Diatomaceous Earth
Beer & Wine Filteration
Effective beverage filtration mediaPrecoat Filtration with D.E. (Kieselguhr) is the most widespread method of beer filtration today
Diatomaceous Earth is an excellent filter aid for the primary clarification of beer and wine, due to its high surface area. The powdery substance is coated onto a filter surface (reinforcement or sheet) to form a cake. The cake of filter aid and retained solids is responsible for the filtration effect. The DE diatoms fine pores are so small that they actually trap "chill haze". So it makes for a very clear beer (the remaining haze can only be "seen" using a haze meter).
DE is often used in combination with paper filters because of its ability to remove fine particles from beer without affecting the color, flavor, or body.
Calcined grades of DE are termed kieselguhr; fine, medium and coarse grades may be blended to accomplish the level of clarity required by the brewery. Fine grades provides a higher clarification, but does not provide as high a surface area (thus dirt holding capacity) as medium and coarse grades. DE consumption for beer filtration ranges between 70 and 200g per hL of beer; normal usage is about 100 g/hL. Other filter aids, including perlite and cellulose, are commonly combined with DE, though these aids are better suited for pre-coat applications to enhance cake formation.
Approvals 
DE has been approved by NZ Food Safety as a generally permitted processing aid and also as a permitted aid for organic wines.
It has also been approved under the BioGro Organic Standards for organic wine production.
Specification
| Permeability, DARCY | 4.0-5.0 |
| Wet Bulk Density g/cm3 | 0.34 |
| Dry Bulk Density g/cm3 | 0.22 |
| PH | 8 -10 |
| Moisture% | ≤0.5 |
| Specific Gravity | 2 |
| Powder Fineness | 200Mesh |
| Water Solubility % | ≤0.5 |
| Acid Solubility % | ≤3.0 |
| Loss on Ignition % | ≤0.5 |
| SIO2 | ≥90 |
| AL2O3 | <4.0 |
| FE2O3 | <1.5 |
| CAO | <0.5 |
| MGO | <0.4 |
| (Pb)mg/kg | ≤4.0 |
| (AS) mg/kg | ≤5.0 |
Spill Absorbent
Granulated Diatomaceous Earth (calcined) is popular for use as an environmentally friend, all-purpose floor sweep used to manage and contain occasional spills of water, oil and grease. DE can absorb its own weight in liquid.
It can be used for domestic spills around the home (fuel, wine, etc) and also commercially for road side spills, service stations, maintenance workshops, parking areas, re-fuelling areas, paint and panel shops and automotive workshops. DE leaves surfaces dryer and less slippery.
DE has a low bulk density, high sorptive capacity, average surface area and relatively low abrasion.
Application
- For use on hard surfaces wherever oils, fuels, chemicals and liquids are stored, handled and spilt
- DE is normally placed on and around a spill to “solidify” and absorb the liquid, and then swept up and recovered for disposal.
Growing Media
Freshwater Diatomaceous Earth granules can be used as a growing medium in hydroponics gardens. 
It can also used as a growing medium in potted plants, particularly as bonsai soil. Bonsai enthusiasts use it as a soil additive or pot a bonsai tree in 100% Diatomaceous earth. Like perlite, vermiculite, and expanded clay, it retains water and nutrients while draining fast, allowing high oxygen circulation within the growing medium.
DE also has excellent C.E.C. (Cation Exchange Capacity) of 27/100g and doesn’t break down unless you crush it.
A great thing about when you use DE for the first time is that the murky water that is left after one initially rinses the DE for the first time is actually a mechanical pesticide. Try spraying the liquid on your plants to rid them of insects.
