Is Prestone still safe? (Randy's 2 part recipe)

[ThePurple12]

Do people still successfully use Prestone Driveway Heat? Randy's article says it's safe to use, but it was written several years ago. What concerns me is that it's now advertised as "4x more effective". Here's the Prestone I picked up at Home Depot:

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Can you compare the active ingredients on yours to the ingredients in what randy was using?

@Randy Holmes-Farley

 

[ThePurple12]

I just found out that when it says 4x as effective, it means 4x effective as a bag of ROCK SALT! Great.

It also says 100% calcium chloride. http://publicsalt.com/product/prestone-driveway-heat/

 

[ThePurple12]

I went ahead and mixed up a gallon, using 2 instead of 2.5 cups.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I do not know it the sourcing of the material has changed or not.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The SDS currently lists an unpublished amount of calcium hydroxide in it. I don't think it listed that in the past.

 

[ThePurple12]

That shouldn't hurt anything, right? Isn't calcium hydroxide kalk?

Thanks for the recipe, by the way. It's really helpful, easy to make, and most importantly, cheap!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

That shouldn't hurt anything, right? Isn't calcium hydroxide kalk?

Thanks for the recipe, by the way. It's really helpful, easy to make, and most importantly, cheap!

Yes, it's likely not a big deal, but is an indication that the material is likely different.

 

[ThePurple12]

I'll update this thread if anything goes wrong. I've already dosed about 5 cups to raise calcium from 340 to 420 (not in the same dose).

 

[reef_ninja]

I'll update this thread if anything goes wrong. I've already dosed about 5 cups to raise calcium from 340 to 420 (not in the same dose).

Wondering if you have any updates or notice anything odd about your reef?

Most of my SPS is on its way out, and about half of my LPS arent excited about life. So in addition to addressing some nutrient issues, Im trying to weed out possible sources of contamination. I use Prestone Driveway heat as well.

 

[ThePurple12]

Wondering if you have any updates or notice anything odd about your reef?

Most of my SPS is on its way out, and about half of my LPS arent excited about life. So in addition to addressing some nutrient issues, Im trying to weed out possible sources of contamination. I use Prestone Driveway heat as well.

Well, my reef has also been unhealthy, but nothing's gotten worse since using Prestone. Not too helpful, but it's all I can say.

 

[reef_ninja]

Well, my reef has also been unhealthy, but nothing's gotten worse since using Prestone. Not too helpful, but it's all I can say.

I was able to find an MSDS since posting, and it doesnt look like there's anything concerning on it. Not sure if this would list any trace elements like copper, but I think Im satisfied.

Bummer to hear your reefs not all that well, I certainly understand the frustration.

 

[Gtinnel]

I was able to find an MSDS since posting, and it doesnt look like there's anything concerning on it. Not sure if this would list any trace elements like copper, but I think Im satisfied.

Bummer to hear your reefs not all that well, I certainly understand the frustration.

Have you started using the Prestone Driveway Heat, and if so have you had any issues? I'm getting ready to start making diy 2 part and this is the most available source of calcium that I can find. I don't see anything that stands out as bad to me but wanted to get someone else's personal experience if possible.

 

[reef_ninja]

Have you started using the Prestone Driveway Heat, and if so have you had any issues? I'm getting ready to start making diy 2 part and this is the most available source of calcium that I can find. I don't see anything that stands out as bad to me but wanted to get someone else's personal experience if possible.

For all my tanks in the past 10+ years Ive been using this and have never had any issues identified from it. My mind is pretty settled that its safe.

 

[Gtinnel]

For all my tanks in the past 10+ years Ive been using this and have never had any issues identified from it. My mind is pretty settled that its safe.

I looked up the sds for it and everything I see on it looks to be fine to add to the tank so knowing that others have used it without issues helps put my mind at ease.
Thanks