Freezing Randy's 2 part ALK and CA

Willi · 01/25/2009, 06:40 PM

Does anyone know if it would be alright to freeze the 2 part ALK and CA into ice cubes (Individually) and then place these ice cubes in the sump for slow disolving? The ice cubes would be sized (say 50ml) based on the daily ALK and CA needs of the tank. I am not sure if some chemical reaction would occur between phases on solid to liquid. The reason why I am thinking about doing this is so my wife can take care of my tank while I am out of town. The ice cube trick would be easy for her.

Thanks for your input!

2thdeekay · 01/26/2009, 12:02 AM

Novel idea. Chemically, there shouldn't be a problem, just the temp issue... Have you considered a properly sized graduated cylinder or other measuring device?

Randy Holmes-Farley · 01/26/2009, 05:01 AM

The chemicals will likely precipitate out to the bottom or sides, and not actually be well incorporated into the ice. Little bottles of liquid is probably a better bet.

sjm817 · 01/26/2009, 07:34 AM

Out of curiosity, what temp would the ca part freeze at? I would think it would have to be pretty cold.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 01/26/2009, 09:05 AM

Initial freezing is probably on the order of -5 deg C for my Recipe #1, based on the total ion concentration being about 2.7 M, but as some water freezes, the remaining ions get more concentrated dropping the freezing point of what remains.

01/26/2009, 05:01 AM	#3
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 81,937	The chemicals will likely precipitate out to the bottom or sides, and not actually be well incorporated into the ice. Little bottles of liquid is probably a better bet. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Club 65535 Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

01/26/2009, 07:34 AM	#4
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 19,260	Out of curiosity, what temp would the ca part freeze at? I would think it would have to be pretty cold. __________________ - Scott

01/26/2009, 09:05 AM	#5
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 81,937	Initial freezing is probably on the order of -5 deg C for my Recipe #1, based on the total ion concentration being about 2.7 M, but as some water freezes, the remaining ions get more concentrated dropping the freezing point of what remains. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Club 65535 Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

01/25/2009, 06:40 PM	#1
Willi Moved On Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Columbus Posts: 63	Freezing Randy's 2 part ALK and CA Does anyone know if it would be alright to freeze the 2 part ALK and CA into ice cubes (Individually) and then place these ice cubes in the sump for slow disolving? The ice cubes would be sized (say 50ml) based on the daily ALK and CA needs of the tank. I am not sure if some chemical reaction would occur between phases on solid to liquid. The reason why I am thinking about doing this is so my wife can take care of my tank while I am out of town. The ice cube trick would be easy for her. Thanks for your input!

01/26/2009, 12:02 AM	#2
2thdeekay Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 664	Novel idea. Chemically, there shouldn't be a problem, just the temp issue... Have you considered a properly sized graduated cylinder or other measuring device?