Potting Mix Additive
DE is perfect for hydroponic, bonsai, orchid and cactus mixes and provides the following benefits:
- Ability to hold water (up to 100% of its own weight)
- Creates aeration
- Providse plant available silica
Grain Storage & Flow Agent
Grain Storage
It has been estimated that up to 50% of all the grain grown is potentially damaged by insects. Chemical poisons as we continue to discover often do more harm than good. They must be applied repeatedly, resulting in the build of up potentially harmful residue. They also may loose their effectiveness over time as insects can build up immunity to the chemicals. Raw food grade DE has great potential as a grain protector. It is non-toxic, provides good protection when grain is stored properly, can be easily separated later if desired and leaves no residue. Of course it does not need to be removed, providing additional benefits of providing 15 trace minerals. Total lack of toxicity in food grade DE is so un-measurable it is not counted as a foreign substance by the USDA in their grain rating system. DE has been assessed at GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) status with the US FDA and the NZFSA in New Zealand. Trials of stored grain showed that DE out-performed traditional grain storage chemicals. Not only will DE kill insects, it also acts as a repellent discouraging insect infestation.
Raw food grade diatomaceous earth can be used as an organic method to rid grains of “critters” and is particularly useful for long-term storage, yet it is not harmful to people or animals. It is also inexpensive and easy to use.
- Controls insects in wheat, rice, sorghum, oats, rye, barley, corn and seeds of all kinds
- Controls rice weevils, lesser grain bobers, flat grain beetles, red flour beetles, confused flour beetles, merchant grain beetles, saw-toothed grain beetles, granary weevils, larvae of the Indian meal moth, etc.
- Easy and safe to use - only one treatment needed
- Does not have to be removed
- Contains 15 trace minerals
- Insects cannot become immune
- Gives long term protection
- No impact on taste or flavor of cooking quality
- Leaves no chemical residue or toxicity
- Stainless & Odourless
- Non combustible and non explosive
- Cost effective
It is recommended to replace 2% of stored grain with DE and blend. ie. 1kg of DE will protect 500kg of grain.
Anti-Caking and Flow Agent
DE has very useful benefits in products and feeds that experience difficulties in pouring and flowing.
In a silo, wet grain, corn and other types of feed (particularly feeds containing molasses) will often stick together creating clumps, making them hard to pour). Adding DE helps to coat the feed, break it up and keep them from binding and sticking together. This is the function of an anti-caking agent or flow aid. >DE also makes the feed less likely to mould due to it's moisture absorbency characteristics.
Our DE is a 100% organic, natural and chemical free anti-caking agent. 
Replace 2% of product with food grade DE for anti-caking and flow control benefits.
As a pelleting aid, DE helps with the formation and the quality of pellets. More specifically, when mixed in feed, the product helps to lubricate grain that is being prepared in to pellets.
Documents and Registrations
Please click on links below...
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Technical Data Sheet / Chemical Properties
BioGro Organic Registration
DEBug Diatomaceous Earth has finally gained BioGro Organic registration under the following three categories.
- Livestock Feed & Nutrition
- Soil & Plant Nutrition
- Pest & Disease Management (domestic use only)
The Crop Managment registration is the first ever done on any Diatomaceous Earth product in New Zealand, and means that DEBug is the ONLY Fresh water, Food grade DE to be registered as an organic insecticide for your garden.
BioGro Organic Registration DEBug Diatomaceous Earth.
New Zealand Food Safety Authority
The NZFSA has completed a class determination on Diatomaceous Earth. It has been defined as an agricultural compound, however has been assessed as GRAS or 'Generally Regarded As Safe'.
M.I.P - Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act
The Ministry of Primary Industries has granted DEBug exemption from registration under the ACVM Act as a stock feed supplement.
It is also exempt from registration as long as the applicable conditions in the regulations are complied with for use on or around plants.
Environmental Risk Management Authority
The ERMA New Zealand has assessed Diatomaceous Earth. It has granted it exemption from individual registration as it is already covered by a previous application.
FDA Registered
The FDA in the USA has assessed our Diatomaceous Earth as GRAS or 'Generally Regarded As Safe'. In the USA Fossil Shell Flour is registered as a stock feed supplement and anti-caking agent for livestock feeds. FSA Regsitration No. 18047662236.
