Description
Technical Background
Photosynthesis is carried out within cell bodies known as Chloroplasts. Iron is utilized in the electron transport chain within the chloroplasts, and is therefore required by photosynthetic organisms for continued functioning and health. In marine aquaria, these organisms include macroalgae (such as Caulerpa, Halimeda, and Penicillus spp.), marsh grasses and mangroves, encrusting calcareous algae, and the symbiotic zooxanthellae and zoochlorellae that reside within the tissues of hermatypic corals, clams, and their allies, as well as in some sponges. In effect, the availability of iron becomes a limiting factor in the rate of photosynthesis, and hence the rate of nutrient uptake and growth, for these organisms. While each aquarium will require different concentrations of iron, a good place to begin is within a range of 0.05 - 0.10 ppm; this will generally provide sufficient iron for the photosynthetic organisms present in the system. Some aquaria may require, or benefit from, iron concentrations greater than 0.10 ppm, however greatly exceeding this level is not recommended. The best method of determining the optimal iron concentration for an aquarium is to begin at 0.05 ppm and then gradually (i.e. over a period of weeks) increase the concentration as warranted by the appearance of the aquarium. Phosphate is a substance that encourages growth of algae under the environmental conditions commonly found in marine aquaria, and overdosing iron in the presence of excessive phosphate may result in algal proliferation; for this reason, the concentration of phosphate in a marine aquarium should be maintained as close to immeasurable as possible.
The rate at which iron is extracted from the water is determined by the stocking density of photosynthetic organisms, type of lighting, and other conditions. Once the rate of iron uptake in the aquarium has been determined, the proper dosing rate of this product can be easily calculated.
Instructions and Guidelines
Basic: Shake product well before using. Add 5 ml (1 capful) of product per 50 US-gallons of aquarium water every other day or as needed to maintain the iron concentration within a range of 0.05 - 0.10 ppm. When used in this fashion, 250 ml treats up to 2,500 US-gallons (9,464 L).
Advanced: Determine the iron concentration in the aquarium using an accurate test kit before supplementing. Shake this product well before using. Each ml of Ferrion will increase the concentration of iron (“[Fe3+]”) in 1 US-gallon (3.785 L) of water by 1 ppm. It is advisable to ensure that the concentration of phosphate not exceed 0.05 ppm in the aquarium to be dosed with an iron supplement; see opposite sidebar for additional information. If the initial [Fe3+] in the aquarium is below 0.10 ppm, add this product at the maximum rate of 10 ml per 20 US-gallons daily until the desired concentration is attained, then dose daily or weekly as needed (see below). Always attempt to maintain the [Fe3+] within a range of +/-0.02 ppm. To determine the dosing rate of this product once the desired [Fe3+] has been acquired, measure the daily rate of iron uptake (i.e. the decrease in iron) in your aquarium by measuring the aquarium's [Fe3+] at the same time each day over a one- to two-week period. To determine the daily dosing rate (preferable to weekly dosing) for iron maintenance: estimate the volume of water in the entire aquarium system; multiply this number by the volume of water in the system to get the daily dosage required (ml) to maintain a stable [Fe3+]. Daily dosing maintains a more stable [Fe3+] (and more natural environment) than dosing weekly, in which the [Fe3+] spikes just after dosing and then gradually decreases throughout the course of the week.
Caution: Keep out of reach of children. Not for human consumption.
Guaranteed Analysis
0-0-0
Iron (Fe) (min) 0.40% Chelated Iron (118 mg/oz.; 4,000 ppm)
Ingredients
Purified water, Sodium feredetate