iron for macro algae?

[Catch23]

I recently learned that the salt I use apparently has no iodine...so I will now dose weekly to get the levels where they need to be. I was told that Tech-I is pretty good...any experience with this brand?

Also, I read somewhere that macro algae needs iron. I use Essential Elements and Coral-Vite weekly (both of which have some iron) - but is this enough for the macro algae? I will run an iron test to see where I'm at before I do anything. I don't know if the salt I use has iron...it's Red Sea Coral Pro. The label says nothing about iron and the website wasn't very helpful. Neither was their customer service. :devil:

Thanks,
Catch23

 

[SuperScro]

Macro Algaes do need iron, but I heard or read somewhere that too much iron can be harmful above a certain level, to your corals maybe? Just dose small amounts and make sure it doesn't get high and you should be ok.

 

[Amphiprion]

It is difficult for iron to reach elevated levels in seawater, because it tends to precipitate as iron hydroxide. Other than calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium supplements, iron is the only other supplement that I can even recommend adding. I don't like to add iodine because it is difficult to properly test (not to mention its different forms in seawater) for and plenty tends to be added in food.

 

[Germanman]

really i would just recommend switching to Reef crystals as your salt, but i d use tech-I and like how it works, i also dose a bit of iron but not much. macros end to do well without to much iron, they just dont grow as fast.

 

[Catch23]

Thanks for the replies; I've bought Lugol's solution to help me increase the iodine levels.

I may change to Reef Crystals after I use up the Coral Pro salt. Any experience in switching brands? I've read somewhere that it might be somewhat risky...but I think if I do it gradually, it should be fine.

Thanks again,
Catch23

 

[blackwolfXKAV]

Here is a link that you may find useful on dosing and managing iron levels in a reef aquarium:

Iron

First Iron Article: Macroalgae and Dosing Recommendations
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/aug2002/chem.htm

Second Iron Article: Iron: A Look at Organisms Other than Macroalgae
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/oct2002/chem.htm



It may seem complicated, but in the long run it seems to be, add a little, wait for results type of thing.

Hope this helps, B.W.

 

[Germanman]

i have never seen any major problems with changing salts. in most parts they are all the same, just different doses and how they are put together. if done through regular water changes all you should get is some shrinkage of the corals tell they acclimate.