NetMax wrote:
"Koi-lo" wrote in message
...

"NetMax" wrote in message
m...

"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