was not sure about the diatom sold for bug killer. Food grade from amazon NO Way !

Barrett · Feb 16, 2019

I am using the marineland polishing filter

Thomashtom · Feb 16, 2019

No I have been using the DE powder from pool store for over a year in my diatom filter . Just make sure it’s 100% pure. Works good. Thanks

Barrett · Feb 17, 2019

Does anyone have a link to DE that will work, I am having trouble finding it. I have found pool filter stuff but in a 50 lb bag

Scottybgood · Feb 17, 2019

Barrett said:
Does anyone have a link to DE that will work, I am having trouble finding it. I have found pool filter stuff but in a 50 lb bag

https://www.futurepets.com/Pres/VOR00010.htm

This is what I use (there is a link down below for a 5lb box) I bought that along with my vortex and it works great!

jhoop · Feb 17, 2019

That is the same stuff I use in a vortex. Works well !

Big E · Feb 18, 2019

Slightly off topic--

I can't believe in almost 30 years the Vortex filter cannister is basically the same...........at least from the look of the pictures it seems that way.
Do they still have the small keys to seal against a glass jar? It was a pain to get a good seal.

You'd think by now they would have a good acrylic design similar to reactors in use now.
Also a water proof housing for the motor.

I had an XL and then moved on to using a Marineland Magnum with Vortex diatom earth. I still have some of the carbon..........that was good stuff but messy as well.

Scottybgood · Feb 18, 2019

Big E said:
Slightly off topic--

I can't believe in almost 30 years the Vortex filter cannister is basically the same...........at least from the look of the pictures it seems that way.
Do they still have the small keys to seal against a glass jar? It was a pain to get a good seal.

You'd think by now they would have a good acrylic design similar to reactors in use now.
Also a water proof housing for the motor.

I had an XL and then moved on to using a Marineland Magnum with Vortex diatom earth. I still have some of the carbon..........that was good stuff but messy as well.

I know, right?! I originally used one 30 yrs ago and it was a glass jar, and when I found the one on the link I provided above, it looked EXACTLY like it, except that the jar was plastic, still a PITA to get a seal and get it primed (though I am getting better at it), but STILL works like a champ and polishes the water like nothing I have ever used, so it's worth the pain for me. Actually I think the original manufacturer has discontinued making them, but there are a few places that still have them in stock.

Philipgonzales3 · Feb 19, 2019

Scottybgood said:
I know, right?! I originally used one 30 yrs ago and it was a glass jar, and when I found the one on the link I provided above, it looked EXACTLY like it, except that the jar was plastic, still a PITA to get a seal and get it primed (though I am getting better at it), but STILL works like a champ and polishes the water like nothing I have ever used, so it's worth the pain for me. Actually I think the original manufacturer has discontinued making them, but there are a few places that still have them in stock.

I've never heard of this before. Going to have to look it up. Seems interesting.

Philipgonzales3 · Feb 19, 2019

Just looked up a video on this. Cool, can't believe I hadn't heard of it.

Barrett · Feb 20, 2019

I ended up getting diatomaceous earth from a local pool store. The Marineland polishing filter is working great. Running over night has almost completely cleared the Dino’s in my tank.

beaslbob · Feb 20, 2019

I agree the vortex is a pain to use. I found I have to fill them over a sink and invert them over the sink in case I didn't get the seal correct.

Once I did that using a pitcher in tank the startup becomes easy.

And it is amazing how quickly the tank clears and for that matter how quickly the vortex get dirty. LOL

If I get back to it, I'm attempting to do some complicate thing with hoses and valves make the start up easier.

ingchr1 · Feb 15, 2020

I came across CelaPool and was wondering if it's ok to use. Asking since it comes in smaller 6lb bags. The SDS says it's flux-calcined. Not sure if that's a concern or not. The SDS is in the link.

CelaPool, a low dust diatomaceous earth filter aid / filter powder for swimming pool filtration | EP Minerals

Introducing CelaPool, a revolutionary new low dust diatomaceous earth filter aid / filter powder. Get the clean, clear pool you want with CelaPool, the better DE filter powder.

epminerals.com

Joekovar · Feb 15, 2020

Interesting topic.

I was under the impression that diatomaceous earth gets into the joints of insect exoskeletons and basically shreds them from the inside out. My kneejerk reaction to using it in a tank is wondering if it would irritate shrimps, crabs, etc.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Feb 16, 2020

ingchr1 said:
I came across CelaPool and was wondering if it's ok to use. Asking since it comes in smaller 6lb bags. The SDS says it's flux-calcined. Not sure if that's a concern or not. The SDS is in the link.

CelaPool, a low dust diatomaceous earth filter aid / filter powder for swimming pool filtration | EP Minerals

Introducing CelaPool, a revolutionary new low dust diatomaceous earth filter aid / filter powder. Get the clean, clear pool you want with CelaPool, the better DE filter powder.

epminerals.com