Sources for calcium and magnesium in your state

[neuroslicer]

Not long ago I reported a source of bulk anhydrous calcium chloride (food grade) that was produced by Mallinckrodt Baker, a chemical company that among other things makes highly purified research chemicals. I have obtained a chemical analysis of this calcium and it's pretty much identical to the old Dowflake mixture in terms of trace elements such as lead, fluoride and arsenic. It is more concentrated in the dehydrated (anhydrous) form than the old Dowflake, so you only need to mix 2 cups per gallon if you're following Randy's DIY two part recipe. I am attaching chemical analyses for both the old Dowflakes and the Mallinckrodt Baker (CALTAC) formula.

I have now found a cheap source for magnesium chloride, which along with magnesium sulfate (common epsom salts available at your nearby drug store) is used to boost magnesium levels in your reef tank. I also am attaching the chemical analyses of the MgCl2. The source of the new MgCl2 is North American Salt company, who make a variety of ice melt products. This particular MgCl2 is their industrial grade (not an ice melt product).

You're probably asking how much, and where can I get this stuff? Univar USA is a national distribution network company that ships and sells chemicals, and I was pleased to find a distribution warehouse in my town of Memphis. They ordered a single 50 lb bag of the CALTAC for $35 (including shipping...WOW), and also ordered a 50 lb bag of MgCl2 for $19 (including shipping ... WOW and more WOW). This is considerably cheaper than online sources commonly used by aquarists. So you're probably also wondering if Univar has a distribution site near where you live. I was very pleased to find that they have warehouses in most states, and in many states they have warehouses in multiple cities. So there could well be a Univar distribution site near where you live. Here's the link to Univar and their distribution network:

http://www.univarusa.com/pagesi/distributionnetwork?OpenForm

Finally, no, I don't work for Univar. I'm a research scientist here in Memphis with no ties to Univar (or Mallinckrodt Baker or North American Salt).

Happy reefing, and best fishes!
Neuroslicer

 

[pugbreath13]

Can you get a chemical analysis of the Calcium Hydroxide or how could I go about doing that?

 

[pugbreath13]

Also, how did you order it? It looks like on the website you have to be a business and set up an account.

 

[neuroslicer]

If all you're wanting is calcium hydroxide, i would still say the best and cheapest source is available at grocery stores: Ms. Wages Pickling lime. But the person at my local warehouse had the analysis worksheets readily available.

I ordered the chemicals through my workplace but went to the site and paid cash... if there's a distribution warehouse in your area, give them a call and see what they say.

 

[rsuplido]

Do you have the item or CAS numbers that they use for the CalTAC and the MgCl2?

Thanks.

 

[pugbreath13]

I called 3 locations in my state and none of them will sell to individuals.