Potassium Chloride KCl

Potassium Chloride

Properties of Potassium Chloride:

• Formula: KCl
• CAS No. 7447-40-7
• Appearance: white crystals
• Other names: Muriate of potash
• Molecular formula: KCl
• Molar mass: 74.55 g/mol
• Density: 1.98 g/cm³
• Melting point: 770 C
• Solubility: 344g/100g H2O at 20^oC

Common Uses of Potassium Chloride

1. Fertilizer

• Role: A major source of potassium, an essential nutrient for plant growth.
• Application: Widely used in agriculture as a potash fertilizer, improving crop yields by enhancing water retention, enzyme activation, and disease resistance in plants.

2. Cosmetic Industry

• suitable for use in cosmetic applications where a higher grade is required.

3. Laboratory Applications

• Laboratory reagent compound
• For manufacturing potassium and potassium hydroxide
• Used in water softener units

4. Industrial Applications

• Chemical Production: Used in manufacturing potassium hydroxide (KOH) and other potassium compounds.
• Drilling Fluids: Acts as a clay stabilizer in oil and gas drilling to prevent the collapse of well walls.

5. Water Treatment

• Regeneration of Water Softeners: Used as a substitute for sodium chloride in water softeners, exchanging potassium for calcium and magnesium ions to reduce water hardness.

6. Laboratory and Scientific Applications

• Buffer Solutions: Used to prepare buffer solutions in biochemical and pharmaceutical research.
• Heat Packs: Its exothermic dissolution makes it useful in chemical heat packs.

7. Other Applications

• Fire Extinguishers: Used in certain types of dry chemical fire extinguishers.
• Explosives: Used in some explosive formulations as an oxidizer.
• Ice Melt:  Used as an ice melt compound
• Aquariums and reef tanks. (see below)

Potassium Chloride in Aquariums and Reef Tanks

Why is Potassium Chloride Used?

Potassium chloride (KCl) is used in aquariums and reef tanks primarily as a potassium supplement to maintain the health of corals, aquatic plants, and invertebrates. Potassium is an essential macro-element that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including:

• Cellular function and osmoregulation in fish and invertebrates.
• Photosynthesis and growth in marine macroalgae and aquatic plants.
• Color enhancement in corals, particularly SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals like Acropora.
• Electrolyte balance in freshwater and saltwater aquariums.

1. Potassium Supplementation for Reef Tanks

• Corals, especially SPS corals, require potassium to support skeletal growth and pigmentation. The blue and purple hues in corals are often influenced by potassium levels.
• In reef tanks, potassium levels should be maintained at 350–450 ppm (parts per million).
• Dosing Instructions:
  • Dissolve KCl in RO/DI (Reverse Osmosis/Deionized) water before adding to the tank.
  • Dose slowly and monitor potassium levels with a potassium test kit.
  • A common dosing ratio is 10-20 ppm increase per dose, but this depends on individual tank needs.

2. Potassium for Freshwater Planted Tanks

• Aquatic plants require potassium for photosynthesis and nutrient transport.
• Deficiency in potassium can cause yellowing or browning of leaves, slow growth, and weak stems.
• Potassium chloride is used as a potassium fertilizer in freshwater planted tanks, especially in high-tech CO₂-injected setups.
• Dosing Instructions:
  • A general guideline is 10-30 ppm weekly, based on plant density and lighting conditions.
  • Can be added via dry dosing or as a solution mixed with distilled water.

3. Electrolyte Balance for Freshwater Fish

• Potassium plays a role in osmoregulation, helping fish regulate their bodily fluids and reducing stress.
• Some aquarists use KCl to replace lost electrolytes in soft water aquariums.
• It is commonly used in discus and African cichlid tanks, where water mineral content is lower.
• Dosing Instructions:
  • Typically added at 5-10 ppm per dose, based on fish species and water conditions.
  • Overdosing can lead to imbalances, affecting fish gills and aquatic plants.

4. Potassium as a Dechlorinator Alternative

• In some cases, potassium chloride is used in water softening systems as a safer alternative to sodium-based dechlorinators.
• It helps remove chlorine and chloramine from tap water when preparing water for aquariums.
• Dosing Instructions:
  • Small amounts (less than 5 ppm) are used when conditioning tap water.

Precautions When Using Potassium Chloride in Aquariums

• Test potassium levels regularly with a reliable test kit to avoid overdosing.
• Avoid excessive dosing, as high potassium levels can cause:
  • Coral tissue necrosis (in reef tanks).
  • Disruptions in fish osmoregulation.
  • Toxicity in sensitive plants.

Conclusion

Potassium chloride (KCl) is a valuable supplement in aquariums and reef tanks, used primarily for coral health, aquatic plant growth, and fish osmoregulation. Proper dosing and monitoring ensure a balanced and thriving ecosystem, making KCl an essential component for many advanced aquarists.

PLEASE NOTE: This product is not for human consumption.

Click here to view Safety Data Sheet MSDS

Click here for Specification Data sheet