Iron Dosing

cdness · Jun 1, 2015

I just tested my tank's Iron tonight and it shows 0... So it looks like I need to start dosing.

What do you currently use to dose Iron?

Is there a DIY Iron supplement?

JimWelsh · Jun 2, 2015

If I was going to Google it for you, I'd probably search for "Randy Holmes Farley iron DIY".

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jun 2, 2015

I currently use a DIY made from Fergon brand iron tablets from the drug store. Dissolve a tablet in something like 20 ml of DO/DI water, let it settle and use the clear liquid. Keep tightly closed when not in use

The dose isn't important, but something like 1 mL per week per 100 gallons seems to work for many. It can be split to more frequent dosing if you like. Iron depletes fairly rapidly.

DrBoxedWine · Jun 3, 2015

Dosing iron, eh? I learn something new everyday in this hobby. I just did some reading on Advanced Aquarist, and they were saying if you're having a micro algae problem (which i am) you might want to hold off on this. I have noticed, however, that my fuge chaeto isn't as dark green as it once was and has slowed it's growth, despite their clearing being too many nutrients in my tank. Should I wait until the micro algae clear up or do you think I could hit up walgreens today and start in?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jun 3, 2015

FWIW, I was told two decades ago that I might be able to spur macroalgae and decrease microalgae by dosing iron. The microalgae was growing on the macroalgae.

But after dosing iron that abated, and the person who suggested it was correct.

But it is true that if iron is limiting the growth of algae (or corals or whatever), adding it may boost the growth.

DrBoxedWine · Jun 3, 2015

Interesting, sounds like I may give it a try!

DrBoxedWine · Jun 3, 2015

Thanks a bunch Randy! Helpful as always!

cdness · Jun 3, 2015

Stupid me has read your Article Randy about the Fergon brand iron tablets. Unfortunately I have not been able to source any locally. Are any other tablets OK to use or should I continue to try find the Fergon brand?

beaslbob · Jun 3, 2015

cdness said:
Stupid me has read your Article Randy about the Fergon brand iron tablets. Unfortunately I have not been able to source any locally. Are any other tablets OK to use or should I continue to try find the Fergon brand?

I think the gernic is ferris gluconate and available at any drug/heath store.

WetWhistle · Jun 3, 2015

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
FWIW, I was told two decades ago that I might be able to spur macroalgae and decrease microalgae by dosing iron. The microalgae was growing on the macroalgae.

But after dosing iron that abated, and the person who suggested it was correct.

But it is true that if iron is limiting the growth of algae (or corals or whatever), adding it may boost the growth.

I have been doing the same thing for over two decades. Dosing iron does help the macro algae grow and outcompetes the micro algae. Macro algae likes to store it within the cells for growth. So it strips iron from the water at a fast pace for some people.

cdness · Jun 3, 2015

This one even says "Compare to FERGON" on to bottle...

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/mason-natural-ferrous-gluconate-100-tabs?csi=NAB083&csp=MSN037

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jun 3, 2015

Check the "other" ingredients in non-Fergon brands to be sure there isn't something undesirable (like phosphate salts).

The above linked one looks fine. Just be sure to let it settle and not dose the solids.

DrBoxedWine · Jun 3, 2015

Is ferrous sulfate ok? Or does it need to be gluconate?

DrBoxedWine · Jun 4, 2015

I had my local drug store order me this: http://m.drugstore.com/fergon-high-potency-iron-supplement-tablets/qxp265172

Granted, all the ingredients are blacked out, but do you see any reason I couldn't use this? The "high potency" and "easy to swallow" is what I'm nervous about... Thoughts, Randy? Thanks again for your help!