Whisper Diatomagic filter

[Dick Sharp]

hello all. I have a Whisper Diatomagic filter and instead of using the
packaged filter powder I am using bulk media (much cheaper) My
question is how much to use? I have ben using two heaping tablespoons
full with good success.
Thanks
Dick

[Richard Sexton]

In article >,
Dick Sharp > wrote:
>hello all. I have a Whisper Diatomagic filter and instead of using the
>packaged filter powder I am using bulk media (much cheaper) My
>question is how much to use? I have ben using two heaping tablespoons
>full with good success.

I use swimming pool diatom powder too and have for yeras, uh, decades. Works
fine. Can't beat the price.

--
Need Mercedes parts ? - http://parts.mbz.org
Richard Sexton | Mercedes stuff: http://mbz.org
1970 280SE, 72 280SE | Home page: http://rs79.vrx.net
633CSi 250SE/C 300SD | http://aquaria.net http://killi.net

[Koi-lo]

"Richard Sexton" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> Dick Sharp > wrote:
>>hello all. I have a Whisper Diatomagic filter and instead of using the
>>packaged filter powder I am using bulk media (much cheaper) My
>>question is how much to use? I have ben using two heaping tablespoons
>>full with good success.
>
> I use swimming pool diatom powder too and have for yeras, uh, decades.
> Works
> fine. Can't beat the price.
============================
You can also use the gravel and rock from Home Depot or Lowe's in tanks.
It's a fraction of the rip-off prices the pet/aquarium stores charge. They
have a beautiful small brown pea gravel I love and it's only around $2.99
for a 50lb sack. I love the "river rocks" and "egg rocks" they also sell.
Mixed with the gravel it gives the tanks a very natural look. Check them
out the next time you're at one of these stores.
--
Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
Aquariums: http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy/Aquarium-Page4.html
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
~~~ }<((((o> ~~~ }<{{{{o> ~~~ }<(((((o>

[NetMax]

"Koi-lo" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Richard Sexton" > wrote in message
> ...
>> In article >,
>> Dick Sharp > wrote:
>>>hello all. I have a Whisper Diatomagic filter and instead of using the
>>>packaged filter powder I am using bulk media (much cheaper) My
>>>question is how much to use? I have ben using two heaping tablespoons
>>>full with good success.
>>
>> I use swimming pool diatom powder too and have for yeras, uh, decades.
>> Works
>> fine. Can't beat the price.
> ============================
> You can also use the gravel and rock from Home Depot or Lowe's in
> tanks. It's a fraction of the rip-off prices the pet/aquarium stores
> charge. They have a beautiful small brown pea gravel I love and it's
> only around $2.99 for a 50lb sack. I love the "river rocks" and "egg
> rocks" they also sell. Mixed with the gravel it gives the tanks a very
> natural look. Check them out the next time you're at one of these
> stores.
> --
> Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...


But not for a filter ;~)
--
www.NetMax.tk

[Koi-lo]

"NetMax" > wrote in message
. ..
> "Koi-lo" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> "Richard Sexton" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> In article >,
>>> Dick Sharp > wrote:
>>>>hello all. I have a Whisper Diatomagic filter and instead of using the
>>>>packaged filter powder I am using bulk media (much cheaper) My
>>>>question is how much to use? I have ben using two heaping tablespoons
>>>>full with good success.
>>>
>>> I use swimming pool diatom powder too and have for yeras, uh, decades.
>>> Works
>>> fine. Can't beat the price.
>> ============================
>> You can also use the gravel and rock from Home Depot or Lowe's in tanks.
>> It's a fraction of the rip-off prices the pet/aquarium stores charge.
>> They have a beautiful small brown pea gravel I love and it's only around
>> $2.99 for a 50lb sack. I love the "river rocks" and "egg rocks" they
>> also sell. Mixed with the gravel it gives the tanks a very natural look.
>> Check them out the next time you're at one of these stores.
>> --
>> Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
>
>
> But not for a filter ;~)
==========================
For the filter you buy their lavarock for a fraction of the price the
Aquarium stores charge. ;-) I use it in my Aquaclears on top of the
sponges. Wonderful stuff to "seed" new tanks with.
--

Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
Aquariums: http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy/Aquarium-Page4.html
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
~~~ }<((((o> ~~~ }<{{{{o> ~~~ }<(((((o>

