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Aquarist Forums => Freshwater General Discussions => Topic started by: Muad'Dib on February 13, 2021, 10:09:03 AM

Title: Anyone use Perlite?
Post by: Muad'Dib on February 13, 2021, 10:09:03 AM
Good Morning.
Just a curious question. Has anyone ever used Perlite as their biological filter media? How did it work?

Thanks
Dean
Title: Re: Anyone use Perlite?
Post by: charlie on February 13, 2021, 10:46:52 AM
Not something I would consider , given this report
"4) Dust hurts fish and can be hazardous if inhaled.

Don't use perlite with fish! If you look at perlite under a microscope, it looks like a collection of small glass bubbles. And in fact, that's what it is. That means that although picking up perlite with your hands won't cut you, it is abrasive and can cause real damage to soft sensitive tissue—like the gills of a fish, and your throat and lungs!

That being said, don't use perlite in any aquaponic operation. Wear a mask or respirator when you're handling dry perlite to avoid breathing in perlite dust. Once it's wetted down, the dust shouldn't be a problem."

https://university.upstartfarmers.com/blog/perlite-in-hydroponics
Title: Re: Anyone use Perlite?
Post by: Muad'Dib on February 13, 2021, 12:57:21 PM
Thanks Charlie.

Good piece of information.  I was just curious because I saw someone selling a bunch on FB.

I'll avoid it and stick to more common Media...Sponge and Nylon pot scrubbers. :-P

Dean