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View Full Version : Diatonaceous Earth - yes or no as a substrate?


TyGuy
10-28-2011, 05:07 PM
Can diatonaceous earth be used as a substrate in a discus tank? I was told pool filter sand and this is whats more readily available in my area. Thanks!
Melissa
10-28-2011, 05:32 PM
I'm pretty sure it wouldn't work very well, but I have never tried! From my experience diatomaceous earth is very powdery and I'm not sure it would stay settled on the bottom of the tank... But someone please correct me if I'm wrong! Again, I've never tried it...
YSS
10-28-2011, 05:36 PM
If it's same as what I use to polish water, then no.
Wes
10-28-2011, 05:40 PM
Use it in one of my pool filters. Your tank would look like a polar bear in a snow storm. A cloud, with any water movement it would never settle.
Chad Hughes
10-28-2011, 05:52 PM
That would also be a rather expensive substrate.

I vote no.
jimg
10-28-2011, 05:54 PM
100% no..... it will kill the fish too.
laborelch
10-28-2011, 05:59 PM
would not use it. Agree to all the above comments, plus it is used as insect repellent (dust in dog's coat or use in garden) - because it leaves microcuts on insects skins and when they eat it it shreds their intestines. I would wonder (worry) about what it does to fish gill's and when they ingest it with food.
Stag
10-28-2011, 06:40 PM
ROFL 100% no. I clean pool professionally when I was younger. Trying to use DE as substrate would have the same effect as dumping a bag of flour into your tank.
TyGuy
10-28-2011, 06:46 PM
Lol...i've heard of it being used in fish tank filters and with great luck...just wan't sure about a substrate. Thanks for the info, i really appreciate it guys...even though you're laughing at me. haha
jimg
10-28-2011, 07:22 PM
Lol...i've heard of it being used in fish tank filters and with great luck...just wan't sure about a substrate. Thanks for the info, i really appreciate it guys...even though you're laughing at me. haha

No I don't think anyone is laughing at you, I think more of what it would do! all questions are good questions
Melissa
10-28-2011, 07:44 PM
+1
Wes
10-28-2011, 07:50 PM
The fish will look like this
TyGuy
10-28-2011, 08:01 PM
LMFAO! I got ya I got ya...is there a SPECIFIC type of sand I should be looking for then?
Wes
10-28-2011, 09:40 PM
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?89720-sand-sand-sand
jimg
10-28-2011, 10:12 PM
LMFAO! I got ya I got ya...is there a SPECIFIC type of sand I should be looking for then?

I went to a local pool place and bought open bags that were like $4.00 each. I'm sure any play/pool sand is fine, but like you I worry about everything!
Melissa
10-28-2011, 10:18 PM
I buy my sand at home depot :) new unopened 50 lb bag of play sand for a few bucks and it looks nice too.