Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

HELP!!!

That is what I hear my fish saying! I have a small 200 L system and added iron chelate for the first time. I dissolved about a half a cup in two gallons of water, poured it in the garden bed and, after the bell siphon did its magic, it looks like someone slaughtered a pig in my fish tank.

I've already changed out about 50 percent of the water, but I'm worried. I can see through the tank now and the fish seem to be doing alright. Are they in some danger at this point? I don't have an iron test kit at this moment, so I can't give a ppm number, but imagine a fish tank that looks like a kool aid punch bowl for an eighth grade dance.

What fish

I don't see any fish

I think many people who've used that sort of iron say they never see their fish for a while. I think the red is quite normal.

Keep an eye on them, if they start flashing, or any weird behaviour, do a water change again.

Just remember, small adjustments are far better for the fishes in the future.

Yikes - that is wayyy to much iron. Your iron level was probably in the neighborhood of 18ppm. If you've changed half the water, I wouldn't worry. Your plants will do a little luxury consumption of iron, and things will work themselves out.

But plan on having a fish tank that resembles a good red wine for at least a few months.