THAM solution: what does " glacial " mean

[yraveh]

For the chemists among us.
I was reading about THAM solution .
I would like to know whether tromethamine is likely to be metabolized by reef tank bacteria.
can someone please explain what glacial as in "glacial acetic acid" mean.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Glacial acetic acid is 100% acetic acid. It solidifies slightly below room temp, hence the term glacial.

 

[yraveh]

got it.
I use tham solution quite frequently. It crossed my mind that for the same clinical reason that I favor Tromethmine over na-bicarbonate also exists in High CO2 low ph tanks.
I wondered whether this non-carbonic alkali would be safe in tanks.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It will likely be metabolized in the tank, but may be able to buffer the water a bit against pH changes, if that is a goal.