Aqua Lab Aquaria
Community Member
We have been experimenting with more iron dosing in our reef tanks and we have been trying to narrow it down to an optimal iron source. This was largely inspired by the DSR method.
From what I've read, iron gluconate (Randy's recipe) will give ferrous iron whereas iron citrate (DSR recipe) will result in ferric iron. In seawater, does one have an advantage over another? Or are they ultimately the same in seawater?
Furthermore, I have heard that iron gluconate will result in gluconic acid. Is this considered a carbon source for bacteria? I recently watched the Long Island Aquarium video by Melev, and in it Joe Yaiullo mentions using a special iron preparation with a carbon source and says they were having promising results. I wonder if this is iron gluconate?
Finally, I have been experimenting with iron gluconate along with iron EDTA 13%. For the purpose of phosphate reduction, I would assume that these are both good iron sources. My understanding is that they are weak chelators in seawater and should therefore result in a spike of iron that is then depleted through precipitation or otherwise.
I am also hoping to fortify the tank with iron for the purpose of supporting macoalgae growth along with zoox photosynthesis. Would IronDPTA be better for this? I am considering a mixture of all three and placing on a doser for continuous additions. The goal is to enhance macro health while using the gluconic acid and iron to help reduce nutrients/phosphates.
Any insights would be great!
Kent
Aqua Lab
From what I've read, iron gluconate (Randy's recipe) will give ferrous iron whereas iron citrate (DSR recipe) will result in ferric iron. In seawater, does one have an advantage over another? Or are they ultimately the same in seawater?
Furthermore, I have heard that iron gluconate will result in gluconic acid. Is this considered a carbon source for bacteria? I recently watched the Long Island Aquarium video by Melev, and in it Joe Yaiullo mentions using a special iron preparation with a carbon source and says they were having promising results. I wonder if this is iron gluconate?
Finally, I have been experimenting with iron gluconate along with iron EDTA 13%. For the purpose of phosphate reduction, I would assume that these are both good iron sources. My understanding is that they are weak chelators in seawater and should therefore result in a spike of iron that is then depleted through precipitation or otherwise.
I am also hoping to fortify the tank with iron for the purpose of supporting macoalgae growth along with zoox photosynthesis. Would IronDPTA be better for this? I am considering a mixture of all three and placing on a doser for continuous additions. The goal is to enhance macro health while using the gluconic acid and iron to help reduce nutrients/phosphates.
Any insights would be great!
Kent
Aqua Lab