Testimonials
"Just wanted to let you know how happy I am with your DE Earth - I have been taking it for several reasons B12 which I was getting 6-8 weekly injections for and now taking DE it has gone back to every 3 months also my cholesterol has always been up around 6.4 and that has dropped to 3.9 - I just thought it's nice for you to hear results like this - I am one happy as girl with loads more long term energy too. Hair growth and nail growth has been going mad too. All my animals are on this and have no worms and a healthy and shinny coats. So just wanted to say a huge thank you for supplying me this wonderful product! Also it's a brilliant carpet cleaning too!!" Malena.
"Hi, just want to let you know that I had a problem with bedbugs but after weeks of sleepless nights I used your DEbug product and within two weeks the bites stopped. Before I was being bitten every few nights. I was highly skeptical at first because I've heard how hard it is to get rid of a bedbug infestation but I guess I got lucky and took action early. I don't think I had a major infestation because I inspected the mattress and base but there were no signs of the little buggers anywhere.
I was determined to win the war against these sneaky little bastards. I read that the majority of bedbugs live in the box springs/mattress base so I found some holes where the headboard screws go and puffed some dust inside the base then I lightly dusted the carpet surrounding my bed and the sides of the mattress as well as the edges of the walls. I also dusted the areas in the lounge where I sit. I guess the bedbugs have bitten the dust so to speak! I would recommend your product to anyone with a early bedbug problem, thanks now I can sleep again!
Regards, Brandon"
"This has helped with our asthma, hives, rashes, tummy bug!!!!! AMAZING STUFF!!!!! Just drink with a lil water and then wash down with a glass of water. Makes it much easier to drink. Has helped us alot.I think you can also brush your teeth with it! Will be back for more! Thank you so much!" weezi
"DE is the most amazing stuff I've ever tired. Getting cleaned inside and have way more energy already and it's only 3 days in! Love it!" Hiria.
"WOW - this stuff is brilliant, I read the instructions and had it as well - increased energy, natural weight loss and I feel far better. I gave it to my pets and they have gotten way better in such a short time. My cat put on weight and I'm losing it - yay." Nessa.
FAQ's
What are EcoFelt Grow Bags made from?
Our bags are manufactured out of a custom, non-woven, BPA free polypropylene material that comes from recycled water bottles. Research discovered that fabric pots have important and unique horticultural applications.
What makes EcoFelt Grow Bag a more sustainable and eco-friendly gardening option?
Our bags use reclaimed plastic bottles that would otherwise be sent to our landfills. This not only recycled old plastic, it prevents the need for new plastic to be created, which saves petroleum and fossil fuels from being used. Every year, the gardening and landscaping industries use millions and millions of plastic pots that clog landfills and leach toxins into the soil, the rivers and the oceans. And each one is created out of petroleum or fossil fuels that further deplete the planet. And EcoFelt Grow Bags breaks this cycle and encourages more sustainable gardening practices, with a lightweight, flexible, breathable plant bag made from recycled materials.
Can I use an EcoFelt Grow bag for organics?
The inert fabric has no meaningful chemical exchange with the surrounding environment. If the medium and fertilizers you use in the bag are organic, you will be growing organically in the EcoFelt Grow Bag.
How does the fabrics stand up to sunlight?
EcoFelt Grow bags fabrics are UV Stabilised.
Whats wrong with hard-sided pots?
As roots grow they soon reach the container walls. In hard sided, plastic containers, these roots immediately start circling and continue to circle. Examine a circling root structure and you find a few large roots growing in circles with very little side branching. These roots often bind or girdled upon themselves. Circling roots can never give optimum growth.
Why is the Ecofelt Grow Bag better than hard-sided containers?
The bag aerates and plastic does not. Aeration stops root circling and releases heat, helping your plant build a better root structure. Better roots will give you a better plant.
What other advantages are there to growing in the EcoFelt Grow Bag over traditional, plastic containers?