[NetMax]

"Koi-lo" > wrote in message
...
>
> "NetMax" > wrote in message
> . ..
>> "Koi-lo" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>>
>>> "Richard Sexton" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> In article >,
>>>> Dick Sharp > wrote:
>>>>>hello all. I have a Whisper Diatomagic filter and instead of using
>>>>>the
>>>>>packaged filter powder I am using bulk media (much cheaper) My
>>>>>question is how much to use? I have ben using two heaping
>>>>>tablespoons
>>>>>full with good success.
>>>>
>>>> I use swimming pool diatom powder too and have for yeras, uh,
>>>> decades. Works
>>>> fine. Can't beat the price.
>>> ============================
>>> You can also use the gravel and rock from Home Depot or Lowe's in
>>> tanks. It's a fraction of the rip-off prices the pet/aquarium stores
>>> charge. They have a beautiful small brown pea gravel I love and it's
>>> only around $2.99 for a 50lb sack. I love the "river rocks" and "egg
>>> rocks" they also sell. Mixed with the gravel it gives the tanks a
>>> very natural look. Check them out the next time you're at one of
>>> these stores.
>>> --
>>> Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
>>
>>
>> But not for a filter ;~)
> ==========================
> For the filter you buy their lavarock for a fraction of the price the
> Aquarium stores charge. ;-) I use it in my Aquaclears on top of the
> sponges. Wonderful stuff to "seed" new tanks with.

The diatomaceous earth packets being replaced by diatom powder (ie: from
pool supplier, good idea) is a water polisher, and not comparable in
function to lavarock, pea gravel or river rocks. .. unless I'm
misunderstanding the post you are discussing something quite different,
and I'm sure you know what diatom powder is used for.
cheers
--
www.NetMax.tk

>
> Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
> Aquariums since 1952
> My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
> Aquariums: http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy/Aquarium-Page4.html
> http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
> ~~~ }<((((o> ~~~ }<{{{{o> ~~~ }<(((((o>

[Elaine T]

NetMax wrote:
> "Koi-lo" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>"NetMax" > wrote in message
. ..
>>
>>>"Koi-lo" > wrote in message
...
>>>
>>>>"Richard Sexton" > wrote in message
...
>>>>
>>>>>In article >,
>>>>>Dick Sharp > wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>>hello all. I have a Whisper Diatomagic filter and instead of using
>>>>>>the
>>>>>>packaged filter powder I am using bulk media (much cheaper) My
>>>>>>question is how much to use? I have ben using two heaping
>>>>>>tablespoons
>>>>>>full with good success.
>>>>>
>>>>>I use swimming pool diatom powder too and have for yeras, uh,
>>>>>decades. Works
>>>>>fine. Can't beat the price.
>>>>
>>>>============================
>>>>You can also use the gravel and rock from Home Depot or Lowe's in
>>>>tanks. It's a fraction of the rip-off prices the pet/aquarium stores
>>>>charge. They have a beautiful small brown pea gravel I love and it's
>>>>only around $2.99 for a 50lb sack. I love the "river rocks" and "egg
>>>>rocks" they also sell. Mixed with the gravel it gives the tanks a
>>>>very natural look. Check them out the next time you're at one of
>>>>these stores.
>>>>--
>>>>Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
>>>
>>>
>>>But not for a filter ;~)
>>
>>==========================
>>For the filter you buy their lavarock for a fraction of the price the
>>Aquarium stores charge. ;-) I use it in my Aquaclears on top of the
>>sponges. Wonderful stuff to "seed" new tanks with.
>
>
> The diatomaceous earth packets being replaced by diatom powder (ie: from
> pool supplier, good idea) is a water polisher, and not comparable in
> function to lavarock, pea gravel or river rocks. .. unless I'm
> misunderstanding the post you are discussing something quite different,
> and I'm sure you know what diatom powder is used for.
> cheers

I think Koi-lo is reminding us that there's more than DE that is
fish-safe and can be purchased cheap at the hardware store. I like the
idea of putting cheap chunks of lava rock in Aquaclears! I've also
painted $10 shop lights with Rustoleum and used them over 55 gallon
tanks with great success.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[Steve]

Elaine T wrote:

>
> I think Koi-lo is reminding us that there's more than DE that is
> fish-safe and can be purchased cheap at the hardware store. I like the
> idea of putting cheap chunks of lava rock in Aquaclears! I've also
> painted $10 shop lights with Rustoleum and used them over 55 gallon
> tanks with great success.
>

It's economical and fun to use materials from various stores, home-made
items and items direct from nature. I've used:
- shoplights in home-made wooden canopy
- home-made wooden aquarium stand: it's cheap and exactly the right height
- slate I collected from outcrop
- granite cobbles and pieces of limestone found out and about
- sand, gravel and soil from outside, and also peat moss from garden centre
- CaCO3 "usp" powder from the drug store
- Potassium nitrate, sulphate and trace element mix from the hydroponics
store
- "garden limestone" (ground dolomitic limestone) from the garden centre
- empty buckets that had contained garden fertilizer
- old garden hose instead of Python (TM)
- razor scraper from hardware store and scrub pads from grocery store
- "pickling" salt from grocery store
- ??

Another aquarist I know also made his own wet-dry filter and collected
driftwood and aquarium plants from nature. He used metal halide lamps
from the hydroponics store, too.

We should also be able to use fish and amphibians from nature's ponds,
but I haven't tried.

Do other folks do this, and do you have favourite aquarium items NOT
from the aquarium store?

Steve

[NetMax]

"Elaine T" > wrote in message
. com...
> NetMax wrote:
>> "Koi-lo" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>
>>>"NetMax" > wrote in message
. ..
>>>
>>>>"Koi-lo" > wrote in message
...
>>>>
>>>>>"Richard Sexton" > wrote in message
...
>>>>>
>>>>>>In article >,
>>>>>>Dick Sharp > wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>hello all. I have a Whisper Diatomagic filter and instead of using
>>>>>>>the
>>>>>>>packaged filter powder I am using bulk media (much cheaper) My
>>>>>>>question is how much to use? I have ben using two heaping
>>>>>>>tablespoons
>>>>>>>full with good success.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I use swimming pool diatom powder too and have for yeras, uh,
>>>>>>decades. Works
>>>>>>fine. Can't beat the price.
>>>>>
>>>>>============================
>>>>>You can also use the gravel and rock from Home Depot or Lowe's in
>>>>>tanks. It's a fraction of the rip-off prices the pet/aquarium stores
>>>>>charge. They have a beautiful small brown pea gravel I love and it's
>>>>>only around $2.99 for a 50lb sack. I love the "river rocks" and
>>>>>"egg rocks" they also sell. Mixed with the gravel it gives the tanks
>>>>>a very natural look. Check them out the next time you're at one of
>>>>>these stores.
>>>>>--
>>>>>Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>But not for a filter ;~)
>>>
>>>==========================
>>>For the filter you buy their lavarock for a fraction of the price the
>>>Aquarium stores charge. ;-) I use it in my Aquaclears on top of the
>>>sponges. Wonderful stuff to "seed" new tanks with.
>>
>>
>> The diatomaceous earth packets being replaced by diatom powder (ie:
>> from pool supplier, good idea) is a water polisher, and not comparable
>> in function to lavarock, pea gravel or river rocks. .. unless I'm
>> misunderstanding the post you are discussing something quite
>> different, and I'm sure you know what diatom powder is used for.
>> cheers
>
> I think Koi-lo is reminding us that there's more than DE that is
> fish-safe and can be purchased cheap at the hardware store. I like the
> idea of putting cheap chunks of lava rock in Aquaclears! I've also
> painted $10 shop lights with Rustoleum and used them over 55 gallon
> tanks with great success.
>
> --
> Elaine T __
> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
> rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

Not to be a stickler, but Richard suggested the cheap alternative. I
don't think you can put a couple of teaspoons of lava rock in a Whisper
DE filter sleeve, and if you could, it wouldn't do what the DE does. I'm
all for using non-LFS stuff to save money, but if I suggest an incorrect
application, I sure hope someone here quickly corrects me.

