SWI Flake

[tuckrule]

I am having a real hard time locating Dowflake in my area. Must be due to the lack of winter this year. I'm not complaining. I do have a question. Does anybody know if SWI is ok to use for Randy's recipe. I believe this is made by Scotwood Industries, Inc.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I do not know if it is adequately pure or not. Sorry.

[tuckrule]

I found this. Does this help?

SWI
Scotwood Industries, Inc.
CALCIUM FLAKE SPEC SHEET
77-80% Calcium Chloride Flake
77-80%
Physical Properties:
Appearance:
White Flakes
Odor:
Odorless
Density:
1.85g/cm3(20ºC)
Solubility:
Soluble in water
Vapor Pressure:
N/A
Vapor Density:
N/A
Typical Properties:
Calcium Chloride:
77%MIN
Total Alkaili Salts (as NaCl),max:
3.07%
Total Magensium ( as MgCL2), max:
0.017%
Other Impurities, max:
0.008%
Calcium Hydroxide,max:
0.10%
Calcium Carbonate, max:
0.008%
Saltate (as SO4), max:
0.07%
Iron (as FE), max:
0.0020%
Heavy Metals (as PB), max:
0.0005%
Composition/Information on Ingredients:
Chemical Formula:
CaCl2 – 2H20
Molecular Weight:
147.03
Chemical Family:
Inorganic Salt
Packaging:
For calcium chloride in the form of flakes. Polyethylene bags or polyethylene big-bags
with polyethylene lining or polyethylene-coated.
Single or palletized bags, pallets wrapped in a thermally shrinkable foil.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

No, sorry. It may be adequately pure, but to verify that the Dowflake and various aquarium brands were OK, I did many more tests that are detailed in this article:

Purity of Calcium Chloride
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2004/chem.htm

[tuckrule]

I understand. I sure wish you would have said "looks good to me, go ahead and use it!!" -Oh well , thanks for the input any way.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

FWIW, I don't see anything listed that is a problem. :)

[tuckrule]

What would be some of the thing I should test for? Or should I just try it out in my mother-in-law's tank and see if everything works out ok?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Ammonia is one that is easily tested with a hobby kit, but copper may be another. It is unlikely to be cost effective if you have to buy kits.