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Re: Aquatic Plants Digest V3 #1383

Hello Tom,

Most of the tablet ingredients are organic compounds that might provide
food for bacteria. The cellulose derivatives -- if they are insoluble --
will cloud the water. 

There is no percentage in divining the exact composition of the tablets,
because tablets are by far the MOST expensive method of adding CaCO3
ever devised!

Probably the best (and MUCH, much cheaper) route for your friend is to
get some GARDENING LIME which, most of the time is crushed dolomite
(Ca/Mg carbonate), or some other form of CaCO3.

ANY form of CaCO3 is only _slightly_ soluble in water. The solubility is
enhanced by CO2, so bubbling CO2 will help dissolve it.

An alternative method is to add CaCl2 (calcium chloride, often available
in hardware stores as a de-icer). It dissolves readilly, but will also
slightly acidify the water. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) will
correct it.

Best,

George

 
> Hello;
> 
> A friend of mine (not in the APD) is attempting reconstitute RO water for
> aquarium use. She went to her local pharmacy and got CaCO3 tablets and,
> after reading the ingredients, is wondering if there is anything in this
> tablet that would be unsafe for aquarium use. Not being a chemist myself, I
> thought I would ask the members of APD. Other than Calcium or Calcium
> Carbonate, here are the ingredients as listed on the bottle. Percentages not
> listed.
> 
> > Maltodextrin
> > Cellulose
> > Coating:                                           titanium dioxide
> >                                                         dextrose
> >                                                         hydroxypropyl
> > methylcellulose:
> >                                                         polyethylene
> glycol
> >                                                         sodium
> carboxymethyl
> > cellulose:
> >                                                         mineral oil
> >                                                         sodium citrate
> >                                                         polysorbate 80
> >                                                         dextrin
> > Croscarmellose Sodium
> > Magnesium Stearate
> 
> I would appreciate any analysis that could be provided as to its safety. If
> there is a recommended brand name for CaCO3 tablets, I would appreciate this
> as well. Is polyethylene glycol related in any way to ethylene glycol
> (Anti-Freeze)?
> 
> TIA
> Tom Bates
> Allentown, PA