Is this CaSO4.2h2O OKay?

[Unexpected]

Is there any reason this would be different from GLA's CaSO4.2H2O?

https://a.co/d/8wzIFJr

 

[Art]

I think it's the same thing. I don't know the type that Orlando uses in his GLA one but I always try to buy at least lab grade chemicals. The one you link is feed grade, which is usually considered lower quality (i.e., has more impurities).

GLA says that it's 97% CaSO4.2H2O that would make his ACS grade (highest quality).

For me, impurities end up settling at the bottom of my container making a sticky mess.

 

[BigWave]

10 pounds will last you a very very long time. Then you also have to be able to store it securly in a dry water proof container of some sort. For our hobby purity doesnt matter much to the plants. They get what they need, but as Art said the containments leaves a mess or solids at the bottom.
There are many places to buy fertz from. Each has their own qualities (good or bad). GLA, Nilocg Aquatics, AquariumFertilizer.com, Beer brewing stores like LD Carlson, Hydroponic shops, Ebay, Amazon etc etc.

 

[Unexpected]

Thank you both. I usually get GLA's powders but I was seeing if I could stretch my dollar a bit more. I will see if there's a lab grade option.

 

[Aquascape_SG]

I'm actually jealous that you guys can get fertilizer salts from so many sources.
Here in Singapore, it's a huge challenge.
Something as simple as magnesium sulfate is from a very few sources(in retail quantity). I buy from a local pharmacy. Tried getting cheaper from an online store from Malaysia and it was a nightmare. I mixed a teaspoon in a some water and the solution turned orange in color .

 

[Unexpected]

I'm actually jealous that you guys can get fertilizer salts from so many sources.
Here in Singapore, it's a huge challenge.
Something as simple as magnesium sulfate is from a very few sources(in retail quantity). I buy from a local pharmacy. Tried getting cheaper from an online store from Malaysia and it was a nightmare. I mixed a teaspoon in a some water and the solution turned orange in color .

Wow! I would have thought it would be readily available on your side of the globe. Planted tanks aren’t as popular here versus Europe and Asia. Maybe I’m wrong but it seems this way. Is it because of regulations?

 

[Aquascape_SG]

Wow! I would have thought it would be readily available on your side of the globe. Planted tanks aren’t as popular here versus Europe and Asia. Maybe I’m wrong but it seems this way. Is it because of regulations?

Before the pandemic, there were a few other suppliers but sadly most have shut down. Even buying potassium sulfate, potassium phosphate is getting harder by the day. Many folks here run small to mid sized tanks and hence use off the shelf fertilizers. For my 800+ liters ( 210+ gal ), dosing premixed fertilizers is very expensive.
But in Singapore, we have been blessed with very clean tap water. My tape water for example is 60 TDS with kh of 0-1 and GH of 19. We're spoiled for choice for plants and fish varieties.

 

[Unexpected]

Before the pandemic, there were a few other suppliers but sadly most have shut down. Even buying potassium sulfate, potassium phosphate is getting harder by the day. Many folks here run small to mid sized tanks and hence use off the shelf fertilizers. For my 800+ liters ( 210+ gal ), dosing premixed fertilizers is very expensive.
But in Singapore, we have been blessed with very clean tap water. My tape water for example is 60 TDS with kh of 0-1 and GH of 19. We're spoiled for choice for plants and fish varieties.

You are lucky there. I have to make 100 gallons of RO/DI water weekly. It’s not something I enjoy.

 

[Aquascape_SG]

You are lucky there. I have to make 100 gallons of RO/DI water weekly. It’s not something I enjoy.

My wife would give me the red light for my planted tank if I were to have RO/DI water filters....
So in a way, you're lucky also...

 

[gjcarew]

This is the calcium sulfate I'm using. I just picked the cheapest food grade one, and so far my fish and plants are fine