Iron plays a similar role in low-tech societies as co2 does in high-tech ones.

[starlord]

I'm seeing crazy growth from my plants now, vibrant colors too. Alternanthera's turned a deeper red since I started dosing iron every other day. My swords are thriving, especially the Ozelot red - huge paddle leaves and all. Fish love swimming under and through them.

Don't believe the "Iron doesn't make a better planted tank" myth. In my experience, it does it all. Iron's way better than using dirt - no algae problems like you get with potting soil. Give me iron over potting soil any day.

I grab it by the gallon at Home Depot, and online you can even mix your own for cheaper. Guess the secret's out now.

[coltin]

I'm seeing crazy growth from my plants now, vibrant colors too. Alternanthera's turned a deeper red since I started dosing iron every other day. My swords are thriving, especially the Ozelot red - huge paddle leaves and all. Fish love swimming under and through them.

Don't believe the "Iron doesn't make a better planted tank" myth. In my experience, it does it all. Iron's way better than using dirt - no algae problems like you get with potting soil. Give me iron over potting soil any day.

I grab it by the gallon at Home Depot, and online you can even mix your own for cheaper. Guess the secret's out now.

Been around the block a few times with iron-based fertilisers, we were using 'em back in the 80s. Not exactly a secret, been out for a long time.

[starlord]

I'm bringing it back, and you'd be surprised how often the solution to a newbie's plant woes is as simple as adding iron. I've seen experts recommend a laundry list of changes, when in reality, a regular dose of iron is all that's needed to turn things around. Once you start dosing iron and see the results over the weeks, it's hard to go back to the way things were - runty plants and pale foliage just won't cut it anymore. For low-tech tanks, iron is the real MVP.

[starlord]

I've pretty much stopped adding potassium lately. The iron's chelate seems to do the trick and my Java ferns are getting a sufficient potassium boost from the fish food. It looks like the iron's helping convert the potassium, which is a nice bonus.

[starlord]

I mean, this Ozelot red sword would be a sad, pale imitation of itself without iron - it's a total game-changer.

[Morgan]

Thanks for sharing this, I'm just starting out with my aquarium and I'm doing low tech, so this info is super helpful to me.

[Morgan]

Love that sword, it's stunning.

[starlord]

George Farmer's latest creation features Ozelot red - wonder if someone's been sharing their secrets.

[mirko]

I'm using Easy Green from Aquarium Co-Op twice a week as directed, plus SeaChem's Root Tabs and Eco-Complete as my substrate. I've also got 10-12 hours of light from my Finnex 24/7. I'm wondering if I'm already good to go or if adding some extra iron with API's Leaf Zone would be overkill. Any thoughts on dosing Leaf Zone and Easy Green together? I've got a 60gal planted tank, thanks for the advice.

[LacieB]

I'm getting iron at HD by the gallon, it's a specific type that's safe for my aquarium plants - don't recall exact name but I can check if you want.