Is it possible polyfil can cause a diatom outbreak?

[mell0w]

I started using polyfil from walmart (100% polyester) as a form of mechanical filtration and I didn't notice at the time but it seemed to coincide with diatom blooms I kept getting. I've since discontinued their use and I haven't seen any diatoms in a while. Which leads me to wonder if they were the culprit?

The problem is I have this empty space on my filter rack now and I'd like to use it but I don't want to cause more diatoms if it was indeed the culprit.

Anyone have any experience with this or know the exact chemical makeup of polyester and whether not silica is involved?

 

[Brien]

I've been using polyfil for over a year and have had no algae issues that can be traced to it. Try Vibrant.

 

[92Miata]

Polyester is really a family of plastics - not a specific plastic itself - so who knows. I've never seen one that has silica in its formula - but it could be contamination from the machines that process it, or anything else. Or it could have nothing to do with silica.

Some polyesters (like Polylactic Acid - PLA for 3d printers) are biodegradeable - and will break down in salt water. Again - who knows.


My suggestion is if you're seeing diatoms every time you use it - try a different brand.

 

[Dan_P]

I started using polyfil from walmart (100% polyester) as a form of mechanical filtration and I didn't notice at the time but it seemed to coincide with diatom blooms I kept getting. I've since discontinued their use and I haven't seen any diatoms in a while. Which leads me to wonder if they were the culprit?

The problem is I have this empty space on my filter rack now and I'd like to use it but I don't want to cause more diatoms if it was indeed the culprit.

Anyone have any experience with this or know the exact chemical makeup of polyester and whether not silica is involved?

Coincidence?

Put it back in and see if the diatoms come back.