Re: [Slightly OT] Aquarium filters - alternative use?

Flash Wilson wrote:

> Something went "aha!" in my head, and I pondered whether I could
> make some kind of mask with spares from my filter.

Wouldn't want to try it in an _improvised_ mask. Many of those agents
can also act via skin contact. However, activated charcoal MIGHT be
useful in a shelter filter.
http://www.oism.org/nwss/s73p917.htm

See also "Pulling Through" by Dean Ing

So, in theory, maybe... in actuality...

Remove all sharp objects from your pockets...
 
> And then it went on about the water supply being contaminated,
> and how you would have to filter through activated carbon in order
> to remove harmful chemicals and be sure you could use it. And
> again I thought "Aha!".
> 
> Now, I appreciate that 1) I'd inhale lots of poison gas while
> getting the sticky tape out to make my mask, and 2) filters wouldn't
> protect against fallout in the water, etc etc, so obviously this
> is a slightly unrealistic question. But do you think there is
> any mileage in this idea, or any other uses for aquarium equipment
> (such as a way to heat water or the shelter) in these circumstances?
> 
> Would aquarium water be safe to drink in the absense of any
> known good water supply?

Yes, but I'd boil it first.
 
> Diving supplies would also be ideal as they are airtight and
> wash down easily, but I'm only thinking of domestic aquatic supplies.
> 
> Not that I'm expecting war, the book just made me wonder!

Um... misc.survivalism meets rec.aquaria?

http://www.survivalistbooks.com/faq/waterfaq.htm
Under activated charcoal.
http://www.baproducts.com/rainwatr.htm

In Lucifer's Hammer by Larry Niven there is a scene where they are
eating goldfish that they've caught in a natural waterway. Seems they
all got loose during the comet strike and ensueing earthquakes.

Tell ya what... In the true spirit of aquaria and emergency
preparedness... Every man, woman and child should have at least a six
gallon freshwater aquarium!!! (2 gallons/day * 3 days).

-D
-- 
"When you've lost your ability to laugh, you've lost your ability to
think straight." -To Inherit the Wind