Planted Aquarium Iron Q&A
If you’re an aquarium enthusiast that’s new to the hobby, you’re likely wondering how much iron you need in your planted aquarium, and whether you need supplemental iron added at all.
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about iron in a planted aquarium, as well as all your questions on how our AquaLife products can benefit your plants.
Q: Do the AquaLife products contain iron?
A: No, we do not add iron to AquaLife plant products.
Q: Do I need to be using an iron supplement?
A: Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient for plants. Symptoms of iron deficiency are most readily apparent in the new growth of fast-growing stem plants, such as Hygrophila, which will take on a yellowish to white appearance. Because iron is present in some water supplies and in most aquarium foods, planted tanks with fish are unlikely to experience an iron shortage.
In conclusion, it is not necessary to routinely add an iron supplement to your aquarium. Adding iron to your planted aquarium should only be done if you are experiencing deficiency symptoms, and if you have ruled out other possible causes.
Read More: Is Activated Carbon, Purigen, de-Nitrate, or Poly Filters useful for Planted Tanks?
Other Possible Causes
If your plants are suffering from what appears to be iron deficiency, there could be another explanation, such as:
- • Lack of Carbon Dioxide. Too little carbon dioxide can produce symptoms like iron deficiency.
- • Deficiency of Magnesium. A lack of magnesium can also cause issues for your plants.
- • Too Much Iron. Finally, be aware that adding too much iron can have negative effects on plant growth.
Q: If iron supplements are unnecessary, why do so many manufacturers urge us to use one?
A: Short answer: it adds to their revenue stream.
However, it is worth noting that iron supplements can be a lifesaver if you are indeed having problems due to an iron deficiency. Pictured here is our Flourish Iron product, which we recommend if your plants are experiencing chlorosis, or yellowing of the tissue between the veins or the short stems. To test out your level of iron in your tank, you may want to take a look at our Fe test kits, such as our 0.5 oz 15ml test kit here.
Many articles in hobbyist magazines and online forums recommend maintaining iron concentration at 0.5-1.0 ppm, guided by test kit results. Again, this is simply not necessary in most situations unless your plants have an iron deficiency.
Q. How do aquarium plants use iron?
A. Plants use iron to produce what is known as chlorophyll, which is a green pigment that helps plants absorb light and make energy. To get more energy, plants may require additional iron to produce an abundance of chlorophyll. Adding additional iron to your aquarium may result in healthier plant growth or more vivid color – however, as we’ve stated before, in most situations, this is not necessary.
Q. Do red plants need iron?
A. For the most part, iron helps to create green chlorophyll pigment, not red pigment. There are exceptions, however, such as scarlet temple or Ammannia gracilis, which may benefit from additional iron. This is because they are high light plants that tend to use more nutrients overall.
Bottom Line
Iron is a vital nutrient in any planted aquarium. However, if your plants don’t appear to be suffering from nutrient deficiencies, you likely don’t need to add any additional iron.
Also, you don’t need supplemental iron if you are using well water or iron-enriched substrate that contain plenty of iron already.
Your Online Source for Iron Products & Information
At SevenPorts, our experts have been keeping aquariums for many years. We have personal experience with how to keep a freshwater or saltwater aquarium thriving.
If you have further questions on iron, iron test kits, or supplemental iron products, give our team a call at 1 (626) 333-5372 and we’ll be happy to help you. Or shop our iron products online.