The fabric will not crack or break from frost or when dropped. Heat release gives you better control of slow release fertilizer. A fibrous root structure has fewer problems in cold or warm weather.
Why is a root system grown in an EcoFelt Grow Bag better?
Any plant is only as good as its root structure. A fibrous root system is a more efficient one and enables the plant to maximize water and nutrient uptake in the surrounding soil. Also, a fibrous, highly developed root system establishes quicker if the plant is transplanted.
What is air pruning?
Air pruning is a natural process occurring when a root comes in contact with the air on the side of the porous EcoFelt Grow Bag wall. The root tip stops growing (pruned) and causes the remaining root to extensively branch. Once roots reach the fabric they become entangled and trapped. This signals the plant to send out new roots. Now, instead of fewer circling roots, the plant develops new lateral roots. The new fibrous roots fill the bag allowing the plant to maximize uptake of both moisture and nutrients. And when the roots grow well, the plant grows well. Upon comparison, root systems that developed in an EcoFelt Grow Bag have a much greater mass (in less soil) than those found in hard-sided plastic containers. Thus creating super dense, fibrous healthy root systems for plants.
What is the advantage of having a fabric base?
To help you grow a better plant. The EcoFelt Grow Bag is made with a heavy porous fabric bottom that gives a plant solid ground contact. This contact helps the plant maintain a ground temperature, as opposed to a plastic container temperature.
Why do plants grown in EcoFelt Grow Bag not have to be repotted as often?
Roots do not circle in the bags. Because of the large volume of fibrous roots, plants growing in our bags can stay longer and be healthier.
What potting mix should I use?
You can use most every potting mix in the EcoFelt Grow Bag. Because it aerates, heavier mixes can be used. Bear in mind the bags filled with lighter mixes that are less water retentive may need to be watered more often.
How often should I water?
Watering the EcoFelt Grow Bag is not too different than watering hard-sided containers. For all containers watering frequency depends on a number of factors including the types of plant being grown, the potting mix and the weather conditions. Please note that the porous fabric bags will absorb water and release back to the plant when needed, however this also means that water can also evaporate so you may need to water a little more. But, the bag also releases heat so it does not get hot like a plastic container, so you may water a little less depending on growing conditions.
How long can I leave my plants growing in the bag?
Try leaving some plants in the EcoFelt Grow bags for a long time. With healthy roots, you will be amazed at what your plants will do in their second or third year. In ideal conditions the pots should last up to four years, this time can be extended if they are used seasonally (or cleaned).
How do I clean or sterilise my EcoFelt Grow Bag?
After use remove the soil and let the bag dry. After a few days of being dry, the dust and small roots will easily brush off. For most people, this is good enough and you can fold your bag easily for storage. However, you can wash the bags (some with OxyClean or peroxide to sterilize, or try an eco-friendly detergent. Try the washing machine, hand wash or dip the bag in a tub. Let them air dry.
Can I place my EcoFelt Grow Bag on my patio or deck, or do I put on the ground?
Yes, you can place the bag on your patio, deck or on any other surface. However, remember that the EcoFelt Grow Bag is made of a porous fabric and, with proper use, will remain damp. If left for a long time it may discolor or stain the surface. If placed on a wooden deck for an extended time you may want to place a plastic dish or a plastic sheet under the bag.
Pet Litter
Our Granulated Diatomaceous Earth makes an ideal additive to kitty litter.
As a non-clumping, no dust litter, the very porous nature of our large DE Granules provide excellent moisture absorption (about twice as much as traditional clay). 
It is highly recommended to control odors and it will also help to repel any worms, larvae, or parasites in the litter box.
DE does not support bacterial life so it is hygienic and keeps your cat healthy. No alterations are needed to enhance its performance, which makes it completely safe because it eliminates the need to add harmful chemicals.
As well as cats DE can be used for other indoor pets that require litter and in the base of bird cages.
