DE question...how do I know it's the right one?

[crazy4eggsJulie]

Just got back from the feed store. The guy has DE but the bag doesn't say "FOOD GRADE" like the posts on here suggest buying. I'm assuming that since it is at a feed store it would be the right thing-but the guy didn't know anything about it.

Any thoughts?

 

[wildorchid053]

two types of d/e.. one from fresh lakes and one from salt lakes.. salt lake type will kill ya.. for pool filters ect.. food grade is edible by people and other animals.. make sure it says food grade

 

[Chicks R Friends NOT Food]

I learned the hard way.... If it's in the garden section and says something about crawling insect killler- it's wrong. If it's in the pool section- definately wrong. I was also told that Concern and Safer brands are not foodgrade. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=216030

 

[patandchickens]

One thing you can look for is to see if the label lists a percentage of CRYSTALLINE (not amorphous) silica. If the % crystalline silica is higher than, I forget if it's 1% or 5% but something on that order, then it ain't food grade. The point of food grade DE is that the silicaceous component is mainly the amorphous, ie. not sharp pointy crystalline, form.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat