What is precipitation?

spleify

Premium Member
I hear once in a while if your levels get to high, you will expierence "precipitation. I think I've heard it related to calcium. What does this mean? And what are the signs? Thanks in advance.
 
the short definition: when compounds come out of solution (un-dissolve :) ) and form a solid compound.
(or white snot if you screw up and dissolve calcium chloride and epsom salt together :D)
 
What everyone else has said.

In the specific case of an aquarium percipitative Calcium, this is usually caused when there is too much, and a white film starts to adhere on surfaces, namely heated ones (pumps, heaters, etc)
 
calcium precipitation will also look like a snow storm in the tank. if done right your tank becomes a very expense snow globe, without the music :D.

on a more serious note. if your calc and alk are off, you run the risk of calcium precipitation. its not devastating to the tank, but you will want to fix the problem quickly.
 
Precipitation occurs when moisture in the atmosphere condenses and falls to the ground in the form of rain, snow, sleet, and hail. :lmao:

Seriously, like has been said, it is basically when you get too much of something dissolved in a solution. The solution can't hold anymore, so some of it "precipitates" out, usually in the form of a crystalline solid. Precipitation also can occur when two soluble compounds to react and form a solid in solution.

Try making rock candy and you can see precipitation first hand for yourself. Just google it if interested.
 
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