high iron

mikem.dvm · Jun 11, 2023

I just got an ICP analysis back and my iron is very high. 106 ug/l. Now I'm trying to find a source and also attempting to slowly remove it from my tank.

I ran the ICP because I had some corals die and couldn't find an easy answer.

I am sending out an ICP on my RO/DI water and salt mix and as long as that comes back ok do some serial water changes to lower the iron level.

I checked for any rust or metals that could have mistakenly been dropped in the tank or sump but didn't find anything.

I run carbon, but wasn't sure if it would remove iron?

I'm on city water and have a 7 stage BRS ro/DI system. I will be ordering new filters and carbon blocks to make sure that is all new.

Wallace11 · Jun 11, 2023

Are you dosing anything? For example ChaetoGro has high iron.
Although 106 ug/l is pretty high. Anything else high in the ICP?

mikem.dvm · Jun 11, 2023

I do dose chaetogro. I checked all the ingredients and none of the other ingredients in chaetogro are high.

Iodine was slightly low. Lithium slightly low

Triton lab recommended iodine and boron.

I have had some stn on acros. Not sure if iron can do that or need to keep looking.

I’m running carbon and assumed that should help remove iron?

Wallace11 · Jun 11, 2023

I would look for a potential source (pumps, damaged magnets etc.), but don't get too concerned; iron at 20-30 ug/l has no detrimental effect and it is hard to overdose (not sure about >100 though). I would back off or stop the ChaetoGro for now as it will only increase the already high iron. GAC will help. Poly-filters by Poly Bio Marine and Cuprisorb by Seachem will be more effective at metal removal.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jun 12, 2023

I do not think that iron level is problematic. Some folks recommend it (e.g., Red Sea).

Looking for metal in the water is worthwhile.

Finally, it may also be test error. Which ICP company? Not all are equally reliable.