Calcium Chloride is a very pure anhydrous grade free of phosphates and nitrates. The advantage of using Calcium Chloride as a calcium supplement in marine aquaria is its very high solubility in water. This property allows the aquarist to rapidly adjust calcium concentrations to desired levels.
The aquarist should be aware that Calcium Chloride does not add bicarbonate and carbonate ions to the system. Since most calcifying organisms require these ions in addition to calcium ions, the aquarist should monitor the alkalinity frequently when using Calcium Chloride and make the proper adjustments with a buffer additive. Calcium Chloride can directly reduce alkalinity by elevating the calcium ion concentration to excessively high levels and thereby initiate the precipitation of calcium carbonate from the water. This may or may not be visibly detectable, depending on the magnitude of precipitation.
Excessive use of Calcium Chloride may disrupt the balance of ions in a marine system by the continued addition of chloride ions. Since saltwater contains such a large concentration of chloride ions, it would take a very long time before significant chloride imbalance would occur, especially if water changes are performed. We recommend Calcium Hydroxide as a better long-term calcium supplement, but Calcium Chloride can be very useful in restoring proper calcium ion levels should they drop while using Calcium Hydroxide.
1 teaspoon will raise the calcium level by about 50 ppm in 10 gallons of water.
Shipping
How is my order shipped and what does it cost?
Orders are shipped either by Courier [currently FedEX Ground] or Postal Service --- the choice is yours!
For delivery by Courier, you pay the actual charges based on a 1 kG package [2.2 lbs] shipped via ground service, plus a nominal $1.00 service charge to cover the cost of insurance and packing materials. We pay any additional charges.
For Postal Service (your best value), shipping on orders under $100.00 is $13.95 to most locations in Canada, exceptions noted below. For orders between $100.00 and $150.00 the rate is $9.95, for orders between $150.00 and $200.00 the rate is just $4.95 and for orders over $200.00 shipping is FREE. The more you order the more you save! The delivery standard for this service is between 1 to 7 business days between all major centers.
NOTE: Additional Shipping Charges apply to orders shipped to the NWT, YK, NU and some rural or remote locations in Canada as well as on over sized or heavy items indicated by the - Additional Shipping symbol.
The flat rate shipping cost used as well as our contribution towards that cost, is usually sufficient to cover the cost of shipping however if you are located in a remote or air stage area, additional shippings charges may apply. In those circumstances we'll contact you regarding any addtional cost so you can decide whether to proceed with your order or not. Otherwise we'll just get the order in its way to you.
When will my order be shipped?
On weekdays, in-stock merchandise is shipped the same day if received by 2:00 pm EST. Orders received after that, or on weekends or holidays, are shipped the next business day.
Do you ship to the US or to other International destinations?
Currently we are only shipping within Canada.
Returns
What if I want to return an item?
Should you find it necessary to return an item, please call us first. All returns should be properly packaged to avoid damage and should include all original boxes and paperwork to receive a refund, replacement or credit. Shipping fees are not refundable, unless, of course, you are returning defective merchandise or merchandise we sent in error.
What do I do if a product breaks or doesn't preform as promised?
Keep all warranties and owner's manuals you receive with your merchandise. In the event an item becomes defective or just doesn't live up to your expectations, please refer to the warranty information you received for proper handling procedures.