Is this kalk

[izzie]

I think i may have finally found a huge bag of kalk for $10. Its called hydrated lime at home depot. Its 95.4%min calcium hydroxide, 4.0% max calcium carbonate and then i think 0.6% max magnesium. Is this good for kalk. Its in with the cement products so didnt want to buy until i was 100% sure it was the right stuff.
Izzie

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It may not be adequately pure, but it sounds like mostly the right chemical.

 

[izzie]

I dont understand what adequately pure means. I thought if it was 94.5% min calcium hydroxide that ment that it was 95.4% pure then with the other stuff. Could there still be stuff in it that are not listed making it less then 94.5% pure?? Thanks.
Izzie

 

[izzie]

anyone...i would like to pick up a bag tonight but im scared to now. Not sure what randy ment by that comment.
Izzie

 

[izzie]

what does it mean by this

what does it mean by this

If on a bag of calcium hydroxide it says 95.4% pure does that mean that its 95.4% pure kalk. I posted previously and randy said that it may still not be that pure. What did he mean by that. Thanks.
Izzie

 

[BONDQ]

Randy is far more knowledable on this topic than I , but I would think that something at Home Depot could have other chemicals in that have not been taken out that could adversely affect your tank. Keeping in mind that folks buying it at Home Depot are buying it for different reasons (not reefkeeping).

My thought is that if you invested a large amount money for your tank and inhabitants (haven't we all) that spending a little more on guaranteed pure additives would be a better way to go.

If you do give it a try, keep us posted on your progress.

Perhaps you found a great deal all of us will want to know about.

 

[boxfishpooalot]

It means that the other 4.6% can be anything. Copper, ammonia, aluminum ect.

 

[izzie]

It says calcium hydroxide 95.4% min calcium bicarbonate 4.0% max and then magnesium 0.4% max and then calcium 0.2% but randy still said it might not be that pure. What did he mean by that. Please see other post also.
Izzie

 

[palmerc]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9352296#post9352296 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by izzie
I dont understand what adequately pure means. I thought if it was 94.5% min calcium hydroxide that ment that it was 95.4% pure then with the other stuff. Could there still be stuff in it that are not listed making it less then 94.5% pure?? Thanks.
Izzie

There are many other components besides what is listed on the bag, which could be present, and which could also be hazardous to your tank and it's inhabitants. Some of these only need to be present at PPM levels to be a possible danger.

Randy is just being cautious (and rightly so) as there is no way for him to be able to recommend a product he does not know about.

Clinton

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

What such things do not list is how much copper, lead, arsenic, etc. A bag can say 100% calcium hydroxide, and yet there is always other stuff in it. A bag intended for use on lawns and gardens may not have any of the types of quality control and impurity restrictions that food grades and other high grades of lime have.

I discuss grades and impurities in such materials here:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.php#3

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I'll merge the other thread here.

 

[Bri Guy]

I would at least use food grade lime! That way you know that it was handled in a semi clean environment, and at $2.50 a lb, U are already saving a load of $!!!

Its going to take me a good part of a year to go through 1lb, I cant imagian 50lbs.