Identifying Calcium Chloride Type

[Justdrew]

I grabbed some food grade calcium chloride from a beer making supplier. Can the type of calcium chloride (Anhydrous or dihydrate) be identified by the shape. It is in little pellets which reminds me of Kent’s Turbo Calcium. It’s not specified on the label.

Thanks

 

[Trickman2]

I have no clue but seems like a risky move. You could test a small amount of water - pre test it and then add a small amount of the crystals and then figure out by the amount it increases. Still doesn’t seem like it would be worth the risk.

 

[Justdrew]

I have no clue but seems like a risky move. You could test a small amount of water - pre test it and then add a small amount of the crystals and then figure out by the amount it increases. Still doesn’t seem like it would be worth the risk.

I wouldn't really consider there any risk here as it is food grade. I am just trying to identify the type to know how many grams to use to make my 2 part solution.

 

[jaycethebird]

I grabbed some food grade calcium chloride from a beer making supplier. Can the type of calcium chloride (Anhydrous or dihydrate) be identified by the shape. It is in little pellets which reminds me of Kent’s Turbo Calcium. It’s not specified on the label.

Thanks

No it is not possible to know from the shape. Only way to know is to test chemical composition which if it is only calcium and chlorine you can test using weight, and that will tell you calcium to chlorine ratio, but if you don't know if that is all then you can't do a easy at home test.

 

[Justdrew]

Looks like I will have to experiment then using the reef chemistry calculator and see what raises I get with known amounts. Thanks

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Easier test: dissolve in water. Anhydrous calcium chloride gets hot.

 

[rtparty]

Wild guess but add some to water and see if you hear a quick sizzle sound. When I was doing the salt test I noticed Brightwell salt made a sizzle sound when added to water. I was told this was from the anhydrous calcium they use

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The hydrate gets cooler in water, so the test is distinctive.

That’s why the anhydrous version is sometimes sold as Pretone Driveway heat.

 

[Justdrew]

The hydrate gets cooler in water, so the test is distinctive.

That’s why the anhydrous version is sometimes sold as Pretone Driveway heat.

Thanks a bunch. I knew it got hot, but didn't know the other one actually cooled.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Actually, I spoke too soon. The google ai misled me. They both release heat, but anhydrous is a lot more.

Sorry :(

 

[Miami Reef]

It’s OK, Randy.

My calcium chloride from BRS (hydrate) doesn’t get cold or hot. It gets very mildly warm, but it’s essentially undetectable.

I remember when I started the hobby, the calcium chloride was HOT HOT.

 

[Justdrew]

It’s OK, Randy.

My calcium chloride from BRS (hydrate) doesn’t get cold or hot. It gets very mildly warm, but it’s essentially undetectable.

I remember when I started the hobby, the calcium chloride was HOT HOT.

I remember turbo calcium getting blazing hot. I’ll report back what I find.

 

[Justdrew]

I finally got around to mixing this up. I added 200 grams to 1/2 gallon of water and the temp went from 91 to 119. I’m voting for anhydrous. I added another quart of water and added another 200 grams and the temp went to 133. Sticking with 400 grams to make a gallon due to being anhydrous.