Pet and Livestock Feed Supplement*
Food grade diatomite can be used for both animals and humans.
Our supplement product is made from raw, natural, fresh water diatoms and has food grade particles containing more than 94% Silica. DE taken as a supplement has many reported health benefits and is widely used by naturopaths, health practitioners, vets and alike. Please read our pages on supplement pages on how DE can help you and your animals achieve better health.
DE has many dietary uses for pets and livestock. Added daily to your animals diet (at the feed rates recommended below) the hard and sharp honeycombs of the DE lacerate internal worms causing them to release their grip on intestinal walls and get passed. This presence of DE in their stools will also discourage flies and insects around your property.
Made up from more than 94% amorphous silica DEBug contains 15 essential trace minerals including phosphorous, selenium, calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron. Silica is crucial to bones, tendons, skin, cartilage and blood vessels and existss in the blood stream and vital organs. Mixed with your pets and livestock feed it will help to:
- Promotes better health, less stress and more vitality
- Digestive aid, improving stool health and gut problems
- Stimulates basic metabolism
- Better feed conversion, improving weight gain, health and productivity
- Promotes healthier coats, hair, skin, hooves, nails and feathers
- Cost effective health supplement, helping to reduce vet bills.
- Negatively charged DE particles help to absorb heavy metals, bacteria, pesticides, drug residues and E-Coli (that are positively charged).
DEBug is BioGro certified under Livestock Feed & Nutrition.
Suggested daily animal feed supplement rates for pets and livestock
| Kittens | 1/2 Teaspoon |
| Cats | 1 Teaspoon |
| Puppies | 1/2 - 1 Teaspoon |
| Dogs under 20kg's | 2 Teaspoons |
| Dogs over 20kg's | 1 Tablespoon |
| Dogs over 45kg's | 2 Tablespoons |
| Chickens, Ducks & Fowl | 5% of weight in feed ration |
| Calves | 4 grams in morning |
| Cattle & Dairy Cows | 2% of dry feed ration |
| Sheep, Goats & Pigs | 2% of dry feed ration |
| Alpacas & Llamas | 2% of grain feed ration |
| Horses, Ponies & Donkeys | 1/2 - 1 cup of daily feed ration |
Uses Around the Home
DEBug can be used to help control insects inside your home on floors and furniture. It highly recommended for Bed Bugs and is also effective on Fleas, Ants, Spiders, Cockroaches, Lice, Silverfish, etc.
Our all natural Diatomaceous Earth is safe on our flooring and upholstery as it is non-staining and non-toxic.
Application
Simply apply a thin layer in areas were pests are found. It can be lightly dusted* on to bed matresses, furniture and carpets, left for a few days and then vacuumed up. You can also place in a shallow dish in the path of pests.
Available in convenient 200g and 400g bottle with puffer tops for easy and accurate application. It is also sold in a 500g refill bag and larger sizes as required for household use.
Other Uses Around the Home
Carpet & Mat Stains
Cover the stain with DE and lightly work into it. Leave for at least 2 hours then vacuum.
Garage/Driveway Oil Stains
Make sure area is dry and completely cover the stain with DE. Let the powder soak up the oil for 24 hours. Remove excess & dispose.
Metal & Bathroom Cleaner
Make a paste with DE and water to make a metal polish. DE also makes an soft scrub for the shower, sink and faucets.
Face Mask and Cleanser
Mix DE and water together until you have made a paste. Apply to face with circular scrubbing motion until it is fully covered. Leave for two minutes, then wash off with warm water. Your face will be fully exfoliated. Mix DE with your favorite cleanser and you will have cleaner, smoother skin.
Teeth Cleaner
Sprinkle a small amount of DE on your toothpaste and brush as you normally would. You will notice that your teeth look and feel "just went to the dentist" clean.
Refrigerator/Freezer Odors
Leave an open box or jar of DE in the refrigerator or freezer. (much like baking soda). Replace with fresh DE every week or so.
