New 🐟 Mercury Safety Guide & Omega-3 Rankings Updated for 2026. View Omega-3 Rankings →

🩸
Mineral Chemistry

Iron

A trace element essential for plant chlorophyll production - deficiency causes yellowing leaves and stunted growth in planted tanks.

Unit: ppm Code: IRON

📊 Ideal Ranges

Planted
0.05-0.5 ppm

📖 Overview

Iron is a micronutrient that plants require in small but critical amounts. Without adequate iron, chlorophyll production fails and leaves yellow (chlorosis). Aquatic plants show iron deficiency first in new growth - young leaves emerge pale yellow. Iron is dosed via chelated iron supplements (Fe-EDTA, Fe-DTPA for high pH) or comprehensive plant fertilisers like Seachem Flourish Iron.

❓ Why It Matters

Chlorophyll production, plant health. Also required in trace amounts by red coloration in fish. Iron precipitates rapidly in high-pH oxygenated water - hence the need for chelated forms.