iron deficiency

[Ravnis]

I tested my iron in the water and have a zero reading. My growth has tripled in the last 2 weeks but now the plants are turning yellow on the leaves. The stems are still green so I am suspecting an iron deficit. I have not found a local place that sells the chelated iron.

I did come across something called greensand that is high in iron and potassium. Has anyone used this in a AP setup? Wondering if it will hurt the fish. Will it be available to plants as well. For the meantime I found a ferrous sulphate mix with copper and zinc and manganese that is applied as a foliar spray. I have sprayed the leaves with this and am currently waiting to see if it helps.

[Castaway]

Hi Ravnis How do you test for Iron deficiency? Is it a meter or test kit?

[aussieap]

I think Murray has mentioned greensand before. You will get 2 bangs for ur buck because the potassium will be helpful too. I don't know whether there are any detrimental things in there to the fish, if not, add a little to where the water enters each grow bed and just monitor what happens to ur plants and fish.

[Ravnis]

red sea test kit for Iron. If it weren't for the problem with the plants closely resembling the photos for iron deficiency I might question the test as I know these cheap test kits can be inaccurate.

[nick]

i used to work in a pet shop and one of our fish guys would always tell me that unless you have just added the Iron product it will read zero on the test as the plants suck it all up immmediately. The plants are the best measure of iron level, as soon as they atart looking yellow in the body away from the veins, dose the tank,
Cheers Nick