I hope we're not getting too 'politically correct' to be able to make
corrections on each other's posts without worrying about someone taking
offence, but just in case, Koi-lo, no offence intended :o). ok? ..and if
I make a mistake, feel free to go to town on me ;~).
--
www.NetMax.tk

[Dick Sharp]

On Wed, 18 Jan 2006 19:02:40 -0500, "NetMax"
>Not to be a stickler, but Richard suggested the cheap alternative. I
>don't think you can put a couple of teaspoons of lava rock in a Whisper
>DE filter sleeve, and if you could, it wouldn't do what the DE does. I'm
>all for using non-LFS stuff to save money, but if I suggest an incorrect
>application, I sure hope someone here quickly corrects me.
>
>I hope we're not getting too 'politically correct' to be able to make
>corrections on each other's posts without worrying about someone taking
>offence, but just in case, Koi-lo, no offence intended :o). ok? ..and if
>I make a mistake, feel free to go to town on me ;~).


SO................................................ ...............

Can some one answer my original question about how much diatomaceous
earth to use in my filter...PLEASE>

[Koi-lo]

"NetMax" > wrote in message
. ..
> "Koi-lo" > wrote in message
>> For the filter you buy their lavarock for a fraction of the price the
>> Aquarium stores charge. ;-) I use it in my Aquaclears on top of the
>> sponges. Wonderful stuff to "seed" new tanks with.
>=============================
> The diatomaceous earth packets being replaced by diatom powder (ie: from
> pool supplier, good idea) is a water polisher, and not comparable in
> function to lavarock, pea gravel or river rocks. .. unless I'm
> misunderstanding the post you are discussing something quite different,

Whoops! I wasn't clear on that so you misunderstood. I place the lavarock
on the sponges in my Aquaclears. All that goes in my DE filter is DE from
Home Depot.

> and I'm sure you know what diatom powder is used for.
> cheers


--

Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
Aquariums: http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy/Aquarium-Page4.html
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
~~~ }<((((o> ~~~ }<{{{{o> ~~~ }<(((((o>

[Koi-lo]

"NetMax" > wrote in message
.. .
> Not to be a stickler, but Richard suggested the cheap alternative. I
> don't think you can put a couple of teaspoons of lava rock in a Whisper DE
> filter sleeve, and if you could, it wouldn't do what the DE does. I'm all
> for using non-LFS stuff to save money, but if I suggest an incorrect
> application, I sure hope someone here quickly corrects me.

Oh,... I didn't suggest he add lavarock to a DE filter. I was talking about
Aquaclears or other HOT filters with enough apace to stick some of these
porous rocks behind or on the filter material. DE filters are mainly water
polishers as far as I know and that would be useless.

> I hope we're not getting too 'politically correct' to be able to make
> corrections on each other's posts without worrying about someone taking
> offence, but just in case, Koi-lo, no offence intended :o). ok? ..and if
> I make a mistake, feel free to go to town on me ;~).
> --
> www.NetMax.tk

You made no mistake. I didn't make myself clear.... my fault. :-)
--

Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
Aquariums: http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy/Aquarium-Page4.html
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
~~~ }<((((o> ~~~ }<{{{{o> ~~~ }<(((((o>




>

[Koi-lo]

