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News & Reviews Article
| Title |
The Benefits of Iron Supplements in a Reef Tank |
| Author |
Sheridan Henson
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| Last Updated |
2009-12-08
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| Abstract |
Iron plays a vital role in the growth and development of most plants and animals, including those in a reef environment.
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The Benefits of Iron Supplements in a Reef Tank
While strolling through the reef supplements, I noticed (what I thought) was a curious element needed for reef tanks: iron. Most reef hobbyists are very familiar with adding calcium and alkalinity buffer. All know the importance of proper salinity and food variety, but few have ventured to understand the necessity of Iron. The benefits of iron are numerous. When treating with iron, some species of macroalgae grow faster, and appear a darker, lush green. This increased growth allows the macroalgae to increase their nutrient intake, competing with microalgae. Microalgae (diatom, red slime, brown slime, etc.) now has to compete with the macroalgae for nutrients. This competition might even discourage the sexual reproduction of Caulerpa, which many reef keepers consider a nuisance.
The simple reason for adding iron to a reef tank is that all living organisms need it. Either through food intake or liquid solution, all organisms develop complex methods to collect iron indicating the importance of iron in the proper development of life. For fish, they collect their needed allowance of iron through the food they ingest. As long as fish intake the appropriate foods, fish will never suffer from iron deficiency regardless of the water column�s iron levels. For photosynthesizing organisms like macroalgae and phytoplankton, iron is a staple element in oxidation. Photosynthesis splits carbon dioxide molecules into carbon and oxygen. Iron serves as a vehicle for this change.
It�s fairly easy to determine the proper amount to use when dosing with iron because overdosing isn�t a huge concern. Extra iron does not cause any apparent harm. The only overdosing indicator might be the rise of microalgae or any organisms showing negative reactions to the dosage. In this case, reduce the dose or stop treatment completely.
When purchasing iron supplements, remember to purchase the saltwater versions and not the freshwater supplements. In most freshwater versions, the iron is not chelated to an organic molecule, causing the iron to precipitate in saltwater before it has time to fortify the system.
Two reputable companies carry iron supplements you can trust. Brightwell Aquatics offers an iron supplement with manganese included Ferrion iron is designed for long term development containing no phosphates, nitrates, or silicates which encourage microalgae growth. This type of iron is chelated, yellow in color, and is boasted as the highest quality iron available to the manufacturer. Unlike iron oxide (rust) and other dark brown irons, it will stay in solution longer and provide sustained iron to algae and corals over a long period of time. Brightwell Aquatics Ferrion Supplement
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