Diatomaceous earth pool filter

Scungili · 03/24/2010, 10:20 PM

Is this the same as a diatomaceous filter for Aquarium? If so, what would happen if I used one to filter instead of filter socks?

boxfishpooalot · 03/24/2010, 10:28 PM

When in doubt, dont do it. There may be metal parts. But it might be good, but thats risking. A vortec Diatom filter, is only around 90 dollars. Thats not a huge investment, considering most powerheads cost around that.

Scungili · 03/25/2010, 01:25 PM

Of course the metal parts would be something to look into. But regarding just the effect on filtering a large amount of aquarium water through a diatomaceous filter any thoughts?

username in use · 03/25/2010, 01:39 PM

It should work, there aren't normaly any metal parts in the filter that come in contact with water. The real issue is that they will build up all the stuff that would be caught by your socks, requiring you to backwash the filter out and recharge it with DE. They are useful for pools because you only need to recharge them maybe once or twice a year, but in a reef aquarium you would be doing it weekly and would not be cost effective.

SWINGRRRR · 03/25/2010, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scungili

But regarding just the effect on filtering a large amount of aquarium water through a diatomaceous filter any thoughts?

I wouldn't do it 24/7. I have a System 1 filter that I use from time to time during turkey basting and WC's. Its great for taking all the small particles out of the display water.

rbnice1 · 03/25/2010, 02:11 PM

Not to mention that DE is now considered a hazardous waste.

username in use · 03/25/2010, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbnice1

Not to mention that DE is now considered a hazardous waste.

Really? What about all the pools that backwash it right into the woods?

rbnice1 · 03/25/2010, 02:27 PM

Hope they dont ever get caught......

It went on the hazardous waste list a couple years ago. AB used to use it to filter proteins out of beer, but have started using other things, do to the cost involved of disposal.

Scungili · 03/27/2010, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbnice1

Hope they dont ever get caught......

It went on the hazardous waste list a couple years ago. AB used to use it to filter proteins out of beer, but have started using other things, do to the cost involved of disposal.

When dry can be inhaled and cause sever problems/death to air breathers (like humans).

The only cure is to pronounce the word that ails you...

Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pneumon...olcanoconiosis

Scungili · 03/27/2010, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by username in use

It should work, there aren't normaly any metal parts in the filter that come in contact with water. The real issue is that they will build up all the stuff that would be caught by your socks, requiring you to backwash the filter out and recharge it with DE. They are useful for pools because you only need to recharge them maybe once or twice a year, but in a reef aquarium you would be doing it weekly and would not be cost effective.

Good point, then should be with and after filter socks to avoid larger particles/food from clogging up filter.

Also I don't intend to run it 24/7.

Scungili · 03/27/2010, 08:01 AM

The smallest pool filter I can find is a 40sq/ft Hayward DE

http://www.amazon.com/Hayward-EC40AC.../dp/B000EVSUK2

I would like to find even smaller. Im looking for a pool filter because you can "bump" the fingers, and the DE would last much longer, but wait...

What about bacteria growth? I imagine this is why Aquarists don't use them. Only works in pools with use of Chlorine or some other chemical...

Any thoughts about bacterial growth?

username in use · 03/27/2010, 08:48 AM

The only issue with bumping the screens, is that some of the DE makes it through the filter and will wind up in the DT. I wouldnt want any of that in the tank due to its small size it would be very easy for a coral to ingest it, and we have no idea what that will do. If you dont intend to run it 24/7 you would be better off getting a cartridge filter that has the pleated fabric inserts to filter the water. No DE to make it back into the tank, but you still have the same issue as you would with the other in terms of Nitrates building up. You really are better off with filter socks in the long run, unless your dealing with a tank that is in the 10's of thousands of gallons and can afford to backwash all the time, even then I would opt for a sand filter before dealing with a DE or Cartridge.

Scungili · 03/27/2010, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by username in use

The only issue with bumping the screens, is that some of the DE makes it through the filter and will wind up in the DT. I wouldnt want any of that in the tank due to its small size it would be very easy for a coral to ingest it, and we have no idea what that will do. If you dont intend to run it 24/7 you would be better off getting a cartridge filter that has the pleated fabric inserts to filter the water. No DE to make it back into the tank, but you still have the same issue as you would with the other in terms of Nitrates building up. You really are better off with filter socks in the long run, unless your dealing with a tank that is in the 10's of thousands of gallons and can afford to backwash all the time, even then I would opt for a sand filter before dealing with a DE or Cartridge.

The problem with sand and cartridge is that you don't get it down to 1 micron like you do with DE. Bumping should not allow DE into DT because it only shakes the fingers that act as a barrier, but it shakes the DE back down where the pressure comes in. If you have a good 1 way check valve then the only way DE could enter into DT is if there is a tear in one of the fingers.

