Is Snow Joe (red label) a safe source for calcium chloride?

[threebuoys]

This product was questioned several years ago. I don't think the content was ever confirmed. This is what I see now.

Do you think this is safe now, or do you have recommendations for similar products for an inexpensive source compared to calcium chloride packaged specifically for aquariums?

Thanks,

The ingredients for this are as follows:
The material safety sheet shows:
94% Calcium Chloride (CaCl2)
5% Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
0.5% Magnesium (MgCl2)
0.25% Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)
0.25% Insoluble Water
0.05% Sulfate (CaSO4)
0.006% Iron (Fe)

$46 for 50 lbs, 10 and 25 lb bags also available

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I don’t know if it is adequately pure or not. None of the things listed are a big concern, but other impurities may be an issue.

 

[threebuoys]

Do you have recommendations for other similar products or do you stay away from doing that?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Do you have recommendations for other similar products or do you stay away from doing that?

I recommend a purity graded product if possible. Food grade is good. USP grade is also good. Nongraded materials can be fine, but it has been so long since I tested any that I’m wary to recommend any.

 

[threebuoys]

Thanks Randy, I am risk adverse too!

I went back an reviewed the SDS for the product and looks like I got lucky. It says food grade (partial copy of SDS below).

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If it is food grade, then I'd use it. I wouldn't be sure that sentence means it is food grade, but it might be. None of the product uses mention food.

 

[threebuoys]

Thanks for the heads up. Where or how would one go about confirming the grade? Go directly to the business or is there a more systematic way?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks for the heads up. Where or how would one go about confirming the grade? Go directly to the business or is there a more systematic way?

Somehow it would indicate food grade. You can ask the manufacturer, certainly.

 

[threebuoys]

@Randy Holmes-Farley
I'm still searching for an inexpensive source for calcium chloride. The mfg for Snow-Joe advises the product is not graded for purity.

I notice in your article describing the two part formula you specifically mentioned Peladow pellets and dowflakes as two possible sources. However, earlier in this thread you indicated you had not run any tests for calcium chloride products in some time so , I'm guessing you would voice the same precautions about these two products now?

I did find a source for Briner's Choice FG, but shipping is very expensive since they only have 50 lb bags.

So, other than sticking with BRS or some of the other Hobby suppliers, do you have other suggestions for calcium chloride source?

Thanks