Fining with diatomaceous earth
 

I was reading about fining agents and noticed that 'Sparkolloid'
is diatomaceous earth. I have used diatom powder (a highly refined grade
of diatomaceous earth) in aquarium filters to polish the water. Can this
same powder be used to clear wines by mixing it in, and allowing it to
settle? If so I have a 5lb bag that I could start using.

Thanks
-Rick

--
-----------

"The solving of a problem lies
in finding the solvers"

"Rick Wagner" > wrote in message
...
> I was reading about fining agents and noticed that 'Sparkolloid'
> is diatomaceous earth. I have used diatom powder (a highly refined grade
> of diatomaceous earth) in aquarium filters to polish the water. Can this
> same powder be used to clear wines by mixing it in, and allowing it to
> settle? If so I have a 5lb bag that I could start using.
>
> Thanks
> -Rick

Sparkolloid is _not_ diatomaceous earth. I don't think diatomaceous earth
will clarify your wine unless it is used in a filter.
--
Lum
Del Mar, California, USA

"Rick Wagner" > wrote in message
...
> I was reading about fining agents and noticed that 'Sparkolloid'
> is diatomaceous earth. I have used diatom powder (a highly refined grade
> of diatomaceous earth) in aquarium filters to polish the water. Can this
> same powder be used to clear wines by mixing it in, and allowing it to
> settle? If so I have a 5lb bag that I could start using.
>
> Thanks
> -Rick

Sparkolloid is _not_ diatomaceous earth. I don't think diatomaceous earth
will clarify your wine unless it is used in a filter.
--
Lum
Del Mar, California, USA

"Rick Wagner" > wrote in message
...
> I was reading about fining agents and noticed that 'Sparkolloid'
> is diatomaceous earth. I have used diatom powder (a highly refined grade
> of diatomaceous earth) in aquarium filters to polish the water. Can this
> same powder be used to clear wines by mixing it in, and allowing it to
> settle? If so I have a 5lb bag that I could start using.
>
> Thanks
> -Rick

Sparkolloid is _not_ diatomaceous earth. I don't think diatomaceous earth
will clarify your wine unless it is used in a filter.
--
Lum
Del Mar, California, USA

"Rick Wagner" > wrote in message
...
>I was reading about fining agents and noticed that 'Sparkolloid'
> is diatomaceous earth. I have used diatom powder (a highly refined grade
> of diatomaceous earth) in aquarium filters to polish the water. Can this
> same powder be used to clear wines by mixing it in, and allowing it to
> settle? If so I have a 5lb bag that I could start using.

Don't just dump DE into your wine. It's not a fining agent; it's a filter
aid. Also, some brands of DE need to be washed first to rid them of
cardboard smells.

Tom S

In theory, it isn't a bad idea using a diatom filter to fine your wine as it
a great water polisher. I have seen aquarium water go from murky brown to
crystal clear in minutes. Although, Diamtom powder (i.e. the power used for
Diatomaceous earth filters) is a great water polisher for the aquariums, it
may strip your wine more than a wine fining agent. As well, there are links
between Diatomacious earth and lung cancer probably because it is 80-90%
silica (silicon dioxide.) Be careful and always wear a mask!!

Shawn

"Rick Wagner" > wrote in message
...
> I was reading about fining agents and noticed that 'Sparkolloid'
> is diatomaceous earth. I have used diatom powder (a highly refined grade
> of diatomaceous earth) in aquarium filters to polish the water. Can this
> same powder be used to clear wines by mixing it in, and allowing it to
> settle? If so I have a 5lb bag that I could start using.
>
> Thanks
> -Rick
>
> --
> -----------
>
> "The solving of a problem lies
> in finding the solvers"
>