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View Full Version : Crystalline Calcium Chloride Dihydrate vs. Anhydrous calcium chloride


watson_barrett
10/20/2009, 06:37 AM
Is there a difference?

Or are these two producted essentially the same?

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem.aspx?category=Kent_Marine_Turbo_Calcium_Dry_Calcium_Additives_Supplements&vendor=Kent_Marine&idProduct=KM3371&IdCategory=FIADCADC&tab=1

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Calcium,-Alkalinity-&-Magnesium-Calcium-Chloride/c1_2/p5/1-Gallon-Bulk-Calcium-Chloride-for-Aquariums/product_info.html

Thanks.

Randy Holmes-Farley
10/20/2009, 06:50 AM
They are the same basic chemical, with some extra water in the solid crystals of the dihydrate from bulk reef. The impurity profile is likely different. I've not tested the exact material used by Bulk Reef, but I expect it is fine. I have tested kent's material and a variety of other brands.

watson_barrett
10/20/2009, 08:55 AM
would the potential impurities of the BRS stuff be of any cause for major concern?

Randy Holmes-Farley
10/20/2009, 09:11 AM
Potential impurites are a concern in any product, regardless of who sells it. In fact, however, the BRS calcium chloride material is used by many, many people with no apparent problems. :)

Bryan
10/20/2009, 03:23 PM
Randy, does the change affect the weight/volume of CA required in your recipe.

bertoni
10/20/2009, 03:47 PM
Yes, the volume requirement is about 20% less when using the anhydrous form:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

There's a reference a bit under the formula 1 description.