Diatomaceous earth in a Marineland 350 Canister?

[LooksLater]

Anyone ever try this? I need a filter option that can remove particles down to 1 or 2 microns...(for fungus spores). I have a Marineland Magnum 350 canister, and have heard with a little fuss, it's possible to add DE to sort of "crust" the micron filter, effectively making it a DE filter.

Supposedly the particle size for the marineland 350 micron filter is 10-15 microns, you see that bantered around a lot (and hey, it's great- we love it for general use) but I found this: http://www.marineland.com/Products/a...m.aspx#answers
The rep for marineland states it starts at 50 microns, then less as it clogs...that's not going to work, not even close. The avg size of Aspergillus spores (infecting my 8g) are something like 2-3 microns. I think this is the only way to save the aquarium without cleansing it and it's inhabitants with fire, so to speak. Meds have not worked, it's just coming back because the meds don't kill the spores...

I'd prefer a Vortex D-1 Diatom Filter, but they seem to be not for sale (anywhere) at the moment. And the XL would be just too big for this tank.

http://www.thatpetplace.com/vortex-d-1-diatom-filter

Anyone use their 350 magnum with DE this way? Does it work, any tips or cautions?
Thanks, ya'll...

[blacksmith37]

I would put DE in any filter; I have used it in swimming pool sand filters.

[LooksLater]

Thanks, blacksmith! How? Do you need a special bag, or...how do I keep it out of the tank?

[Astex]

I don't know about the 350, but the HOT had a micron cartridge you could use and add diatom powder to it. Never tried it with mine, since I have an XL, but it should work.

I did at one time run a XL on a 10 gallon tank, as long as you can divert the output, it actually isn't as bad as you would think. I wouldn't do it long term, but it worked for clearing up the water etc....

[LooksLater]

Yeah, I was thinking it'd blow that lil tank away, but that's good to know, thanks so much!