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I don't know if anyone has any knowledge or thoughts on the issue, but I lost power for a few seconds to my diatom filter (Whisper Diatomagic) while it was running. Diatomaceous earth was spewing out into the tank in a cloud. I quickly caught it and got it running again and had to add more of the powder to plug up the holes. Once it was primed I got it running again and its taking some time to clear the cloud.

I'm concerned for the effect, short or long term, on the gills of my two goldfish. I know it is not good in human lungs.

I don't think that it will them any harm. Mainly because their breathing organs are not like ours. Theirs are always surrounded by fluid while ours are not. So the particles would not have a chance stick to them. However, if the particles are sharp, then there may be a risk.

I know that diatomaceous earth is used as a natural flea powder for dogs. You can also use it on rugs to kill flea infestations. The earth is sharp enough to cut through the carapace (sp?) of the flea and kills it. If used on a dog, care must be taken not to use too much or too often because it will really dry out the animal's skin.

I would also do a massive water change just to be safe. I am not sure what it might do to fish, but I would remove as much as possible through a water change.

I would not worry. Always blew a little into my tank when using it and the fish seemed perfectly unaffected. The filter takes it out pretty quickly.

I rarely use it anymore as the Magnum micron cartridge works virtually as well without it.

DE is used in swimming pool filters. Its a sure bet some gets into the pools. I think the stuff is really only hazardous when dry.

Well, the fish seem ok, so I'm breathing easier (no pun intended).

It eventually cleared up, but it took some time. The Whisper Diatomagic is really intended on shallower tanks than my 21 incher. The door is up high at the surface.

I have a Magnum HOT 250 with a micron polishing sleeve. I had gotten some white cloud off of a rock (like, it had dried clay on it and it melted into my tank). With the micron polishing sleeve running for 1 week, it did nothing to clear the tank. The Diatomagic got it clean in 15 minutes. I'll always have a diatom filter for polishing. You just can't beat it. I only use it 3-4 times yearly.

Hi,
While you scared yourself with the powder in the tank,
be very careful with it while you are handling it.
A diatoms' skeleton (shell) is pure silica, and will
cause lung cancer (silicosis) in humans.
Do not breath the stuff.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

I know about that, and it is the reason I only do such changes when I really see a need.

On the one hand I'm troubled using it and yet there is nothing that polishes a tank so well.