Diatom Powder - 1 lb.

Diatomaceous Earth or DE is the only filter media that can filter out pathogens as small as one micron. This means it can even remove parasites such as ich.A Diatom is a fossilized micro organism from millions of years ago. These tiny fossils are pulverized into an extremely fine powder. When the powder attaches itself to the filter bag of a Vortex Diatom filter - or the Marineland Magnum it creates such a fine strain that an particulate matter down to one micron in size is removed.This is why water that has been filtered with DE looks so amazingly crystal clear and pristine.In fact, if you turn off your aeration it looks exactly like your fish are suspended in mid air. The water is that crystal.DE can remove algae blooms, murky water and hazy water from new tank syndrome - all in a few hours.There are only two filters that can be charged with DE - the Diatom by Vortex and The Magnum 350 line up by Marineland.With both filters it's important to note that neither provide bacterial filtration and should not be used on a regular or permanent basis.These filters work best when used as a part of your aquarium maintenance regime. Or when you simply want your tanks water to look perfectly clear.I've used a Diatom Filter for 35 years - they haven't changed since 1972. My complaint about them is that they're cumbersome and very difficult to set up and break down. If you're not mechanically inclined purchase the D-1 Model which is fine for tanks up too 55 gallons and a bit easier to manage. The XL can exceed that many times over but it's a bear to maintain.In fact, Since buying a Magnum which can convert from a standard mechanical canister filter to a water polisher by using the Micro Marineland polishing canisters - I've been so impressed at how effortless it is to set up and use - I've sent my trusty Diatom out to pasture.Note that the Micron Polishing Cartridge can filter out between 10-15 microns. Which for most folks will be just fine - the results are still beautiful. However, if you want that something extra - water that's so clear it's almost surreal, simply add a charge of DE. About a half cup and you'll get a level of water clarity you just won't believe.Plus set up and break down of the Magnum is pretty effortless. And a huge improvement over the time consuming headaches a Diatom filter will present. This is a great price for DE and it was delivered well packaged from this seller and with lightening speed. I just ordered 5 more pounds.5 Fins Up!

Love love love this product. To me this is the best way to clean your tank. It is simple and easy to use and the fish don't seem to mind it very much.even though I have a older vortex pump it still works like a charm. I was glad to find this product on your site. I have had a hard time finding it any where else.this is in my opinion the greatest product for me glad to see it can still be found.

Great stuff, been using it for years to clean out fish tanks. Even filters out ich. If that's how you spell it? LOL fish people will know

02/14/2010 I have used this product for 32 years. Works great! Vortex Diatom Filters, and the associated Diatom Powder (diatomaceous earth) are the best supplemental filter and material made for an aquarium. Polishes the water; removing suspended particles, parasites, and diseases as small as 1 micron (1- 1/1,000,000 of 1 meter). I would never be able to run my fish hatchery without it.Michael RiskoGeorgia Cichlid Project

I have been using a vortex diatom filter on my salt water tank for over 10 years. the filter and powder has to be a 80's design but if it is not broken...I still use these 1 a month on my tank to polish the water. worth every penny

Good product use a Fishtank

I purchased this product for my 75 gallon tank. It is meant for smaller tanks. The input and output are short and this pump ran for a half an hour and it didn't seem to do its job. I tried it again same result. You will have to replace the 8" tubes attached to the strainers with atleast 20 inch or more plastic tubing for this product to be effective. The instructions as well as the small illustrations were not much help.

Changing the water is stupid. It's messy and has made me sick in the past. But the problem with this stuff is it's a carcinogen - could be calc or something - a very fine powder. Just wear a mask!