DE Filter Material

[Lisa]

I remember reading somewhere that there is a product that can be used in DE filters in place of DE ... but I didn't save the link!

Has anyone used anything other than DE in their DE filters?

 

[kirbinster]

DE is so cheap, why are you interested in a replacement?

 

[The Mermaid Queen]

There is something called zeolite or zeobrite. I think it might filter better than DE, but not sure I remember correctly.

You can also add a little of it to cartridge filters to really polish your water, something you cannot do with DE. (you can add either DE or the zeo to a sand filter, however.)

 

[KurtV]

I believe the DE alternative is called Filter Aid and it's made of cellulose fiber. I think the claimed advantage over DE is that it's less hazardous to human health (DE can damage lung tissue if it's breathed in; it's otherwise inert and harmless).

Zeolite is NOT a DE replacement. It can be used in place of sand in a sand filter.

 

[The Mermaid Queen]

...Zeolite is NOT a DE replacement. It can be used in place of sand in a sand filter.

Oops, my bad!

 

[Guest]

Perlite, a type of vocanite mineral, is the other DE substitute available. Both Perlite and cellulose fiber are more expensive than DE and IMHO, offer no real advantage.

 

[Lisa]

I was looking for a possible replacement because of health issues, not cost ...

 

[waste]

Lisa, just wear a partical mask when handling the DE in it's dry form

 

[Guest]

Handling DE powder is probably much less dangerous than handling muriatic acid or even cal hypo, just use common sense and wear a mask.