"Dick Sharp" > wrote in message
...
> SO................................................ ...............
>
> Can some one answer my original question about how much diatomaceous
> earth to use in my filter...PLEASE>
============================='
I use about 1/3 to 1/2 cup in my Vortex D1.
--
Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
Aquariums: http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy/Aquarium-Page4.html
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
~~~ }<((((o> ~~~ }<{{{{o> ~~~ }<(((((o>

[Eric]

On Wed, 18 Jan 2006 17:42:01 -0600, Steve wrote
(in article >):


> Another aquarist I know also made his own wet-dry filter and collected
> driftwood and aquarium plants from nature. He used metal halide lamps
> from the hydroponics store, too.


Uh..yeah, the "hydroponics" store. We got a few of those around here too.
Make sure you pay cash in case the fuzz raids the place.

420!!

-E

[Steve]

Eric wrote:
> On Wed, 18 Jan 2006 17:42:01 -0600, Steve wrote
> (in article >):
>
>
>
>>Another aquarist I know also made his own wet-dry filter and collected
>>driftwood and aquarium plants from nature. He used metal halide lamps
>>from the hydroponics store, too.
>
>
>
> Uh..yeah, the "hydroponics" store. We got a few of those around here too.
> Make sure you pay cash in case the fuzz raids the place.
>
> 420!!
>
> -E
>

You mean that the hydroponics hobbyists in your area don't just grow
tomatoes :) ?

Steve

[Eric]

On Thu, 19 Jan 2006 06:56:05 -0600, Steve wrote
(in article >):

> Eric wrote:

>> Uh..yeah, the "hydroponics" store. We got a few of those around here too.
>> Make sure you pay cash in case the fuzz raids the place.
>>
>> 420!!

>
> You mean that the hydroponics hobbyists in your area don't just grow
> tomatoes :) ?

Since we have a year-round growing season here (except August, only okra
grows in August) there's only one reason that folks would want to grow crops
indoors.

-E

[NetMax]

"Koi-lo" > wrote in message
...
>
> "NetMax" > wrote in message
> .. .
>> Not to be a stickler, but Richard suggested the cheap alternative. I
>> don't think you can put a couple of teaspoons of lava rock in a
>> Whisper DE filter sleeve, and if you could, it wouldn't do what the DE
>> does. I'm all for using non-LFS stuff to save money, but if I suggest
>> an incorrect application, I sure hope someone here quickly corrects
>> me.
>
> Oh,... I didn't suggest he add lavarock to a DE filter. I was talking
> about Aquaclears or other HOT filters with enough apace to stick some
> of these porous rocks behind or on the filter material. DE filters are
> mainly water polishers as far as I know and that would be useless.
>
>> I hope we're not getting too 'politically correct' to be able to make
>> corrections on each other's posts without worrying about someone
>> taking offence, but just in case, Koi-lo, no offence intended :o). ok?
>> ..and if I make a mistake, feel free to go to town on me ;~).
>> --
>> www.NetMax.tk
>
> You made no mistake. I didn't make myself clear.... my fault. :-)

Thanks Koi-lo. When I read something which might be confusing to
someone, I try to clarify it on behalf of the many (?) lurkers we could
have taking notes ;~).
--
www.NetMax.tk

> --
>
> Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
> Aquariums since 1952
> My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
> Aquariums: http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy/Aquarium-Page4.html
> http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
> ~~~ }<((((o> ~~~ }<{{{{o> ~~~ }<(((((o>

[Cyndi B]

hello all. I have a Whisper Diatomagic filter and instead of using the
packaged filter powder I am using bulk media (much cheaper) My
question is how much to use? I have ben using two heaping tablespoons
full with good success.
Thanks
Dick

I have used my filter for years and I use about 1/4 cup which is about 2 heaping tablespoons. I keep a 1/4 cup right with my powder so I never loose it. Keep up with your great fish keeping.

[craiggwillson]

You can as well use the alluvium and bedrock from Home Depot or Lowe's in tanks. It's a atom of the cheat prices the pet/aquarium food charge. They have a admirable baby amber pea alluvium I adulation and it's alone about $2.99 for a 50lb sack. I adulation the "river rocks" and "egg rocks" they as well sell.