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re: tank setup questions
> 3) If you use diatomacious earth (spelling is wrong I'm
> sure), be careful
> when creating a siphon to fill the canister. This earth is
> believed to be
> carcinogenic (cancer causing) so you would be much better off
> creating the
> siphon using the little tool that Fluval provides for this service.
Diatomaceous earth, which is composed of the frustules (the silica "shell")
of fossil diatoms, is not carcinogenic. You must be thinking of
"silicosis", which is a condition caused by the inhalation of fine, sharp
particles of silica. This is an occupational hazard of construction
workers, miners, sandblasters, ceramic workers, or anyone exposed to silica
dust.
The irritative action of the sharp-edged silica in the lung results in the
formation of nodular lesions; these may coalesce and form massive areas of
fibrous tissue. You can find more detail at:
http://pathhsw5m54.ucsf.edu/case20/silicosis.html.
Regards,
Mark