Diatom Powder With Micron Cartridge

[orlok]

Does anyone use diatom powder along with a micron cartridge in the same canister filter? I thought about using this method to really polish my water.

 

[beblondie]

I think you'll plug up the cartridge long before any polishing takes place-Anne

 

[buddah101]

Buy a WHISPER brand DIATOMAGIC diatom filter or a VORTEX D-1 diatom filter. Using the powder in anything else is a terrible strain on your filter and a waste of time. (IMO)

 

[DeLgAdO]

get a magnum or ocean clear filter. Gets the job done.

 

[orlok]

Thanks guys. 'Probly saved me from some damage to my gear. :22_yikes:

 

[Oddball]

And probably saved you some severe damage to your lungs. Diatom powder, when allowed to go airborn (as in using it in non-intended equipment), can deposit in the alvioli in your lungs and cause a type of silicosis with the same symptoms as emphysema. Once in your lungs, the diatom granules are trapped for good and continue to scar and disable parts of your lungs. The damage is non-recoverable.

 

[bluedempsey]

what exactly is diatom powder made of?

 

[Ken]

Diatom powder is mined from the earth. It comes from areas that used to be submerged by sea water millions of years ago. Diatoms are tiny plankton like organisms that have skeletons made of silica. As they die, the skeletons pile up over the years. The deposit is mined and ground into powder. Thus, producing the diatom powder used in filters.
By the way, the best diatom filter brand is Vortex.

Ken