Bill Stock wrote:



Any idea if a Diatom filter would do the trick? I was thinking of
adding Fluorite or Onyx to my existing tank and I was worried about
the same issue. I actually want the Diatom filter for other uses, so
it would be a bonus if I could use it for this too.

For sure, a diatom filter would remove all the suspended particles from
the flourite. You can greatly reduce the problem by rinsing the
flourite in a bucket before putting it into the tank. I use a 5 gallon
bucket and rinse with a stream from a hose, pouring off the sediment
filled water above the flourite. Repeat three or four times and you
will be way ahead when you put it in the tank. There will still be some
cloudiness but at least you will be able to see from front to back of
the tank. It is very obvious that this is working and the flourite is
getting cleaner with each pass.

For small amounts, you can put the flourite in a fine kitchen strainer
and run water through it for a minute or two. Maybe stir gently. You
will get it very clean doing this. The large scale version of this
would be to use a piece of nylon window screen. Either is a little too
coarse and will lose some of the smaller particles.

--

George