Foot Odor
Place some DE into the ends of two knee high nylon stockings and tie a knot the top. Place the stockings inside shoes..
Garbage Can Deodoizer
Sprinkle a cup or so of DE in the bottom of the garbage can. Will deodorize and absorb moisture.
Garden Insect Control
*DEBug is used to kill and control sucking, chewing and crawling insects.
Diatomite is used as an insecticide, due to its abrasive and physico-sorptive properties. The fine powder absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of insects' exoskeletons. By cracking open their joints and by rubbing holes through their outer shellsm the bugs die quickly, since the holes let air in and let out moisture from the insects’ bodies causing them to dehydrate. Arthropods die as a result of the water pressure deficiency, based on Fick's law of diffusion. This also works against gastropods and is commonly employed in gardening to defeat insects. There is no build up or chemical residues, and insects will not become tolerant or build up immunity.
It is a mechanical insect control - upon contact, the fine powder absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of the exoskeleton and causes the insect to die from dehydration. Great for slugs, snails, aphids, caterpillers, earwigs, beetles, fruit flies, borers, thrips and more....
There is no plant or livestock with-holding period.
Our all natural Diatomaceous Earth is:
- Food Grade
- Non toxic
- Chemical Free
- Non-Staining
- Odorless
- Environmentally Friendly
DEBug is also BioGro certified as a Soil & Plant Nutrition (Fertiliser) and Crop Management (Insecticide).
Application
DEBug can be applied wet or dry to your garden plants.
Available in convenient 200g and 400g bottle with puffer tops for easy dry application. Ensure coverage over the entire plant (especially under the leaves) or around it's base. DEBug can also be diluted in water and applied as a spray. It is also sold in a 500g refill bag and larger sizes as required up to bulk 25kg bags. Please refer to application rates below.
Suggested dosage rates for plants and crops
| 5 litre ‘pump up’ type sprayer | 20gms or 60mls |
| 15 litre Backpack sprayer | 60gms or 180mls |
| 200 litre automatic sprayer | 800 - 900 grams |
| Crops application | 1 – 2.5kg p/acre |
| 10 litre bucket ‘brush on’ | 2 cups or 500ml |
| 10 litre watering can | 40gms |
Recommended doseage rates for anti-caking agent / grain protectant
| Per volume of grain / product feed | 2% |
* DISCLAIMER: The Ministry of Primary Industries have provided the following statement in relation to DEBug. '...the agricultural chemical use of diatomaceous earth has been proposed to be put forward as an exempt category at the next Regulation change. In the meantime, the ACVM Group will be working on a modified ACVM registration type for this kind of situation with very limited information requirements. Until this is in place, the product may be imported and used in New Zealand as if it is exempt from registration, as long as the applicable conditions in Regulations 7 to 13 of the ACVM (E&PS) Regulations 2011 are complied with, but this is only for the claim for use on or around plants'.
For Animal Use
External Pest and Parasite Control for Pets
Our DEBug will help to discourage fleas, mites and lice that can occur around the home because of pets.
Dust on and around bedding, kennels, blankets, etc, around your home where parasites may be present. DE can also be lightly sprinkled onto your carpet before leaving for a few days and vacuuming. When used in kitty litter boxes DEBug will assist odour control and moisture absorption. Pets can also be dusted or brushed directly with DE as a natural way to rid external parasites (avoiding eye area).
CHECK OUT THIS USEFUL CLIP ON HOW TO APPLY DE TO YOUR PETS 
For livestock
DE can be used in animal housing areas where an insect deterrant is needed or dampness is a problem, ie. chook sheds, barns, stalls, milking sheds, calf pens, stables, pigs pens, kennels, etc. It reduces fy larvae from developing in manure, noticeably reducing fly population. It can also help to dry wet spots. Livestock can be dusted in DE (ie. added to dust baths) which actively discouraging pests such as flies, fleas, ticks and mites. With improved living conditions, your livestock will be more settled and healthier.