Accurately testing for Iron and dosing as required

[Curtis Scott]

I'm interested to see if there is an accurate test kit for Iron that I could use to test my tank.

Has anyone had success with testing for iron accurately and dosing with a product like Brightwell Aquatics Ferrion to bring the levels back up to natural sea water levels?

 

[fjsdvm]

I currently test with the Red Sea kit and am able to get consistent results. I dose iron with the Continuum product and dose 5ml's three times weekly to achieve a level of 0.10 ppm in a 70 gallon system.

 

[TimSc2013]

I started using the Red Sea test kit two weeks ago and it tested at 0.0 (low). I dosed the recommended amount of Red Sea Coral Color C, 60 ml over three days, to theoretically raise it to 0.15. Retested and the results remained at 0.0. Will add another 60 ml and retest. If no increase, I will try another supplement to try and rule out a faulty test kit.

 

[bct15]

Do your research, no test kit on the market can measure iron levels as low as you need them. The red sea test kit should read zero.

 

[TimSc2013]

The Red Sea kit I am using identifies 0.0 and 0.05 as being low, 0.15 as okay and 0.25 to 0.5 as being high. Am I missing something then as I would believe they have done their research when developing test kits and supplementing programs. Any additional information would be much appreciated.

 

[bct15]

I have the red sea test kit as well, but don't use it. The following links should be helpful, the article discusses dosing and the sorts.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1988301

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/8/chemistry

 

[Curtis Scott]

Since I can't find the Red Sea Iron test alone without having to purchase the pro kit that also includes the potassium and iodide kits. I'm leaning towards getting this test kit:
Amazon.com: Seachem MultiTest Iron Test Kit: Pet Supplies

And also dosing with this if there the iron is low.
Amazon.com: Brightwell Aquatics ABAFER500 Ferrion Liquid Salt Water Conditioners for Aquarium, 17-Ounce: Pet Supplies

 

[Curtis Scott]

I'm still sorta confused about what the right level for iron should be. Randy states natural sea water is only .000006ppm however the Red Sea test kit states .15 would be ideal.

Did you notice any color changes in your yellow SPS (if you have any, or in your tank in general) after bringing levels up to .1ppm?

I currently test with the Red Sea kit and am able to get consistent results. I dose iron with the Continuum product and dose 5ml's three times weekly to achieve a level of 0.10 ppm in a 70 gallon system.

 

[spspirate]

I'm interested to see if there is an accurate test kit for Iron that I could use to test my tank.

Has anyone had success with testing for iron accurately and dosing with a product like Brightwell Aquatics Ferrion to bring the levels back up to natural sea water levels?

Why not replenish it with water changes. How come your concerned about your iron levels?

 

[fjsdvm]

Curtis, I use Instant Ocean Reef Crystals as my salt mix. When I tested for iron multiple times, the results were zero ppm. I started dosing 5ml iron daily and rechecking on a weekly basis. In 2 weeks the levels rose to 0.15ppm. The green-yellow colors picked up dramatically both in my SPS and soft corals. I think we all understand that natural sea water has a much lower iron level, however it does not mean that we cannot artificially raise the levels to achieve greater color in our corals. In a recent post by Unique Corals they noted that they are experimenting with higher than natural potassium levels to increase coloration of their aquacultured corals. In response to bct15, sometimes we have to think outside the box.

 

[Curtis Scott]

Toxic green tort and other green SPS could be a lot more green, ruled out all others factors it could be, just want to rule out iron too.

Why not replenish it with water changes. How come your concerned about your iron levels?

 

[Curtis Scott]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for your response! Do you happen to have a link to that UC post? I'd love to read up on it. I'm thinking of keeping my potassium elevated to around 420-450 max in an effort to keep colors up too!

Curtis, I use Instant Ocean Reef Crystals as my salt mix. When I tested for iron multiple times, the results were zero ppm. I started dosing 5ml iron daily and rechecking on a weekly basis. In 2 weeks the levels rose to 0.15ppm. The green-yellow colors picked up dramatically both in my SPS and soft corals. I think we all understand that natural sea water has a much lower iron level, however it does not mean that we cannot artificially raise the levels to achieve greater color in our corals. In a recent post by Unique Corals they noted that they are experimenting with higher than natural potassium levels to increase coloration of their aquacultured corals. In response to bct15, sometimes we have to think outside the box.

 

[fjsdvm]

Curtis, first search for "Unique Corals" and find the posting entitled Random Musings on Coral Frags dated 09-13-2013 for their comments on potassium.