Wouldn't you agree? Am I missing something?

What about bacterial build up in DE? Would it be a problem, or just beneficial?

Scungili · 03/27/2010, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxfishpooalot

When in doubt, dont do it. There may be metal parts. But it might be good, but thats risking. A vortec Diatom filter, is only around 90 dollars. Thats not a huge investment, considering most powerheads cost around that.

The Vortec XL is of course designed for Aquarium use, however I feel ther is more of a risk of DE entering DT with this design of only a bag acting as a barrier, and even then needs to be properly coated prior to use. However, I've read a few people that have had good luck with them for a long time.

Scungili · 03/28/2010, 12:05 AM

Apparently the vortex xl was discontinued. wonder why???

I didn't trust the design, it looked cheap and likely to send DE in the DT.

http://www.diatomfilters.com/index1.html

Someone should make a good one, the filtration is unsurpassed.

03/24/2010, 10:20 PM	#1
Scungili Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: st petersburg Posts: 376	Diatomaceous earth pool filter Is this the same as a diatomaceous filter for Aquarium? If so, what would happen if I used one to filter instead of filter socks?

03/24/2010, 10:28 PM	#2
boxfishpooalot Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: canada, Grande Praire, Ab Posts: 5,824	When in doubt, dont do it. There may be metal parts. But it might be good, but thats risking. A vortec Diatom filter, is only around 90 dollars. Thats not a huge investment, considering most powerheads cost around that. __________________ Its a good idea to have a refrence sample for alk test kits. 1.1350 grams of baking soda in 1gallon of distilled water=10dkh. Check your alkalinity test kit! Algae is Mother Natures phosphate remover Current Tank Info: 220 galon mixed reef.

03/25/2010, 01:39 PM	#4
username in use Sciencing Daily Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 6,560	It should work, there aren't normaly any metal parts in the filter that come in contact with water. The real issue is that they will build up all the stuff that would be caught by your socks, requiring you to backwash the filter out and recharge it with DE. They are useful for pools because you only need to recharge them maybe once or twice a year, but in a reef aquarium you would be doing it weekly and would not be cost effective. __________________ Joshua "With fronds like these, who needs anemones?" - Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: multiple nano's sprinkled around the house

03/27/2010, 08:48 AM	#12
username in use Sciencing Daily Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 6,560	The only issue with bumping the screens, is that some of the DE makes it through the filter and will wind up in the DT. I wouldnt want any of that in the tank due to its small size it would be very easy for a coral to ingest it, and we have no idea what that will do. If you dont intend to run it 24/7 you would be better off getting a cartridge filter that has the pleated fabric inserts to filter the water. No DE to make it back into the tank, but you still have the same issue as you would with the other in terms of Nitrates building up. You really are better off with filter socks in the long run, unless your dealing with a tank that is in the 10's of thousands of gallons and can afford to backwash all the time, even then I would opt for a sand filter before dealing with a DE or Cartridge. __________________ Joshua "With fronds like these, who needs anemones?" - Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: multiple nano's sprinkled around the house

03/25/2010, 01:25 PM	#3
Scungili Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: st petersburg Posts: 376	Of course the metal parts would be something to look into. But regarding just the effect on filtering a large amount of aquarium water through a diatomaceous filter any thoughts?

03/25/2010, 02:11 PM	#6
rbnice1 Moved On Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cedar Hill Posts: 3,905	Not to mention that DE is now considered a hazardous waste.

03/25/2010, 02:27 PM	#8
rbnice1 Moved On Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cedar Hill Posts: 3,905	Hope they dont ever get caught...... It went on the hazardous waste list a couple years ago. AB used to use it to filter proteins out of beer, but have started using other things, do to the cost involved of disposal.

03/27/2010, 08:01 AM	#11
Scungili Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: st petersburg Posts: 376	The smallest pool filter I can find is a 40sq/ft Hayward DE http://www.amazon.com/Hayward-EC40AC.../dp/B000EVSUK2 I would like to find even smaller. Im looking for a pool filter because you can "bump" the fingers, and the DE would last much longer, but wait... What about bacteria growth? I imagine this is why Aquarists don't use them. Only works in pools with use of Chlorine or some other chemical... Any thoughts about bacterial growth?

03/28/2010, 12:05 AM	#15
Scungili Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: st petersburg Posts: 376	Apparently the vortex xl was discontinued. wonder why??? I didn't trust the design, it looked cheap and likely to send DE in the DT. http://www.diatomfilters.com/index1.html Someone should make a good one, the filtration is unsurpassed.