Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

All,

I have recently (a couple months ago) started an AP system and have recently discovered it has no iron. I have been pouring through these discussions as well as other sources trying to figure out a solution but have run into more questions than answers. A little advice, specific to the following questions or in general, on the topic would be much appreciated.

I have called, searched websites, and gone to a few local Nurseries and pet stores in search of chelated iron. Everything I find has other stuff (Sulfur, Phosphate, copper, zinc, fertilizers etc.) It is my understanding that straight chelated iron, none of the other stuff is best, but I can't find it that way. Am I missing something? Are there any recommendations for US sources for the pure chelated iron or are there products that, although they have some other components, would still be OK? Any recommendations / sources?

The stuff I found at the pet stores "chelated iron" for planted aquariums states specifically "This product is intended for use with all ornamental and aquarium fish but may not be used with fish intended for human consumption.” There are “dietary supplements” which state they are “chelated iron”, but I’m not sure that is appropriate either.

A friend recommended Fisher Scientific, and I found "Iron Powder" (electrolytically reduced, reagent (powder)), but A) I'm not sure if this is the same thing as chelated and it didn't say anywhere on the site or the MSDS. I even looked for "EDTA" and couldn't find it, so my confidence level is waning. B) When I tried to order some anyway, their site indicated they had to have a LOT more information to order this, including all kinds of company and bank account information But, but, but... The MSDS says this stuff is completely harmless (no chemical reactions, no bombs, that kind of stuff). Any ideas why this might be? OK. I really only care about this if this is in fact what I’m looking for and I can’t find another source.

I really hope I’m over complicating this. Thanks in advance for your advice.

I'm sure TCL or some of your fellow US members will come to your aid....

As a general note, could I suggest that you steer clear of aquarium shops for products and advice... while they're fine for ornamentals... most aquaria specialists use products and offer advice... that either isn't applicable to aquaponics... or downright dangerous IMO...

Chelated Iron is a commonly used compound in gardening... I would have thought that it would be readily available from nurseries or general hardware shops in the gardening section...

i found some down here in hawaii at a fertilizer company... its about $25 for a 5 lb bag... otherwise you could order maxicrop with iron from amazon...

I have to admit, I've not found a handy source for chelated iron. I've been getting it from BWI as they are local and I can stop in and get it direct but I know they want to make people set up an account to order it online and to get an account you essentially need to be a business which is why they make it so difficult. I expect it is a more common product out west where the lack of rain makes for more alkali soil. On this side of the country, it's a little harder to get. If you can find a source for Maxicrop with Iron, that might be a good choice.

I have used pond flourish Iron before but it is over priced.

I have even used Iron Sulfate when I couldn't get chelated iron.

The main benefit of the chelated iron is that it remains more available to plants even at higher pH.

What is your system pH?

Often once the pH gets down below 7, Iron supplementation may not be as necessary. Usually, iron deficiency is caused by pH lockout more than an actual lack of Iron.

If you are unsure about using Iron sulfate in your system, you could mix it up as a foliar spray and give your plants a boost that way, just be careful as most iron supplements will stain and don't spray when the plants will get scorched by the sun, probably better to spray Iron in the evening when the season is hot.

Another option might be to get green sand, that is a supplement that provides Iron and Potassium.

Good Luck with it.

Thanks for the advice. I have ordered the Maxicrop Seaweed plus iron. My pH is 7.6, Nitrates are around 10. I have a test tray of tomies and peppers in dirt which are far outperforming my AP system at the moment, but it's a new system, it has just finished cycling, and I'm completely new at this, so I'm not expecting miracles. This is a HUGE learning experience for me with a HUGE learning curve. I'm patient.

In regard to the iron, my plants are not showing any particular deficiency but, since a previous test a while back had showed a lack of iron in our water, I used an iron test kit and it indicates none. I'm trying to be proactive where I can.

My system isn't much, but it's a lot of fun. I'll post pics in a couple days.

HUGE thanks to the folks who have been around here for a while and shared their experiences.

I'm not a chemist so this may sound like a really stupid question. Can't you just throw some scrap iron in the tank and let it slowly rust away?

Many people have put Iron in their grow beds or elsewhere. However you want to be fairly sure that it is mainly just iron and doesn't have much other metal that could become toxic to fish or people (zinc, copper, nickel, led, chrome, etc.)
If interested in studying this idea further, look up RSG filter the author of the thread was Janetpelliter I think, oh here is a link
http://backyardaquaponics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1523&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=RSG+filter

try these guys

http://www.hydro-gardens.com/fertcomp.htm

I have purchased other items from them,

peter

Or try this...

http://www.horticulturesource.com/maxic ... ase--p116/

http://www.shopmania.com/shopping~onlin ... 89397.html

I have Seachem flourish iron that I use in the tropical tank. 2 capfuls of that in my 500L tank bought the iron up to about 0.2
I think seachem stuff is available world wide

Is product used for ornamental tank suitable for the fish which is eventually for human consumption? Is Seachem
flourish meant for root absorption?.I ask this coz I came across the data sheet of JBL equivalent (Ferrosol if my memory serves) it is meant for leaves absorption of the iron element.

YK

My local hydroponics store in Fort Myers, Florida has it in stock but it doesn't show up on the website. http://www.gthydroponics.com/ You can call them though.

You could also order from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Grow-More-7451-2- ... lated+iron

I have some from The Aquaponic Store:
http://www.theaquaponicstore.com/AquaIron-DTPA-Iron-Chelate-p/agsas002.htm

I don't use it much, and can't vouch for it's suitability. Does anyone know much about it?

That is the same iron I have. I had some yellowing in my leaves and added 1 tsp of the iron a week ago. The leaves are definitely greener. My PH has stayed right around 7.4 so my assumption is that the iron helped.

I do have one caution. I mixed 1 tsp iron to a 1 quart spray bottle full of diluted Maxicrop (1oz to 1 gallon dilution) and used it as a folier spray. I had read that is a good way to introduce the iron when your PH is on the high side.

That was apparently way too much iron because it burned the crap out of the leaves. Especially the basil. I had been spraying daily with the Maxicrop solution without the iron and the plants seem to like it. I don't know what the proper/safe amount of iron to Maxicrop/water but I know what I used was way too much.

Nate Story, Ph.D. says that DTPA is the good stuff and is usable up to a PH of 7.5. I unwittingly purchased the same name brand, AquaIron, but it was EDTA. According to Nate, EDTA is not only toxic but is insoluble at higher PH levels.

So, the link you have above should be a good product. Here is another link for
Iron Chelate.